Essential oils and aromatherapy - it's all about the smell
Aromatherapy is both an art and a science. Creating a harmonious blend of essential oils is a skill. However, aromatherapy involves more than just fragrance. When specific essential oils are blended by a qualified aromatherapist they provide a powerful and effective treatment.
Essential oils are used in massage to perfume the skin
An aromatherapist will take a full health consultation to ensure an accurate choice of essential oils. I like to use three essential oils in each blend and over the years I have discovered 'tried and tested' blends that have proved effective for maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. They smell good too! When combined with a nourishing carrier oil your skin will love it. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and through the nose via inhalation.
Essential oils have no medicinal use
Essential oils are made up of many different chemical components. Essential oil molecules are small enough that they can enter the blood stream through the skin via massage. There are seven main chemical components: Terpenes, Esters, Aldehydes, Ketones, Alcohols, Phenols and Oxides. Each of these chemical components will have a different therapeutic action. Linalol is found in abundance in Lavender and generally has an uplifting quality as well as being antiseptic and antiviral. Linalyl Acetate is part of the Ester group. Esters are calming and a tonic to the nervous system. They are
found in essential oils such as Bergomot and Clary Sage
Essential oils are oily
Essential oils aren't oily. They are infact watery substances. They are volatile and will evaporate on contact with the air (remember to keep the lid on your essential oils and store in a cool dark place!). Some evaporate faster than others. This is why (as in perfumery) essential oils are described as having top notes, middle notes and base notes. Lavender is a top to middle note oil. Sandalwood is a base oil and base notes tend to linger longer!
All aromatherapy massage treatments are the same
Not necessarily. Look for an aromatherapy qualification before booking to ensure a bespoke aromatherapy massage specifically tailored to you, as opposed to a massage using a pre blended 'one size fits all' product. . I qualified with ITEC (International Therapy Examination Council) and have been practicing aromatherapy for 30 years and there is always still more to learn about this beautiful and fascinating therapy.
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