Aromatherapy - Overview

Aromatherapy massage involves the use of essential plant oils during the massage.  Therapists use around 50 oils for different conditions as each oil has different therapeutic properties which can be linked with body conditions.  The oils are diluted in a carrier oil and mixed to provide a personal blend to optimise the effects. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin or through breathing in during the session.

How it may help
A massage encourages feelings of relaxation and a general sense of well-being.  By releasing the body's natural endorphins a massage can increase feelings of health and well being.  Massage can help to relieve painful conditions, stress and tension and increases energy levels.

Essential oils can benefit you either though absorption through your skin or through the inhalation of the aromas. The oils can encourage both a chemical change in your body and a psychological change through relaxation and access to the olfactory area of the brain.

Contraindications

There may be some contraindications to massage depending on your medical history.  The therapist will take a full case history on the first session and permission from your general practitioner may be sought if the therapist feels  this is in your best interest. Certain degenerative joint problems, high blood pressure and certain disease processes for example some cancers may not benefit from massage therapy.

The therapist will also check that there is no allergy to the oils being used.

 
A typical session
The initial session may be between1 and 1.5 hrs long so that a full history may be taken to ensure that the therapy is appropriate and to decide the blend of oils best suited to you.  Subsequent sessions will be around 1 hour long.

You will lie on a couch and be covered with towels so only the area being massaged is exposed.

After the session  for best effect don't wash off the oils for 8 hours.  You will be encouraged to drink more water for the next 24 hours and will be advised to avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol during this time.  This allows your body to detoxify and balance after the treatment.

Cost / Number of sessions
Maximum benefit  is usually gained from two to three treatments initially followed by a session at regular intervals to allow you to remain balanced. The interval for these sessions is very personal to you.  Some people with a heavy, physically demanding job may request weekly sessions while others may prefer 4-6 weekly treatments. Please discuss with your therapist.