What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils to promote health.

Essential oils are obtained from flowers, trees and herbs; these contain different properties depending on the oils’ chemical components. It is these chemicals that explain if an oil is uplifting, reviving, comforting or soothing.

Tailored aromatherapy blends can be produced for a variety of conditions. Essential oils have a wide range of properties, for example several oils are antibacterial or antimicrobial. Combinations of different essential oils are tailored on their presenting conditions, how the client wishes to feel after the treatment (e.g. relaxed, alert), and to aid the client in optimizing their health.

The oils are chosen during a face to face consultation and are diluted for appropriate use in a treatment. Aromatherapy is most known for application during massage, however, the oils selected can be used via inhalation, baths, creams and gels.

I have completed additional training for aromatherapy and the emotions, and have also undertaken additional training for aromatherapy in pregnancy and for babies and children. I used a number of complementary therapies during my own pregnancy, and currently use aromatherapy and massage with my child. If you are interested in Aromatherapy for your child, please see the Children section.

What to Expect

A face to face consultation is always necessary before any aromatherapy treatment to produce a tailored blend. Not only is this a current legal requirement, but it is also important to identify suitable oils for the individual. Each blend is tailored to your individual requirements and is based on various factors including the conditions to treat, age, and whether you actually like the aroma of the oils.

If you are not receiving a massage, the consultation will be the main focus and I will produce a blend in a suitable form for the condition. If the problem is area related, I may recommend a localized short massage of the area with a blend to continue using at home.

If an aromatherapy massage is required, a consultation will be completed and the oils chosen will be blended in carrier oil. During a massage treatment you lie on a couch covered by a towel. The treatment can include working on the back, legs, stomach, arms, neck and face but during the consultation we can discuss personal preferences and I can adapt the massage accordingly. During a massage I will only reveal the part of the body that is being massaged. To allow you to feel fully relaxed I will not begin any conversations although I may ask about the pressure of the massage.