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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice essential oils in a therapeutic manner to promote healing. It is a form of complementary therapy designed to treat the whole person and not just the symptom or disease by assisting the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself. Aromatherapy is an ancient art which has been in use since Egyptian times.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated parts of plants i.e. flowers, leaves, roots, peel, resin or bark and are usually obtained either by distillation, cold pressing or occasionally by solvent extraction (absolute oils).
How are Aromatherapy Oils Used?
Aromatherapy oils are very concentrated so it is very important that they are diluted before being applied to the skin. Because they are so concentrated, only a small quantity of essential oil is required to bring about results.
The main methods of using aromatherapy oils are:
• Massage • Vaporisation • Compresses • Steam Inhalation • Baths • Creams
Aromatherapy oils must only be used externally, it is very important that they are never ingested.
How Does Aromatherapy Work / How Can Aromatherapy Help Me?
There are two main ways in which aromatherapy oils are absorbed into the body:
Absorption through the skin, hair follicles and sweat glands into bodies fluids.
When absorbed in this way, the oils effect the body in a variety of ways;
• Help to kill bacteria and to stimulate the Immune System
• Boost the circulation
• Promote new cell growth
• Stimulate organs of detoxification
• Support the body’s ability to heal itself
Inhalation, absorbed through lungs into the bloodstream.
In this way the oils stimulate Limbic System in brain. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system which affects heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. In this way the oils are able to effect moods and emotional state of well being
Quality of Aromatherapy Oils
It is important that you purchase essential oils from a reputable supplier as quality of the oils can vary.
The supplier I use for oils in my practice is Bay House Aromatics
Are There Any Contra-indications to using Aromatherapy Oils?
There are some conditions in which caution is required before using aromatherapy oils. Whilst this does not mean that none of the oils are suitable for use in the following conditions, there are certain oils that must be avoided. If in doubt you should seek the advice of a suitably qualified professional.
The following conditions require caution and avoidance of some of the essential oils:
• Epilepsy
• Sensitive Skin
• High Blood Pressure
• Pregnancy
Photosensitisation – some of the oils can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and their application should be avoided before exposure to strong sunlight.
What are The Benefits of Massage?
Massage can benefit you in many ways, and is a perfect accompaniment to the use of Aromatherapy oils.
Massage can help you by:
• Stimulating the circulation and function of the lymphatic system which helps your body to detoxify
• Reduce stress by causing a release of Endorphins which promote relaxation of the nervous system
• Relaxing muscles and easing stiff joints
• Lowering your blood pressure
• Boosting your immune system by increasing white cell count
What are The Benefits of The Sense Of Touch?
Touch is a vital component of our health and development. Touch is the first sense to develop in the womb and the last sense to leave in old age. It is essential to the health and well-being of our emotional, physical and mental development.
Touch can reassure, relax, comfort and can be healing. It can also reduce depression, anxiety, stress and physical pain.
We need to touch and be touched, just like we need food and water. It is a way of communicating with others, lifting our spirits, and experiencing happiness in our lives. Without touch, people experience sadness, loneliness, and a sense of isolation.
There are numerous studies that indicates that touch has a beneficial effect on our perception of pain, treatment of disease, and emotional and physical development. While other senses—hearing, smell, sight, and taste—diminish with age, the need for touch actually increases.
Are There Any Contra-indications To Massage?
If you have any concerns about your health, it is important that you seek the advice of your GP before you come for a massage.
These are some of the conditions in which massage is not advisable:
• During a fever
• Within 3 months of Heart Attack
• Congestive Cardiac Failure
• Aneurysms
• Acute Inflammations & Systemic infections
• Fracture, bleeding, burns
• Cancer (Seek medical approval prior to massage)
• Post Operative (Seek medical approval prior to massage)
•Open skin lesions or sores
• Blood clots
• Renal Failure
• Liver Failure
What can I expect from An Aromatherapy Massage Consultation?
Your first appointment for an Aromatherapy massage will involve a consultation about your medical history, general health and vitality, and emotional well-being to enable Liz to choose the most beneficial oils for you.
It is important that if you have any medical condition, you consult your GP before coming to see Liz.
Aromatherapy Research
There have been numerous studies into the effectiveness of Aromatherapy oils and massage.
Radiant Natural Skin Care
In addition to aromatherapy massage, I am happy to see you for a skin care consultation. I can give you advice regarding foods to nourish your skin so that it glows with vitality and can make you a moisturiser completely from natural products and specially designed for your skin to help your skin radiate glowing vitality.
I also run 1 Day Radiant Natural Beauty Courses in which you can learn;
How easy it is to FEED your skin the delicious foods it needs to glow with vitality
How to make your own facial washes, cleaners, face packs and moisturisers specially designed to suit your skin type all with natural ingredients from Natures abundant larder
How to effectively massage your face to boost blood flow and nourish the skin
A truly relaxing way to spend the day pampering yourself whilst learning the secrets of naturally radiant beauty.
Contact Liz McWatt