Guide To Aromatherapy

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of highly concentrated, aromatic oils, extracted from plants and trees to treat a variety of psychological and physical conditions. The medicinal use of plant oils was first documented in ancient Chinese texts and records show that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans also used Aromatherapy. In more recent times, the antiseptic properties of essential oils proved invaluable in treating soldiers wounds during WW1. With growing interest in alternative therapies, Aromatherapy has once again become popular, reviving this ancient art. The oils are commonly used in conjunction with massage, although they can also be inhaled, added to baths, made into a compress or added to a lotion, eg. Lip Balm. As well as for medicinal use, essential oils are also used within the beauty industry in shampoos, shower gels, moisturisers etc. As such, many hair or beauty salons offer aromatherapy as a treatment, but this should not be confused with the medicinal application of aromatherapy which should only be undertaken by a qualified aromatherapist.

Who Can Aromatherapy Help?

In general, anyone over the age of three months can benefit from Aromatherapy. It is claimed to help both physical conditions, such as Headaches, Arthritis, Insomnia, Asthma, Eczema, etc. as well as psychological conditions such as Depression, Anxiety and Stress. It should be noted that some conditions are contra-indicated for the use of some or all essential oils, eg. during the first trimester of pregnancy, but a qualified Aromatherapist will be able to advise you on this.

What Does Aromatherapy Involve?

There will be an initial consultation, where you will discuss your general health, medical history, daily routine, diet etc. The therapist will then formulate a treatment plan, ie. Massage etc and select the oils appropriate to your needs. After the consultation, aftercare advice will be given, which may include having a blend of oils made for home use. Medicinal Aromatherapy usually requires a minimum of 3 visits to the therapist, but for a general pampering a one off visit is a wonderful treat!