How does Aromatherapy work?

I’ve been practising Aromatherapy for a while now and through conversations with my friends and clients, I have come to realise that to most people it is not entirely clear what Aromatherapy is actually about.

Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils for the treatment or prevention of disease. Essential oils have varied properties and once the most appropriate ones are chosen, they are mixed with carrier oils and used as a massage medium as per usual. The essential oils get absorbed into the blood stream and are therefore able to work on all the different systems of the body. They are most effective if administered regularly and as a part of a course of treatments. There is of course also the pleasing effect on the olfactory system by the means of smell bringing sense of luxury into your massage experience.

Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed via the skin, and whilst breathing they enter the lungs. These therapeutic constituents then enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body where they can deliver their beneficial healing powers. Because they are highly concentrated, only a small quantity of essential oil is required to bring about results. They are extracted from a wide variety of plants, fruits, woods, seeds, roots, leaves and flowers from all around the world.

When inhaled they also enter the limbic system where aromas are interpreted by the brain and the physiological response will reflect our individual perception of the aroma. Therefore it is important that the client has proper consultation prior to treatment to ensure the appropriate aroma is selected to ensure a relaxing treatment. Aromatherapy cannot be said to cure in itself – however it has the benefit of stimulating body systems with possible therapeutic benefit. When using good quality essential oils correctly, the soothing combination of beautiful aromas, massage, aromatic baths and other treatments all work to regulate, balance, heal and maintain the entire being by working with nature, and not against it.

I found the use of essential oils useful when dealing with all sorts of issues including digestive problems, sleeping problems, skin problems, PMS, headaches, muscular tensions, stress, anxiety, depression and many many more. Most oils have several properties that are helpful to more than one condition and up to three essential oils can be used in ant one treatment. This means that in one session we can prepare a blend that, for example, will help to ease the aches and pains as well as the tensions from your shoulders, to boost your immune system and ease your heartburn. Whatever your issue is, there is an essential oil that can be used to help in some way.

In some countries, such as France, Aromatherapy is used by specially trained medical doctors and nurses as form of treatment of many common physiological ailments as well as mental health issues such as depression. They administer the oils orally or intraveniously. At this stage, however, this treatment is not available in the UK.

The essential oils used within aromatherapy have been tried and tested on humans for thousands of years, and with great success. Therefore, when used correctly we can be absolutely sure of their safety and efficacy without the need to test them further on animals.

For more information or to book an Aromatherapy Massage with Kristina,  please call 0203 659 2711 or email info@highgateholisticclinic.com