Originally posted on: 11th June 2019
It's Aromatherapy Awareness week and with Aromatherapy Massage being a treatment we provide, I thought I'd take the chance to explain what Aromatherapy is and how you can benefit from it.
The definition of Aromatherapy:
“Aromatherapy is the science and art of using oils from aromatic plants, herbs, woods, and fibres blended with a carrier oil. In an aromatherapy massage, essential oils are mixed to create a truly holistic therapy. It considers the mind, body and spirit whilst leading to a sense of wellbeing”.
The thing that I really love about aromatherapy is that is can be used as a botanical prescription blended especially for you. Very similar to how you use different skincare products on your face depending on your skin type and the ingredients in the product.
Oils are chosen and blended in synergy using a mix of 3 different “notes”, top, middle, and base notes. In layman’s terms, top note oils such as citrus oils evaporate quicker and don’t stay in the system for as long as the middle notes which are taken from herbs or base notes, which are often woody notes or resins which last much longer in the bloodstream. The upshot of this is that, so long as the oils remain on the skin for a few hours it elongates the beneficial effects of the oils on the body, therefore, extending the value of the treatment. Therefore, we suggest that the oils are left on the skin for as long as possible.
There is something very humbling about using herbs, flowers, woods, spices, and resin extracts which grow in mother earth, where they pick up all the nutrients and minerals found there. They are nourished by the energy of the sun and watered by the rain. They draw all these elements deep into their being and it is the very essence that is used. Priceless!!!
Each oil has specific beneficial properties such as analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, diuretic etc. Some oils help to promote better sleep, others can reduce anxiety and stress levels. Aromatherapy is a true art, as you find out when you study all the properties, chemical compounds, benefits and uses for the various individual oils.
These essential oils penetrate the body through the skin and are absorbed into the blood steam, creating multiple benefits beyond just their nice smell. They affect your mood, alleviate pain, detoxify your body, and ramp up your immune system, depending on the oils used.
When mixed with a carrier, (different carrier oils can also be beneficial in boosting the blend. For example, evening primrose can be used to nourish and soothe skin conditions such as eczema). These wonderful oils are absorbed into the bloodstream to release their magic upon the body. Unlike with Swedish and other forms of massage, it is the oils that do all the work in the case of Aromatherapy. Massage movements are, therefore, much gentler, and deeply relaxing.
Aromatherapy has proven therapeutic for a variety of conditions such as:
Depression
Grief
anxiety
Insomnia
However, Aromatherapy also proven to help physical conditions too including bruises, sprains, strains, burns including sunburn wounds and scars.
After a treatment, you will generally feel revitalised and refreshed. However, where an imbalance is present you may feel what is known as a ‘healing crisis’ it’s considered a positive effect after the treatment, showing that your body is re-balancing itself.
If you're interested in how Aromatherapy massage could help you, then drop us a message, either on our Facebook page, email on earthboundholistics@gmail.com or our contact page. If this blog has persuaded you to try it out book in for a treatment today!
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