More and more people are turning to Aromatherapy as it's popularity grows! You only have to look around your local chemist or supermarket to find all sorts of products influenced by the properties of plants, flowers and herbs. Tea tree oil inspired face wash for spots, lavender bath oils for relaxation, chamomile extract shampoo for blonde hair, the list is endless! Often these products contain chemical versions of the natural plant extracts, meaning that the synergistic properties of the plant aren't present. It may smell similar, but the therapeutic properties are lost.

So what is REAL aromatherapy all about? And what can it do for me?

Aromatherapy

Or "Aroma-therapie" as the first person to use this terminology was a French Man, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, describes a treatment which utilises essential oils from plants to help the body balance itself. This promotes improved health and well-being. Essential oils are very powerful and potent, and most should not be used unless you have undertaken some kind of training. Some oils however, are very gentle and safe to be used by most people at home, and I am always happy to help my clients choose the oils right for them.

It's also very important to ensure only the purest essential oils are used from reliable sources to ensure the very best results. There are many companies our there so driven by profits, they adult or dilute these precious essences to make them go further. These products have a place in perfumes or used in candles for example, but they should have no place in therapeutic aromatherapy!

Essential oils can be used in many ways depending on the conditions being treated, with massage being the most versatile. Using massage is excellent, as the client gets all the added benefits of massage described below, re-inforced by the powerful healing properties of the essential oils. I am also happy to make up blends for home use (in massage or to use in the bath) for my clients to "re-inforce" the good work we do during our session's and offer a "consultation and home blend" only service for clients either not wishing to be massaged, or who have a condition which may be contraindicated to receiving a massage.

Aromatherapy is especially beneficial for:

• Stimulating the immune system, which strengthens resistance to disease and helps to combat infections.
• Helpful for women's problems - PMS, symptoms associated with menopause or early adolescence
• Essential oils have mood altering or enchancing properties, thus helping to dispell mild depression, uplift spirits, give emotional comfort in times of grief, or help the mind to "switch off" after a busy day.
• Aromatherapy can help to aid digestion - thus easing constipation and abdominal spasm, making it very helpful in easing the symptoms of IBS
• Essential oils can help to ease muscular aches and pains and promotes muscle relaxation and tone. Particularly useful for soothing over worked muscles!! Especially when used as part of a massage.
• Aromatherapy can also act as a hypotensive - to lower blood pressure, helping to reduces stress levels, thus helping to overcome any stress related problems.
• Essential oils also have an affinity with the skin - making them excellent for using in the treatment of mild skin complaint's acne, athlete's foot, cold sores, ring worm, dandruff and can even be used to eliminate those dreaded head lice in a natural but very effective way!

 

Holistic Massage

Regular massage treatments can have a profound effect on both the body and the mind. Massage can greatly relieve tension held in muscles caused by stress, exercise or poor posture. It boosts the circulation and immune system, helps the body to remove toxins and generally gives you time to relax, unwind and just be still. And last, but certainly not least, a holistic massage treatment feels great and is a fantastic way to take time out to recharge those batteries.

Benefits Include:

• Stress relief and alieviation of stress related conditions
• Relieves muscular aches and pains
• Promotes deep and restful relaxation
• Can aid digestive problems eg IBS Can relieve the symptoms of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne and very dry skin
• Generally helps balance mind, spirit and body

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Receiving a Massage

Q: Will I have to undress for my massage? I don't like other people seeing my body...

A: Although it is best to undress for your massage (keeping underwear on), It's important to stress that you aren't "on show" to the therapist. I leave the room whilst my clients undress and make themselves comfortable on the couch with a blanket or towels. I then fold the towels back as I work, only exposing the area of your body I am working on that time.  I also leave the room again whilst you get dressed at the end of the treatment. If you would prefer to remain clothed then this is fine too - I will work around you. It's your treatment after all!

Q: I find it uncomfortable to lay still for an hour - is there any way of avoiding this?

A: I encourage my clients to "move about" on the treatment couch. I feel that this time is yours and you must be as comfortable as possible. I work around my clients, so they are free to wriggle about until they are comfy, tell me if they don't like a particular massage stroke or for me to explain anything that I am doing.

Q: Why am I encouraged to drink lots of water after a massage treatment and avoid alcohol?

A: Massage can release toxins held in the muscles back into the body for elimination. Taking on board plenty of water can help to flush these toxins out of the body speedily and help you to feel refreshed. Avoiding the consumption of alcohol straight after a massage is advised because it can have a much more potent effect on your body than it would usually. It's also a good idea to let your body fully detox itself without putting even more toxins into the body for it to eliminate! You are supposed to be taking it easy - so give your poor body a break too.

Q: What about mealtimes - should I eat before or after my massage?

A: The ideal time to have a massage is approx 2 hours after you have eaten a meal. This way, you aren't really hungry (hunger can distract you and stop you from relaxing fully) or really full (being massaged when you are very full can make you feel queasy).


If you have any questions about massage, why not contact me, my email is lucyholtum@yahoo.co.uk or call me on 07891017333.