An aromatherapy treatment may be soothing and deeply relaxing or more vigorous and energizing, depending on the oils selected and type of massage techniques used.  Combining the benefits of essential oils with those of massage produces a pleasurable yet effective method of healing. Together they can enhance the circulation of blood and lymph, relax and tone tense, tired muscles and promote a sense of overall vitality, the aroma of the oils helping to calm the mind and relax the nervous system. While it is not a replacement for orthodox healthcare, in professional hands aromatherapy will support the healing processes of your body and will not interfere with medical treatments.

Treatment from a qualified therapist can help alleviate the symptoms of

Aromatherapy shoulder massage

• Stress and tension
• Impaired immune system
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Digestive problems
• Back aches and muscular pain

Your treatment is just that – your treatment!  I always blend a combination of oils at the time of consultation in response to your needs and expectations. They usually last between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, allowing for a gentle wake up after your massage.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a luxurious and clever synthesis of massage and ‘herbal medicine’.  The herbs in this case are used in the form of essential oils – the highly fragrant, volatile fluids that occur naturally in aromatic plants. These oils can be extracted from flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, fruits and woods; depending on the plant each essential oil has distinct therapeutic properties. They have been shown through research to possess stimulant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties, among others.

In my practice I use a variety of base or vegetable oils as carriers for the essential oils – sweet almond, grape seed, rose hip seed, jojoba, peach kernel and camellia.   To describe these vegetable oils as carrier oils is perhaps to do them an injustice.  A cheap mineral oil can provide adequate ‘slippage’ for the purpose of massage but top quality vegetable oils have therapeutic qualities and can add another dimension to an aromatherapy treatment. Vegetable oils infused with herbs are also invaluable.  Not all plants which are beneficial for us will yield an essential oil but can be infused successfully – for example Arnica Montana.

Rosemary essential oil