Aromatherapy

A relaxing full body, face and scalp massage. A variety of massage techniques and pressures are used combined with a personalised blend of organic essential oils. Aromatherapy massage will relieve tension, increase energy levels and promote a balanced mind and body.

Aromatherapy Massage Treatment      75 min       £55

Origins of Aromatherapy

Many ancient texts from Asia to Ancient Egypt, often describe various procedures and rituals involved in the making of healing ointments, medicated oils, and perfumes.

The term 'Aromatherapy' came about 65 years ago and is attributed to the French chemist R H Gattefosse. Other pioneers include Dr.Jean Valnet who used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers in the Second World War. It was a woman named Marguerite Maury who developed the Aromatherapy treatment as we know today. She devised massage techniques using them to apply specific blends of essential oils.

Aromatherapy is a soothing massage that incorporates many techniques. These include Swedish, Shiatsu, Neuromuscular and Lymphatic drainage. A full body Aromatherapy treatment will usually include massage to arms, legs, stomach, back, face and scalp.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are volatile chemical substances made up of Alcohols, Ketones and Phenols.

The oils are very powerful and molecules of these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream, either through the skin by application of massage or by inhalation through the nose and lungs. Essential oils lock into receptors at the back of the nose. An electrochemical message is sent to the limbic system in the brain.

The limbic system appears to trigger memory and emotional responses which cause messages to be sent to parts of the brain and body. In this way the production of euphoric, relaxing, sedative or stimulating neurochemicals is stimulated bringing emotional and mental effects.

Essential oils are extracted by various methods from the flowers, bark and roots of a plant. Each essential oil has its own therapeutic property, offering both physical and emotional benefit. Listed below are some essential oils and their properties:

• Antiseptic: Tea tree, Niaouli, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Thyme

• Analgesic: Black Pepper, Basil, Clove, Peppermint, Bay

• Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Lavender

• Hormone balancing: Geranium, Clary Sage, Rose, Marjoram

• Expectorant: Benzoin, Cedarwood, Sandalwood

• Diuretic: Lemongrass, grapefruit, Juniper, Fennel

• Sedative: Chamomile, Petigrain, Ylang Ylang, Vetivert, Lavender, Bergamot

• Stimulant: Rosemary, Peppermint, Orange, Lemon, Eucalyptus

• Anti-depressant: Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine

Essential oils are never used undiluted or taken internally because of their potency.

Before application, essential oils are first blended with carrier oil (usually grape seed or sweet almond). This blending dilutes the essential oils so that they are safe to use, and helps to slow down the rate of evaporation, to spread them evenly and to increase their absorption into the skin.

Aromatherapy will help to reduce stress, stimulate sluggish circulation, boost the immune system, balance hormones as well as promote a sense of wellbeing.

The Aromatherapy Treatment

Aromatherapy is a Holistic treatment which means that the clients mind, body and spirit are taken into account in order to gain the best possible results. Each client’s treatment will therefore be unique.

Before a treatment takes place it is essential to carry out a comprehensive consultation. This will include details of your medical history, current ailments and state of health, stress factors, diet, exercise and medication. This will give me the information to choose the most appropriate blend of essential oils. It is important that the consultation is thorough as there are many essential oils which are contra-indicated for certain conditions such as High blood pressure, pregnancy and Epilepsy. If there are any concerns, you may be asked to obtain written consent from your doctor before an Aromatherapy treatment.

Frequency of sessions will depend on the nature of the condition/s Most find that a weekly or bi-weekly treatment is most beneficial particularly in the beginning.

Aromatherapist and author Shirley Price quotes:

"where stress and depression are a major cause of health imbalance, then in my opinion, a full aromatherapy body massage is the best complementary therapy treatment available. It is also an excellent prophylactic treatment to ensure continuation of health."