aromatherapy massage

aromatherapy isn't just about using scents. the mainstream cosmetic and perfume industry has contributed to the confusion by promoting products with fragrance oils rather than pure plant-based essential oils.

the term "aromatherapy," and its basic principles, is attributed to the early 20th-century french chemist rene maurice gattefosse. while working to refine a new perfume fragrance, gattefosse suffered a serious burn to his arm and he turned to the nearest cool liquid available to relieve his pain -- a vat of lavender oil. the chemist was reportedly rewarded with immediate relief and a speedy recovery without scarring. it then occurred to gattefosse that essential oils may not only be useful in perfumery, but also as healing agents in themselves. in recognition of the "antiseptic, bactericidal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils," in 1937 gattefosse referred to this emerging therapeutic field as "aromatherapie," aromatherapy's healing mechanism defines essential oils as being "complex, volatile substances which contain plant hormones, nutrients, and thousands of other bio-chemicals that scientists haven't even yet documented. when these essential oils are smelled or applied to the skin, they are absorbed and carried through the bloodstream to their intended target."

aromatherapy has a balancing effect on the body. pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic properties and can be used to treat many ailments, not only physical, but spiritual and psychological, as well. the natural plant medicine derived from aromatherapy offers a gentle alternative to the dangers of synthetic drugs. for the chemically sensitive, this aspect can be particularly beneficial.

aromatherapy has an especially synergistic effect when combined with other therapies, such as massage. the ancient greeks, egyptians,arabs, and chinese all used plant-derived aromatic massage oils and salves to enhance their mental and physical health. hippocrates, believed that "the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and massage every day." traditional indian medicine (ayurveda) regards aromatic massage as an important component of its 3,000-year-old system of healing.
massage, alone, is relaxing and helps to increase circulation and the elimination of impurities. deep massage, combined with the relaxing aromatic and therapeutic properties of essential oils, can have a profound influence over your physical health and emotional outlook. if you have never had this type of massage before, you're in for a real treat. there are two basic techniques that are very beneficial -- effleurage and petrissage effleurage is a series of long or short soothing strokes made with the palm of the whole hand, not just the fingers. this technique is used to relieve muscle tension and to improve blood flow. petrissage is similar to kneading dough. the fingers are involved in gently rolling muscle and fatty areas, while never pinching. this is very effective for improving circulation and increasing lymphatic flow to release stored toxins.

it is imperative that the essential oils used are pure, botanical-based oils and not merely fragrant oils.
the selection and blend of the oils is of paramount importance as they have a huge influence in the outcome of the treatment.
we always blend your oils after carrying out the consultation and will explain the reasons behind the relevant selections........if you don’t like a certain smell then we won’t use it!