Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, from flowers, trees and shrubs and their fruits, blooms, leaves, stems and roots. The oils are obtained by steam distillation, expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) or effleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).What is Aromatherapy?Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical well being. Essential Oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be utilised to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways, including massage, baths, and inhalations. These are ready absorbed through the skin and have gentle physiological effects. Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions.What’s it used for?It’s often used to relieve stress, headaches, insomnia, tension and pain, and to aid relaxation and general wellbeing. It’s increasingly being used in cancer care and in sports therapy.
What’s the evidence?
Research on different oils has identified their individual constituents and different effects from stimulant to sedative. Clinical trials have confirmed that aromatherapy can aid relaxation and help relieve anxiety. A random, controlled trial of 380 cancer patients, in five UK cancer centres and a hospice, showed that aromatherapy helped to provide short-term relief of anxiety and depression in those patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, in the long-term, only a decrease in self-reported anxiety was evident and the study did not distinguish between the effects of different oils, the massage and interaction with a sympathetic therapist. Other studies have suggested that aromatherapy may be helpful for conditions such as bronchitis, alopecia and agitation associated with dementia. But some of the studies have flaws or have not had their results repeated, so more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of different oils.
What happens in a typical Aromatherapy session?
The therapist will ask questions about your medical history; general health and lifestyle. This will help her decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you as an individual. The therapist may wish to contact your GP, with your permission, to inform her that you are receiving aromatherapy treatment. After selecting and blending appropriate essential oils, the therapist will usually apply the oils in combination with massage and all therapeutic movements.
Post Treatment Advice
In order to get the most out of your treatment and to aid the healing process, it is advisable to:
- Drink plenty of water. This helps flush out the toxins that have been released from your cells into your system.
- Eat a light diet. This is to prevent energy needed for healing from going to your stomach to digest a heavy meal! Eat raw foods such as fruit and vegetables if possible for vitality and cleansing effects.
- Avoid tea and coffee. These are stimulants and should be avoided after a treatment. Drink herbal teas or fresh fruit/vegetable juice instead.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Rest and relax as much as possible. This allows the body to commence healing.
A session normally lasts for 60 minutes and costs £40, you can chose to extend the time to 75 or 90 minutes for £50 or £60.