Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is an ancient treatment that uses volatile plant oils and essential oils to treat the whole person by helping to restore the balance of body and mind for wellbeing. This massage is very effective through the use of relaxing and/or uplifting fragrances. Scientific research in the 1920s proved that essential oils can be absorbed through the skin and be transported through the body’s circulation system to the relevant organs.
Aromatherapy for whom?
This healing method is suitable for most adults. It is especially beneficial for people with physical conditions including pain, anxiety, arthritis, insomnia, lethargy, and stress. Aromatherapy can enhance the effects of conventional medical treatment. This therapy is of benefit also for the healthy as it maintains the balance and harmony of body and mind. It is very relaxing and calming, thus allowing the recipient to deal more effectively with the stress of everyday life.
Although this therapy is safe for most people, there are a few who should not receive such treatment or should seek their doctor’s permission before treatment can commence. Contra indications are: heart condition.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are the pure essence of plants that can provide physical as well as psychological benefits. The term ‘essential oil’ is used for about 90 oils that are extracts and absolutes, distilled by various methods in order to include all natural plant oils. During treatment, therapists also include other natural ingredients for the massage such as cold pressed vegetable oil, jojoba (a liquid wax) and herbs.
What is the treatment like?
The recipient will receive a whole body treatment whilst on the professional couch, with towels used to ensure modesty. The oils for the massage are mixed with a ‘carrier’ oil such as sweet almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed. After a thorough consultation, the therapist carefully selects the correct oils; there might be up to five in a mixture. For example an aromatherapy that relaxes is carried out with the use of lavender or bergamot whilst a massage that aims at sore muscles might include peppermint and eucalyptus.
After a treatment
In order to gain maximum benefit from the aromatherapy, recipients should not bathe or shower for eight hours after the treatment. The oils applied during the massage need to be absorbed fully into the skin to show an effect. It is advisable to avoid bath oils and salts for about 24 hours after the therapy. The term ‘grounded’ describes the deeply relaxed feeling that will be experienced for many hours or even days following the treatment. Therefore we suggest the recipient takes some time to enjoy the deep state of relaxation and to slowly come back to full awareness. Some people might be too relaxed to drive, for example, until about 15 minutes after the treatment.
After the session the body finds it easier to flush out any ‘waste’. The recipient will gain maximum benefit from the treatment if resting afterwards and drinking plenty of water – being aware of the detoxifying effect for about 48 hours after the treatment.