AROMATHERAPY
INTRODUCTION:
What exactly is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment and treats the person as a whole (mind, body and spirit) rather than just parts of the body. It uses the pure essential oils derived from the plants in a variety of ways to promote health and vitality. It is useful for relaxation and reducing stress which is so often the cause of many illnesses.
THE BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY:
Aromatherapy is used by people for a variety of reasons.
- Some use it alongside conventional medical care, to help them manage or cope with a specific physical, mental or emotional problem
- Others use it as means of relaxation,
- Others to help maintain good health and a sense of general wellbeing.
As society is moving towards a more holistic approach to their lifestyle choices, is the current interest in aromatherapy just another social trend?
Aromatherapy has been around in the human psyche since Egyptian times 5000 years ago. The embalming bandages of the 3,000 year old mummy were reportedly found to contain myrrh and cedarwood. Both of these essential oils are long-lasting, balsamic, fungicidal and used as a fixative so they would be ideal in an embalming process.
As well as the Egyptians, The Greeks, Romans and Middle Eastern physician Avicenna (AD 980 -1037) knew about the effects of plant oils on the body. Avicenna was the first person to extract the aromatic essential oils from plants, with rose as the first oil extracted.
40% of all modern pharmaceutical drugs originate from plants and herbs with over one hundred active ingredients derived from plants for use in drugs and medicine.
A qualified therapist will work with a client and tailor a treatment with specific oils for their specific needs. This can be administered through a reflexology session, massage, a bath, diffuser or a skin/hair tonic.
The sense of prioritising self-care brings about a way of being that says you are worth investing the time and the care in. In today's busy world, the simple act of taking the time to relax and de-stress is becoming more difficult. Yet when we value our selves, we can appreciate and value others.
Please Note: Complementary Therapy/Aromatherapy should not be used in place of conventional medical care.
Always consult your GP or a health professional for medical attention and advice.