Aromatherapy is hugely popular nowadays and scientific research has shown it to be very effective for stress related conditions, insomnia and emotional problems.  Yet again we are not pioneers in this field as our ancestors in ancient times, principally in Egypt and the Far East, discovered the therapeutic use of the essential oils.  The 1930’s saw a revival with a further boost of popularity in the 1960’s.

Where do these essential oils come from?   They are extracted from flowers, fruits, leaves, stems and from the roots of trees, shrubs and flowers.   A variety of processes are used to extract the oils but the most widely used is the steam distillation process although some are best obtained by squeezing the oil from the peel, or by immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence.   In some cases, pressing the flowers between glass plates is still used.

To obtain the benefit of the oils, they have to be absorbed by the body either by inhalation or skin massage.    They work in slightly different ways.   The inhaled odour stimulates the olfactory centres in the nose and quickly passes to particular parts of the brain.   Oils, which are massaged into the skin, pass into the blood stream and so influence the central nervous function, mental function and emotions.

The therapeutic oils are highly concentrated and are only used sparingly.

Massage is an important part of an aromatherapy treatment combined with the beneficial properties of essential oils blended in a vegetable based carrier oil.  It relaxes and revitalises a tired body, lifts depression and helps the body to heal.   It promotes well being of body, mind and spirit.