What is Aromatherapy?

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Aromatherapy is a holistic practice that uses the healing properties of the essential oils for treating illnesses. It addresses both the psychological and physical wellbeing and works in conjunction with the body's own healing abilities.

Aromatherapy has been used around the world for thousands of years. The essential oil is an organic liquid extracted from a variety of plants, all with unique healing properties. The therapist chooses which oil would best suit the illness of the individual and goes about applying the essential oil in a variety of ways, the most common being in conjunction with massage. The essential oil is blended with a massage oil and applied directly onto the skin where the healing properties are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Other ways of receiving the benefits of essential oils are through inhalation, when the oil is heated in an oil burner. This creates an environment that encourages relaxation and is great for either promoting sleep or stimulating the mind, depending on which oil is used. The oils can be added to hot water to create an aromatic steam and then inhaled for the purpose of relieving sinus congestion and respiratory infection or when someone needs re-hydrating. In a warm bath they are great for soothing tired, sore muscles and other aches and pains or for pure relaxation purposes. For arthritis pain, sore joints, headaches and menstrual pain the oils can be applied to a hot or cold compress, depending on the particular ailment.

Aromatherapy is a useful tool in achieving the state of mind the therapist wants the client to be in throughout their healing session.

Recommended reading on Aromatherapy: ‘Understanding Aromatherapy’ by John Kerr