What is Aromatherapy?

Many people understand Aromatherapy to be a soothing massage using nice smells, however there is much more to it than that.

Aromatherapy works with the pure properties of plants, using their essential oils in a complementary therapy which can help improve physical and emotional wellbeing, prevent problems and support the healing process.

Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile (quick evaporating) fluids that can be distilled or extracted from flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, fruits and wood.

Each essential oil has distinct therapeutic properties that can improve the body’s natural functioning, boost the immune system and help prevent disease. Some of the properties they have are antiviral, antiseptic, relaxant, anti inflammatory and stimulant.

Essential oils also have a psychological effect as a result of their aromas, often calming, uplifting or sedative. Smell is the fastest way for essential oils to enter the body, via the olfactory tract (nose) to the limbic system, which is the area of the brain that deals with memory, emotions and basic instincts.

Short history of aromatherapy:

The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all appreciated the benefits of working with Essential Oils. The use of oils came over to England around the 13th Century. When the plague swept over Europe in the 1600’s, those who used aromatic oils were said to have survived it as many oils have antiseptic and anti viral properties. Culpeper’s Complete Herbal (1652) listed medical properties of plants, but scientific study did not start until the 1920’s, French chemist Gattefosse, who coined the phase ‘Aromatherapy’, led the way.

Benefits of Aromatherapy:

Essential oils can help promote emotional wellbeing and good health. Therapists use around 30 oils to help a variety of conditions; each oil has a therapeutic value and unique smell.

• Potential benefits include:
• Relief of stress and tension
• Feeling of deep relaxation
• Stimulated immune system
• Improved blood and lymph circulation
• Increased energy levels
• General sense of well being

More specifically can help:
Tension headaches, backache, muscle pain, insomnia, digestive problems, PMT, depression, problem skin, fatigue, coughs and colds and poor circulation

Methods of Aromatherapy application:
As well as massage there are many other methods of applying essential oils, including, vaporisation, inhalation, lotions, gels, creams, facial steams and compresses.

What happens during an Aromatherapy Massage Treatment:
Firstly the therapist will begin with a short consultation to understand the clients’ needs and expectations and then discuss the essential oil options available for the treatment. A selection of essential oils will be chosen, along with a carrier oil and blended together.

Typically an aromatherapy massage lasts about an hour and during the treatment towels will be used to ensure modesty at all times.