I have decided to base my blogs on providing you with some information about Aromatherapy, Essential oils and how they work, and the essential oils that I use at Novosense Aromatherapy Massage Caversham.
What is Aromatherapy?
The term ‘aromatherapy’ was first coined in 1928 by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefose. Gattefose severely burnt his arm and hand whilst working in his lab in 1910. To ease the pain he quickly plunged his arm into a vat of lavender essential oil. To his surprise he found not only did it ease the pain, the redness disappeared and the burn healed exceptionally well leaving no scaring. Whenever I have accidently burnt myself on the cooker at home, I immediately soak the area in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. I then apply a drop of lavender oil to the burn. The pain relief is almost immediate and the burn heals very quickly. Gattefose undertook a great deal of research into the properties of essential oils. This led to the publication of his first book “Aromatherapie” in 1928.
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using plant derived oils (essential oils) that can be used in a variety of ways to bring about change in our psychological, physical and spiritual state of health. It can work alongside other complementary therapies, i.e acupuncture, reflexology, massage, as well as orthodox medicine. Aromatherapy is being introduced in some of the UK’s leading hospitals and hospices.
Essential oils have been used in fragrances, flavourings and medicines for thousands of years and there are around 400 different oils extracted from plants all over the world. Each oil has its own therapeutic properties and can be used or applied in a variety of ways, including:
- Body massage, with the oils blended in a base oil or cream – this is perhaps the most popular application of aromatherapy and the one that I use at Novosense Aromatherapy Massage Caversham.
- https://www.novosensemassage.co.uk/massage-treatments/aromatherapy-massage/
- Adding a few drops to a warm bath – ideally diluted first in milk
- Through steam inhalation, vaporisers or personal aroma inhalers (this are like a vicks inhaler but essential oils are added). I use aroma inhalers at the Hospice that I work at. A blend of essential oils can be used to help with anxiety and nausea and are very popular. Once made up they can be carried round in your handbag, backpack or pocket and can last for 3 months.
- In creams and lotions for individual use – much more natural and by using base creams and lotions without any parabens, they are much healthier for your skin and body.
- In a Compress
Essential oils, which are highly aromatic, are readily absorbed in the body via the skin and lungs. They are central to the practice of aromatherapy. When combined with massage, which helps to soothe away muscular tension and improve circulation, an aromatherapy treatment can be either deeply relaxing or uplifting depending on the oils used and massage techniques used.
I hope that you enjoyed this blog. My next blog will be ‘What are essential oils?’
Take care
Linda
#NovosenseAromatherapyMassageCaversham#
