What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils and bodywork to relieve nervous stress, enhance well-being and promote health and vitality.
 
Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile (quickly evaporating) fluids that occur naturally in aromatic plants growing the world over.  They can be distilled from flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, fruits and woods, depending upon the plant.  Examples of essential oils that are commonly used in aromatherapy include lavender, geranium, bergamot, clary sage and rose.
 
Essential oils have been used in medicine, perfumery and food flavouring for about a thousand years.
 
Each essential oil has distinct therapeutic properties that improve the body's natural functioning and so help to prevent disease.  Enhancing the health of both mind and body, they have been shown through research to possess stimulant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties, among others.
 
The ability of essential oils to have a psychologically calming or uplifting effect is directly linked to the influence of their wonderful aromas - one that depends on the close link between olfaction (smelling) and the brain.
 
In the professional practice of aromatherapy, a variety of techniques may be used including massage, ointments, lotions, baths, inhalations and hot or cold compresses.  Their holistic application is geared towards the needs of the individual.  Aromatherapists appreciate the fact that each individual requires a unique blend of essential oils.

Combining the benefits of essential oils with those of therapeutic massage produces a pleasurable yet effective method of healing.  Together, they enhance the circulation of blood and lymph, relax and tone tense, tired muscles and promote a sense of overall well being.