What is Aromatherapy?

 

The value of natural plant oils has been known for over 6000 years, for their healing, cleansing, preservative and mood-enhancing properties, as well as for the shear pleasure of their fragrances. The origins of Aromatherapy can be traced through the religious, medical and social practices of all major civilisations, but the Egyptians first recorded their remarkable physical and spiritual properties in 4500BC.

 

Aromatherapy involves the use of Essential Oils which are extracted from the leaves, flowers, seeds, stalks, bark roots and fruits of all plant life. They contain the ‘life-force’ of the plant, are highly volatile and are made up of tiny molecules that can easily penetrate the surface of our skin. During Aromatherapy massage the oils work in three ways. They are absorbed into the blood stream, they evaporate and are absorbed through the nostrils and they pass through the respiratory system into the lungs.

 

Massage is a scientific method of manipulating the soft tissues of the body to have a specific effect. Its objective is the restoration of function and release of tension. Massage therapy is the holistic  application of physical touch to the systems of the body; e.g. the muscular, skeletal, digestive, elimination, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, emotional, mental and nervous systems.

 

 

 

What are the benefits of Aromatherapy?

 

· Aromatherapy can help to:

· Alleviate anxiety, tension, depression and stress

· Increase energy levels and concentration

· Improve insomnia by prompting restful sleep

· Enhance circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage

· Reduce tension headaches, migraines and eyestrain

· Aid posture and ease muscular tension or stiffness

· Calm the mind and aid relaxation

· Ease sport related injuries

· Soothe stress related skin conditions

· Relieve respiratory and digestive disorders

· Diminish wide-ranging pain

· Encourage a general sense of wellbeing, calmness and relaxation

· Balance the body, mind and spirit

 

 

 

Will I need more than one treatment?

 

This will depend on your individual needs and expectations. Most people have between three and six sessions, usually once a week, followed by monthly body maintenance

 

 

What happens during an Aromatherapy treatment?

 

During the first consultation, the therapist will ask for a number of basic details regarding medical history and general health concerns in order to best tailor your individual treatment. Every aspect of treatment will be kept in the strictest of confidence. If this treatment is  appropriate for you, the therapist will ask you to remove clothing to the area(s) being treated to allow application of massage medium. Only the area being treated will be uncovered at any one time. You may also be asked to remove any jewelry or obtrusive items which may inhibit the treatment. The therapist will then carry out the massage as specified in your individual treatment plan, using oils or lotions as required.. Your privacy will be maintained at all times.