What is it?

Aromatherapy is the use of essentials oils, obtained from plants, to improve well-being on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. Each oil has its own particular properties and the oils are chosen specifically for each Client to address their individual needs. Oils can be used in many ways, including massage, baths, inhalations, compresses or room fragrancing. Massage is understood by most people and can be relaxing and revitalising. It is the licence to touch; vital to all of us and without which we would become emotionally deprived.

Who can help?

Anyone can benefit. Some people are hesitant because it is a very personal therapy, and you do have to undress, but you are covered with towels at all times. Aromatherapy is particularly useful for reducing stress, relieving tension and promoting relaxation. Aromatherapy massage encourages people to get in touch with their bodies and give the brain a well earned rest.

What can happen at a session?

After a short consultation, the practitioner will talk to you and may take notes of any problems on that day and your general health in respect of any medication, injures, operations etc. You may talk or be quiet during the session. Gentle music is played for you if you wish. Depending on the Client, the massage may be a full body treatment, back, neck or shoulders or any variation, as appropriate to that Client on the day. A full body massage session lasts for one hour. Towels are used to cover you except for the area being massaged. Some grapeseed oil and a few drops of Essential oil are mixed and offered for your approval. After you are undressed the massage begins on your legs. During the massage you may be asked if you are comfortable and whether there is anything that you are not satisfied with. If you wish you are free to ask for massage of a particular area to be prolonged. You are in control of the situation.

"Aromatherapy is the use of natural aromatic essential oils to treat many common illnesses and to promote health and vitality through the reduction of stress. The term Aromatherapy was coined by a French chemist, Rene Gattefosse in the 1930s. Whilst working in a perfumery he burnt his hand badly and plunged it into the nearest bowl of liquid, which was lavender essential oil.

To his surprise the burn healed within hours, leaving no scars. As a result of his accident, Gattefosse started researching into the healing properties of essential oils, and experimented using them in dermatological preparations. Since then Aromatherapy has grown to become one of the most popular complementary therapies. The starting point in Aromatherapy is that when our resistance is lowered through stress we become susceptible to illness and disease. Essential oils are used in Aromatherapy in the treatments of many common ailments, and as a complement to orthodox treatments. They are also used to aid immunity as an anti-stress treatment". Karen Ward, Bristol School of Aromatherapy.

Books & Information

Aromatherapy A to Z - Patricia Davies (C. W. Daniel)

Aromatherapy A Guide for home use - Christine Westwood               

Aromatherapy Organisations Council
3, Latymer Close, Braybrooke
Market Harborough, Leicester
Leicestershire, LE16 8LN
Tel: (01455) 234345