Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses essential oils from plants and flowers having positive effects on the body. It is designed to treat the whole body, rather than targeting the symptoms or diseases. It assists the body’s natural abilities, helping to maintain balance, repair and recover.
Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants which have been used for their cosmetic and therapeutic properties for thousands of years, a practice known today as aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy, inhaling via olfactory nerves or absorbing the essential oils through the skin is thought to transmit messages to the brain region involved in controlling emotions known as the limbic system, influencing the nervous system, for improving psychological or physical well-being.
Specific essential oils are chosen to suit the condition and temperament of the patient, and blended with various base oils, such as sweet almond, grapeseed, castor, calendula, wheatgerm, evening prime rose, jojoba or coconut etc.
Complimentary therapies like aromatherapy massage, acupressure and reflexology are relaxing and nourishing experience in themselves. For general well-being it is beneficial to apply on specific areas of the body, especially concentrating on the back, shoulder, ears, feet and hands. It is also useful to rub appropriately those particular parts of the body that are causing discomfort.
Massage is probably one of the oldest, safest and simplest forms of therapies to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than creating a pleasant sensation on the skin – it works on the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone.
Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system, improving the elimination of waste throughout the body. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system – and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Some of the benefits of Aromatherapy
• Relaxing, Soothing, Healing
• Eases tension, stiffness, and pain
• Improves breathing, circulation
• Enhances well-being
Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism and help prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. It is particularly effective for any stress-related disorders such as tension, anxiety, headaches, muscle pains, sleeplessness, depression, and digestive disorders, and its gentle healing properties are equally effective on ailments ranging from babies’ colic to the painful arthritis of the elderly.
The medicinal properties of the use of essential oils (Aromatherapy) and the nurturing power of touch combine to form a potent healing treatment during a massage session.
Massage is a simple, safe form of therapy, but there are situations where it should be avoided (bruising, open cuts, recent major operation etc). If you are unsure about whether it is safe to undergo massage, consult your physician first.
Safety Precautions: Never use essential oils directly on to the skin. Never take essential oils by mouth. If swallowed accidentally, eat bread, drink plenty of milk, and seek professional help. Always consult a qualified practitioner for advice and treatment:
• If you are pregnant
• Have an allergy
• Have a chronic medical condition such as high blood pressure or epilepsy
• Are receiving medical or psychiatric treatment
• Are taking homeopathic remedies
• When treating babies or very young children