Aromatherapy is a very powerful and yet relaxing form of Complementary healthcare. As a certified and insured Aromatherapist practicing in Birmingham, I have many clients that enjoy this gentle and uplifting therapy. I also offer Corporate Aromatherapy programmes throughout the UK.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy has been around and practiced in one form or another since the beginning of civilization. It is the art and science of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health and beauty. Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have a subtle effect on the mind and emotions.

The essential oils are taken from plants, herbs, spices, flowers, woods and fibres for use with Aromatherapy. These oils have been described as the "life force" of the plants, etc, as they are essential to the plant's biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent. Synthetic oils, even if chemically similar, will lack all the natural elements and that vital life-force that makes essential oils so valuable therapeutically.

What's involved in Aromatherapy Massage?

Aromatherapy Massage is the most effective method of using essential oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should not be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odourless carrier oil, such as grapeseed, almond oil or evening primrose.

WARNING. Whilst Aromatherapy oils are freely available, I would urge you to be cautious. Oils should not be used undiluted and never ingested. If in doubt, contact a qualified Aromatherapist.

I generally use grapeseed oil in my treatments, but again it depends on skin condition and what my overall goal is for each individual person I treat.

Essential oils all have various therapeutic properties, as an aromatherapist I am trying to achieve the most synergistic blend for each person. Some oils lift the spirit, some soothe ,some comfort, some relax, some even release. Each essential oil has a different quality, a different gift, and my job is to choose which gifts are for you.
Although, the oils differ in so many ways, the way I administer them doesn't. True aromatherapy massage is very gentle, even quite subtle.

How does Aromatherapy Massage work?

In theory, essential oils are absorbed into the body either through the pores of the skin during massage, or by inhalation through the nose. Molecules within the oils are said to enter through the bloodstream into the nervous system, influencing emotional and physical well-being.

Massage stimulates the circulation enabling the oils to disperse rapidly around the body, and the warmth of the skin-on-skin friction makes the oils smell stronger, so you get quicker therapeutic benefits to both mind and body. As soon as I begin to massage, your immune system is enhanced.

Therapeutic touch is so non-threatening, can be very relaxing, and for the receiver (and the giver may I add) "healing" for want of a better phrase.

I usually combine "Aromatherapy" and "Touch for Health" in the same session as I have found this to be of great benefit to the people I treat, but again every individual treatment is different. It becomes very much a personalised treatment, using maybe just one therapy such as Aromatherapy, or two or three therapies, again depending on our goal together may be.

Below is listed a little more information on other way essential oils may be administered.

Baths

Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant way to relax and receive the therapeutic effects. Water itself has therapeutic value which enhances the power of the oils.

To use, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil (or in a blend) to the surface of the water which has already been run, but add no other substances, e.g., foam bath oil. Then simply lie back and enjoy the benefits.

Compresses

Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.

Inhalations

Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water, then place a towel over your head and the bowl, and then inhale the vapour for a few minutes.

Vaporisation

All essential oils are antiseptic and evaporate easily, so they make very good air-fresheners. Different oils create different atmospheres, so experiment! For example, relaxing sandalwood or clary sage are good for parties: or peppermint clears your mind when you need to work. There are many vaporisers on the market, from the simple bowl of water on the radiator with a few drops of oil on the surface, to vaporiser light bulbs and specially made vaporiser bowls which sit above candle holders. Again experiment, see which ways suit your needs, and which you prefer.

Perfumes

Make your own distinctive "natural" perfumes by blending oils, again experiment with different combinations which can be used with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol.
Storing essential oils

Because essential oils are affected by sunlight they should be sold and stored in dark glass bottles, with sealed caps. Make sure that the cap is on securely and the bottle stored up-right in a cool dark place. The oils should be stored out of sight and the touch of children.

Never store essential oils in plastic bottles. Good essential oils should keep for years if stored properly, though oils of orange, lemon and lime will not keep as long.