Aromatherapy

Everyone has their favourite aromatic scent that they can make an association with. Whether it is the subtle and sedative heart note of rose,  found in the architectural English country garden, to the seasonal festive base note of frankincense, culinary herbal healers of rosemary and thyme or provincial fragrance of lavender, the profusion of essential oils awakens our sense of smell, by infusing the air with a delightful plethora of characteristic tones.

But what exactly is aromatherapy? Most of us are aware that plant oils have been used for thousands of years for their culinary and medicinal  properties, in addition to their inclusion in cosmetics, incense and perfumes, however how did their addition as primary ingredients in the cosmetics world evolve and when were their powerful benefits discovered?

Ancient civilizations became forefathers in the use of oils as therapeutic applications. In Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Arabic medicines, the properties of plants were both studied and held in high esteem, with herbs, flowers and plants becoming one of the earliest trade items of the ancient world. Hippocrates known to many as the ‘Father of Medicine’ was known to have prescribed fumigations to his patients and throughout the preceding centuries the use of floral waters, alchemy and phyto chemistry grew in scale.

Aromatherapy itself was first discovered by a French Chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1928, who by chance came across the powerful healing properties of lavender when he burnt his hand whilst conducting a scientific experiment. The rapid healing of the wound to which he had applied neat lavender essential oil, lead his inquisitive mind to investigate further into the benefits and physical properties of other essential oils. His subsequent findings were embraced by many of his followers and the term aromatherapy was soon coined, with many scientists such as Madame Margaret Maury working hand in hand with the already established practice of herbalism, which had already successfully uncovered the botanical context of plants.

For many nowdays thoughts of pleasant smelling oils used by an Aromatherapist throughout a massage treatment, fragranced burners and little blue bottles adorning the shelves of local health shops are their initial perceptions of this complementary therapy. Despite its long history and lineage, aromatherapy is still often considered in the UK to be nothing more than an enjoyable and relaxing past time that is often associated with new age hippies and therapists who have a passion for embracing and advocating an alternate way of living, whilst decorating their treatment rooms with incense sticks, candles, crystal rocks and numerous spiritual statues. Aromatherapy however is in contrast a practice which takes considerable skill and knowledge to master. Exams and client assessments are both essential and stringent. An in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, massage and thorough understanding of skin care and the oils themselves (all of which have universal latin names) are essential.

It is very easy to misinterpret the true benefits of these extremely potent and volatile oils as merely aesthetic aromatherapy, due to many companies promoting products that are already blended and generically branded into several ‘one fits all category’. The beauty industry is a multi-billion pound machine that is saturated with new innovative brands promoting skin care product ranges, essential oil candles, flower waters, oil burners and aromatically infused massage oils daily. It is all too easy for the consumer to lose sight of the true benefits of aromatherapy, whilst being surrounded by such a high level of consumer public relations. In France for example medical practitioners are able to study clinical aromatherapy after graduating as Doctors. This form of aromatherapy is thought to not only encourage healing and promote relaxation, but also to help fight infection and chronic illness.

With some essential oils being so powerful that they can be deadly if ingested and cause considerable sensitivity to the skin if applied incorrectly, it is of paramount importance that an aromatherapy massage is booked with a certified aromatherapist and that self-application should never be attempted. As they are lipid soluble, these oils can be absorbed through the skin rapidly.  A precise dilution is always blended into a carrier oil, specifically selected for the client’s skin type and an in-depth pre-treatment consultation carried out to establish if there are any medical reasons or contraindications that would prevent the therapy, in addition to the range of ailments that the client would like to treat.   It is important to remember that Aromatherapists are not trained medical Doctors and as such do not make any form of diagnosis and will not treat a patient with any current medical issues without the consent letter from their GP.   The blend of facial and body oils are then selected and mixed as they are not used purely for their fragrant smells that are inhaled via the olfactory system, but instead for their beneficial properties and assistance in helping the body to begin the healing process.  The actual massage itself can last for anything between sixty to eighty minutes and is often dictated by the chosen techniques adopted by individual spas and freelance aromatherapists. It is a common misconception that an aromatherapy massage is similar in style to that of a swedish massage. This is not the case. Light effleurage and petrissage strokes are used to gently allow the molecules to penetrate into the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin) and encourage the dilation of blood vessels in the dermis. Manipulation through tapotement, vibrations and friction movements are not necessary as the purpose of an aromatherapy massage is for the oils to do the work via their individual unique properties. A variety of ailments are thought to be aided by regular aromatherapy sessions. Essential oils used throughout an aromatherapy massage can certainly assist in relieving stress, common colds, headaches, period pains, acne and dry skin conditions for example, in addition to acting as an immune booster, revitalizer and hormone balancer.

As holistic therapies become more and more popular, people are beginning to once again embrace the organic properties of nature and aromatherapy treatments continue to thrive. In 2000 for example revellers celebrating the New Year in Times Square New York, were part of Gayil Nalls World Sensorium where 150,000 scent works were released at midnight and aromatically infused cards given to individuals, each representing the scented choice of 230 global nations. Aromatherapy had never before been so highly publicised and this popular PR venture was supported by the United Nations itself. England choose Sweet Grass as their scent, with the USA opting for Pine and France the provincial aroma of lavender.

Whether you are an avid supporter of aromatherapy or a curious sceptic, this form of complementary therapy is indeed taking the beauty industry by storm. An aromatherapy massage is one of life’s indulgences that client’s believe not only relaxes them, but also brings with it exceptional health and wellness benefits making it a perfect all round treatment. Simply ensure that you follow the aftercare given to you precisely and enjoy your very own unforgettable botanical experience.