Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
True Aromatherapy is defined as the controlled and systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve and maintain physical and emotional well being. Essential Oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be utilized to improve health and prevent disease It is particularly useful in treating stress related disorders as well as chronic conditions.
What is an Essential Oil?
Essential Oils are highly concentrated volatile aromatic substances, extracted from a variety of aromatic plant materials such as flowers, leaves, seeds, barks, stems, fruits and roots.
Each essential oil has unique properties such as analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti inflammatory, diuretic, nervine and many many more. They can stimulate the body’s processes such as elimination or circulation, ease muscular tensions and strengthen the body in general.
How does Aromatherapy Work?
Essential oils have physiological and psychological effects whether they are applied to the body in the form of massage, or inhaled through the nasal cavity. The oil’s chemical elements are closely linked to the molecular structure of human cells, so the body recognizes them as friendly. Within the nasal cavity, millions of neurons known as olfactory receptors send odors to the emotional centre of our brain, the limbic system. This is connected to the hypothalamus which is active in controlling our heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and reproductive behavior. The hypothalamus and limbic area of the brain are associated with our primitive responses and our mood changes. This is why Aromatherapy is used extensively to balance and enhance our emotional well being.
Aromatherapy is a caring hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, increase energy, reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul” - Robert Tisserand, Art of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Massage
The Aromatherapy massage is a combination of Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure and Neuromuscular massage. Pressure is applied to nerve ganglia along the edges of the spine which helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system.
The Main benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
- Energize and Support – remove energy blockages by activating tissue cleanse
- Induce Deep relaxation and remove tensions
- Strengthen the weak tissues/organs – tone the vital energy
- Support and Strengthen the immune system
- Restore balance – Homeostasis
- Help Stress Management by influencing the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
Some of the conditions that can benefit from Aromatherapy range from Emotional Issues and Physical Ailments in any of the many body systems such as Muscular/Skeletal, Nervous, Circulatory, Lymphatic, Endocrine and Hormonal and Skin care.
Everyone can benefit from Aromatherapy, all different backgrounds and ages and it is a safe treatment provided it is used safely and professionally. This is why it is best to seek advice from a qualified Aromatherapist.
The wonderful thing about Aromatherapy is that each treatment you have is specifically tailored to you and what your body needs
However, you do not need to be unwell to benefit from an Aromatherapy treatment – whether you are suffering from stress or need time out to relax and recharge, aromatherapy can be a wonderful experience. The essential oils can be utilized in creams, lotions, inhalations, compresses and the most beneficial being massage. A qualified holistic aromatherapist, will blend the oils at each treatment which is tailored to the specific needs of the client.