Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is based on the use of what are commonly known as essential oils. It can be used as both a holistic and a symptom based treatment. The oils used in this therapy can be extracted from flowers, herbs, trees, grasses and even roots. When used these oils are in a highly concentrated form.

The aromatherapy oils can be absorbed by the skin or brought into the body through breathing and, once in, they enter the blood stream following which their properties take effect.

Aromatherapy has been in existence for hundreds and quite probably thousands of years in many different cultures.

How Aromatherapy works

Firstly, there is no evidence to support any of the healing claims made of aromatherapy, however many people do feel that this therapy is beneficial, even if in ways that they find difficult to explain.

The therapy is said to work by mixing or blending specific essential oils (volatile plant oils) to counter a given illness, disorder or problem.

These oils can then enter the body though massage, the use of a compress or inhalation. Massage is a popular treatment when seeing an aroma therapist and the combination of the massage combined with the aroma is said to be very relaxing.

Since Aromatherapy is holistic it can be used to treat both the mind and the body. It is also a therapy that is used at all stages of wellness and illness, e.g. for someone in good health or someone who has an irreversible illness.

What to expect and how to find a therapist

Aroma therapists will often take account of a patient’s complete medical history in determining which oils to use and the approach is normally one of treating the whole body rather than a specific ailment. This may not always be the case.

This holistic approach also takes account of the mind and it has been established that aroma and fragrance can affect moods and emotions, e.g. Jasmine being a fragrance that encourages relaxation.

During a treatment session, most aroma therapists will use a combination of essential oils and massage. The massage will relieve aches and stimulate good circulation whilst the oils will be absorbed into the body and treat it from within.

Aromatherapy does not have formal accreditation within the medical sector and, although some voluntary membership associations do exist, there are no national or internationally accepted qualifications. You can find aroma therapists at complementary therapy clinics and in private practice.