AROMATHERAPY
NOTHING AWAKES REMINISCENCE LIKE AN AROMA – VICTOR HUGO
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy invoking a sense of wellbeing and balance in an individual through the use of essential oils. These are aromatic and volatile (evaporate quickly into the air) substances extracted from the leaves, bark, flowers, roots, peel and pulp of a botanical source.
The chemical effect of scent on the brain can have a profound effect on the mind and body with aroma reaching the brain far quicker than any of our other senses.
When we breathe in an aroma the olfactory cells produce a nerve impulse, which is sent to the limbic system, one of the most primitive parts of the brain where we process emotions and have built our abilities to survive. We can be reminded of memories and be ‘taken back” to a very vivid time. By the time the olfactory cortex located in the brain has received this nerve impulse from the limbic system the body and emotions have already responded. This is the potency of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy has been known to:
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Calm the nervous system (reducing feels of panic, anxiety and nervous exhaustion)
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Can help skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, dry and oily skin)
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alleviate muscular and joint pains
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relieve menstrual cramps, PMT and symptoms of menopause
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increase circulation
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balance emotions
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aid in digestion and digestive related issues
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help respiratory and sinus issues
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boost the immune system
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detoxify the body and reduce water retention, oedema and cellulite
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help with fitful sleep, restlessness and insomnia
The history of aromatherapy goes back over 3,500 years with the ancient Egyptians using woods, herbs and spices to please their deities. It was primarily used in mysticism, magic and religion (i.e. embalming) but soon developed medically. Aromatherapy was used intermittently throughout the ages but unfortunately was lost for many years.
The term ‘aromatherapie’ was coined by a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950). He famously severely burnt himself in his lab and plunged his hand into a vat of pure lavender oil. The inflammation immediately went down and to his surprise he didn’t scar.
A consultation will be taken during the first treatment to identify any contraindications with essential oils and a bespoke blend will be made for each individual’s needs. This blend will then be used in a massage or reflexology treatment or a combination of the two to heighten an already holistic therapy.
You can use aromatherapy in the comfort of your own home by:
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oil burner
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room diffuser
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steam bowl/inhalations (generally used for colds)
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bath or shower
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candles
Bath, shower and body oils can be made and purchased upon request.
The history of aromatherapy goes back over 3,500 years with the ancient Egyptians using woods, herbs and spices to please their deities. It was primarily used in mysticism, magic and religion (i.e. embalming) but soon developed medically. Aromatherapy was used intermittently throughout the ages but unfortunately was lost for many years.
The term ‘aromatherapie’ was coined by a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950). He famously severely burnt himself in his lab and plunged his hand into a vat of pure lavender oil. The inflammation immediately went down and to his surprise he didn’t scar.