Aromatherapy…what is it and why it works!

Don’t just take my word on it…

I think a lot of people may think that aromatherapy and other holistic therapies are a bit wacky, new age or hippyish. I always say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it and I wanted to do a post on what aromatherapy is and why it actually works…

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and massage for therapeutic and healing effect. The oils are administered via application to the skin (with or without massage) or by inhalation. The oils work to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Aromatherapy dates back to over 3500 BC where aromatics were used mostly for religious purposes, perfume and medicine. From the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Romans and the founding father of medicine Hippocrates himself, all have used aromatherapy before the term existed. The term ‘Aromatherapy’ was invented by a French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1935 after he burnt himself badly which he then treated effectively with lavender essential oil. There is much research and providence over the years to support the theory that aromatherapy is good for the body and mind.

Essential oils are 100% natural and are extracted from plants, flowers and trees etc. They’re mainly extracted by steam distillation but some are cold pressed. The science behind aromatherapy focuses on the essential oils therapeutic, curative or preventative properties. Essential oils bring our bodies and minds into harmony.

A typical essential oil will contain more than 100 different chemical compounds, each of which exhibits a specific therapeutic property, and this is why many essential oils can be used for such a wide range of conditions. For example, all essential oils possess antiseptic properties, but many also have antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and other healing properties.

Essential oils have an almost endless list of therapeutic uses, through research and science we continue to discover more about them every year. I’m continually learning about new oils or new therapeutic uses for existing oils…it’s fascinating!

Because of the organic chemical nature of essential oils our bodies do not usually develop resistance or intolerances to them…unlike some modern medications. There are usually no side affects to using essential oils…though everyone is different and will react differently to each essential oil.

Each essential oil is incredible and has its own special properties but the magic happens when you mix it with other oils to create a blend…a great aromatherapist will know which oils work well together, for what issue and will consider this when creating a blend for you.

This is why it’s incredibly important to consult with a qualified, experienced aromatherapist who will take into account your health, medical history, medications etc to ensure a blend will be safe and effective. Aromatherapists however, are not physicians and should never take the place of seeking proper medical advice from the correct source.

What can Aromatherapy help with?

The answer to this is pretty much everything…I always say there’s an oil for everything and it’s true. Over the years I’ve been practising I’ve created blends to help with so many different issues. Whilst my specialisms are around Autism, SEND, behaviour, mental health etc. I’m also very experienced in supporting with a wide range and emotional and physical conditions and will always do my very best to find a blend to help.

Aromatherapy excels as a form of complementary and alternative medicine, helping and bringing relief to millions of people where conventional medicine currently fails

There is nothing better than when someone tells me a blend has helped them…it makes my day and is so rewarding.

Get in touch!

So I hope this has been useful and may have answered some questions or debunked some myths around Aromatherapy. If anyone has any questions around aromatherapy or what blend could support you please do get in touch.

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