Aromatherapy is the art of using plant essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. It is a holistic treatment, which means it works on the mind, body and spirit and takes into account all aspects of your lifestyle. The essential oils have powerful healing properties which affect the body on a physical and psychological basis. Aromatherapy massage is based on lymphatic drainage techniques which aid the elimination of toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system. This in turn helps to strengthen the immune system, loosens muscles and reduces stress, tension and anxiety.

What is its history?
It appears that the Greeks were the first to use oils. They used olive oil to steep flower petals and the oils produced from this were used for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Hippocrates, associated with the ‘Hippocratic Oath’, mentions plants and their uses in his writings. Many essential oils were brought back to Britain by the Crusaders. Not having the aromatic, gum yielding trees of the Middle East, they started to use lavender, rosemary and thyme and then the apothecaries began to sell oils.

By the 17th century, plant medicine began to give way to chemical substances. In 1926 René Gattefosse, a Frenchman, coined the phrase ‘aromatherapy’. He was a chemist in his family’s perfumery business but became more interested in the antiseptic qualities of the oils rather than chemical qualities. Whilst making fragrances in his laboratory one day, he burnt his arm very badly and thrust it into the nearest cold liquid – which happened to be a tub of lavender oil. The pain lessened considerably and his wound healed very quickly and left no scar. He dedicated the rest of his life to researching the healing properties of nature’s essential oils.

Treatment
The first session consists of

Consultation – to find out what is expected

Communication – which is a two way thing

Assessment – choosing the correct treatment

Prior to any treatment we have to learn about the whole person. Details are taken of current health, medications, diet, lifestyle and the client’s expectations of the treatment. This information enables the therapist to treat the client holistically, as a ‘whole’ person and with accuracy, The oils are actually absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream which is why the initial consultation is important. The client must be aware of what oils have been chosen and the reasons for the choice.

Based on the information given, oils are chosen which will suit the individual’s needs, physically and emotionally, at that time. These are then diluted in a carrier oil which acts as a natural lubricant between the hand and the skin during a massage. It does not alter the therapeutic properties of the essential oils. Each carrier oil is rich in nutrients and vitamins, provides energy and heat, and acts as a lubricant for the massage to take place.

An aromatherapy massage is a very positive treatment and should be an uplifting experience, both physically and emotionally. The massage itself should last approximately one hour. Aftercare advice is then given, which includes drinking plenty of water to help rid the body of the toxins which have been released during the session.

Contra-indications to massage?
As with most therapies there are certain contraindications. The consultation process allows the therapist time to go through these with the client. The main factors are pregnancy, epilepsy, diabetes, recent fractures or scars, abnormal temperatures, medications, abnormal swellings.

What are Essential Oils?
They are the plant ‘hormones’ – their life force – and are obtained from flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, bark, roots and resins. They are natural balancers and work to restore the body’s equilibrium.

Properties
Each have many different properties and can be analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, uplifting, expectorant, rejuvenating, antiseptic, antibiotic and diuretic. One plant can produce different oils each having different properties. This is dependant on, for example, when or where they are grown or when they are picked. Because of their different chemical properties, each oil has its own character and individuality. This is why one oil will be used to treat a certain condition in preference to another.

How many oils are normally used in a treatment?
The essential oils are classed into three groups: top notes, middle notes and base notes. To develop the mind/body/ spirit experience, it is usual for one oil from each group to be used. When the oils are blended with other oils, their properties are re-enforced or enhanced. They work together in harmony and the blend becomes more potent and synergistic.

What conditions can Be helped?
Aromatherapy can play a large part in helping to reduce stress and stress related conditions. The whole experience promotes relaxation, deepens breathing, and helps induce sleep. Many conditions can be helped – here are some examples:

ARTHRITIS – anti-inflam-matory properties can help arthritis and rheumatism, helping to break down crystals and dissipate the build up of toxins and acids.
ACNE – oils are cell vitalising and promote the growth of new tissue.
BACK PAIN – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, loosen tight muscles.
PMT/MENOPAUSE – oils are balancing, work on the central nervous system to restore balance and promote harmony and wellbeing.
INFECTIONS – powerful anti-bacterial and antiviral properties fight infection and calm inflammation.
DEPRESSION – stimulate the secretion of neurochemicals which can act as painkillers and induce feelings of wellbeing making us feel uplifted.

Other uses for Essential Oils
Put a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil, perhaps lavender and geranium, in an oil burner or in a room spray. Used in this way they can influence moods. Or put a couple of drops in the rinsing water of your washing.

Eucalyptus can be helpful when used as an inhalation to relieve blocked airways, or a couple of drops of the more sedative oils, such as lavender or orange, in your bath before bedtime will help ease aches and pains and promote a good night’s sleep.

Remember all essential oils are extremely potent and should always be treated with respect. Never use them undiluted on the skin or take internally. Please store in dark, cool areas.

Moira Monaghan has an HND in Aromatherapy, completed in 1993. Thereafter in 1998 she received a Diploma from the Jill Bruce School of Aromatherapy. Moira practices from her home outside the village of Gatehead in Ayrshire.