Therapeutic Aromatherapy.html

Therapeutic Aromatherapy

Although it has been practised for thousands of years, aromatherapy has only recently become popular in modern society. This is a result of a return to a holistic lifestyle, recognising the importance of combining the mind, body and spirit to achieve optimum health and wellness.

Aromatherapy involves the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. It is a natural, non-invasive treatment system designed to affect the whole person in mind, body and soul.

This treatment will assist the body's natural ability to relax, destress, regulate, heal and rebalance, using pure essential oils and a variety of massage techniques.

When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems.

Benefits of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy provides benefits on several levels:

skincare;

dermatitis, stretch marks, eczema, acne, psoriasis, mature skin, varicose veins, dry skin, cellulite, wrinkles, enhanced wound healing, antifungal activity, antibacterial activity.
medicinal;

bruises, sprains, strains, burns, wounds, scars, nervousness, stress, motion sickness, fatigue, respiratory conditions, muscular aches and pains, fungal infections, skin inflammation, enhance wound healing, digestive disorders such as constipation.
emotional;

depression, frustration, grief , hysteria, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, irritability, fear, poor memory, hopelessness, moodiness, panic attacks, nervous tension, sadness, worry.

Effects of various essential oils

Different essential oils provide different therapeutic benefits to you. Some of the most common essential oils and their benefits are listed below. We stock and utilise 96 different oils, but do not worry about remembering them, as our therapist will help you decide which oils are best for you:

Eucalyptus              Treats respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and asthma.
Ylang Ylang             Relaxing, reduce muscle tension, good antidepressant.
Geranium                Relaxing, uplifting, balancing skin, balancing hormones in women.
Peppermint             Treats headaches, muscle aches, digestive disorders (indigestion, flatulence).
Lavender                Relaxing, useful in treating wounds, burns, and skin care.
Lemon                    Very uplifting, yet relaxing. Treats wounds, infections, deodorizing.
Clary Sage              Natural pain killer, treats muscular aches/pains, relaxing, helps insomnia.
Tea Tree                 Anti fungal oil for treating fungal infections. Helps boost the immune system.
Roman Chamomile Very relaxing, helps sleeplessness, anxiety, muscle aches/tension, infection.
Rosemary               Very stimulating and uplifting, helps mental stimulation and immune system.

Aromatherapy procedure

The aromatherapy procedure is very pleasant and involves:

- consultation as to what you want the treatment to achieve,

- blend of essential oils are then mixed to your individual needs,

- treatment will then consist of a cleanse, tone, exfoliate, massage, mask, and moisturise.

Some common questions about aromatherapy:

Can you explain some of the simple terms used in your treatments ?

Cleanse refers to the cleaning of the skin by removing oily residues, and helps rebalance the skin. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface which helps to make your skin looking fresh and radiant, and it also helps your moisturiser penetrate deeper in to the skin. Toner will help to unclog and close up your skin pores, helping to prepare the skin for moisturisation.

What is an essential oil?

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts which are distilled or macerated from a variety of aromatic plant material including grasses, leaves, flowers, needles & twigs, peel of fruit, wood and roots. Essential oils which are derived from natural plants, are not the same as perfumed oils, which are artificially created fragrances lacking the same therapeutic effects of essential oils.

How long does it take to feel the effects from essential oils?

Essential oils vary in rates of absorption, generally between 20 minutes and an hour. Avoid bathing or showering directly following a massage so as to ensure maximum effectiveness.

I really like the essential oils used in my treatment, how can I purchase them?

All the beauty products that are used in our treatments are available for purchase upon request. Simply contact our beautician in advance of your treatment asking which products you would like to purchase.

How long does the aromatherapy treatment take?

An aromatherapy massage will typically take 1 hour, or 45 minutes for a back aromatherapy massage. An aromatherapy facial treatment will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, the treatment time is not a set period and will last until the client feels re-energised.

Where can I learn more about aromatherapy?

Our therapists always welcomes questions of any sort regarding the treatments we offer, by email or phone.