What is Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (concentrated plant essences) to revitalise, relax, rejuvenate, heal and enhance the well-being of individuals or groups.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile fluids that occur naturally in aromatic plants growing the world over. They can be distilled from flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, fruits and woods depending on the plant. Some of the more well known ones include Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Sweet Orange and Frankincense.Each oil has its own natural chemical composition which in turn provides it with is properties such as analgesic (pain relief), febrifuge ( reduces temperature), bactericide (kills bacteria). The knowledge of these properties are what helps the therapist to make up a synergy of oils individually prescribed for the clients needs.
How can Aromatherapy be applied?
Percutaneous Techniques - techniques that involve the application of the essential oil to the skin, for example:- Massage - deep relaxation, strained muscles, stress relief
- Baths - relaxation, aches and pains, excellent during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy
- Compress - used for local infection, sprains, temperature control
- Topical application by the use of ointments, gels and creams - boils, arthritis, sports injuries, eczema, mask, acne
- Vaporisers/diffusers
- Steam inhalation
- Direct inhalation - from a few drops on a tissue
- Mood enhancing
- Respiratory conditions
- Help to kill airborne microbes
- Induce sleep