What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a type of Massage combined with natural oils which are extracted
from plants, herbs, flowers and trees.
How It Works
The essential oils are absorbed through the skin and into the blood. They then
interact with our bodies chemistry, hormones, nervous system, digestive system,
circulatory system etc. The scent of the oil also has an effect as we have
memories good and bad linked to smells, an Aromatherapist will often check that
a person likes the oils before using them.
How Aromatherapy Can Help You
Aromatherapy has been proven to help with many common ailments and illnesses.
Below I have listed a few common conditions that I have successfully helped
improve by applying Aromatherapy Massage:
Migraines, Menopause, Stress, Eczema, Psoriasis, IBS, Collitis, Muscular Tension,
P.M.T, High/Low Blood Pressure, Back Pain, Fatigue, Insomnia, Depression, Cellulite.
History
The term Aromatherapy was coined in the 1920’s. A Chemist/ Professor called
Rene-Maurice Gattefosse burnt his hand whilst working and plunged it into a vat
of lavender oil to ease the pain. From this incident he discovered that lavender
assisted quicker healing of the burn and prevented scarring.
He went on to use essential oils on wounded soldiers in World War 1 and recorded
that it speeded recovery and healing.
We find evidence dating even further back , the Ancient Egyptians used plant
extracts for traditional ceremonies such as embalming. It is believed they chose
certain plant extracts for their antiseptic and antibacterial qualities.
The Greeks and the Persians also used plant extracts but they combined them with
Massage just as we do today. The use of Aromatherapy gradually spread to Europe
around the 12th century.