Aromatherapy
This is an ancient holistic treatment involving the use and application of aromatic oils to the person. The use of essential oils dates back as far as 2600BC.
The necessary essential oils required for the client's needs, whether aiming at physical, physiological or psychological needs would be chosen from the information gained in the consultation.
- Vaporisation - dissolving the essential oils into the atmosphere to be breathed in and absorbed directly into the olfactory system.
- Massage - Specific movements that usually involve effleurage, lymph drainage and pressure point movements.
- In the bath - Bathing in oils leads to absorption through the skin and inhalation with direct access to the olfactory system.
The essential oils are very potent; the minute size of the molecules in the oils allows for penetration into the blood stream. Aromatherapy treatments are preceded by a thorough consultation to establish appropriate blend of oils and then usually a massage lasting about 60 minutes.
Aromatherapy Massage
The reasons for using massage in aromatherapy treatment are threefold:
- The pressure from the hand helps to spread and push the oils into the skin
- heat helps the oils to absorb more easily
- The effects of the manual manipulation help the client to relax.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are the aromatic oils used in aromatherapy treatments, the range of aromas are extracted from many parts of plants including flowers, seeds, roots, fruits and bark. These organic compounds have a multitude of uses; the properties of some of the more common oils are shown below. Aromatherapy requires an individual blend of oils to suit the individual and should always be administered by a qualified practitioner.
Bergamot
Citrus oil with an uplifting effect used in cases of stress, depresssion and anxiety.
Camomile
Distilled from flowers best known for its calming and anti-inflamatory properties.
Frankincense
Distilled from the bark of the tree, anti-septic and is useful for a calming massage treatment.
Geranium
Distilled from the leaves of the plant with sedative and antiseptic qualities.
Jasmine
Obtained from the flower, useful for emotional stress and depression, a very relaxing oil.
Lavender
Widely used with a multitude of uses and effects, an excellent antiseptic.
Marjoram
Extracted from the leaves of the plant, calming and relaxing useful in blends for rheumatism and arthiritis.
Rose
Many properties including anti-depressant, anaseptic, aphrodisiac, good for dry and mature skin types.
Tea Tree Oil
Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic properties.
Aromatherapy FAQ
Q - What is Aromatherapy?
A - Aromatherapy is the art and science of using the therapeutic properties of essential oils to promote health, body, mind and emotions.
Q - What are essential oils?
A - Essential Oils are very volatile substances produced from botanical sources. They are the concentrates of molecules of the plant or its parts. The molecules can be considered the hormones of the plant, as they control certain functions of the plants life. Many people think of essential oils as the spirit of the plant.
Q - What are essential oils made of?
A - Essential oils are compositions made of the basic organic elements; carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, forming alcohols, esters, ketones, oxides, phenols, and terenes. An essential oil can contain between 10 to 200 components and other minor trace compounds that are very difficult to analyze. Essential oils form very interesting and specific molecules that react against such microorganisms as bacteria and viruses. Such molecules can sometimes form a vitamin composition or a hormone-type chemical.