About Complementary Therapies

Aromatherapy

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Massage-Based

Aromatherapy has been used for over 3,000 years for its healing, rejuvenating, relaxing and invigorating benefits on the mind, body and spirit. The sense of smell is the fastest route to the brain to create effects; aromas we like lift our mood and promote a sense of well being.

Essential oils are often referred to as the life-force of a plant and contain the chemicals the plant needs to help it survive - to repel insects that may be harmful, attract those it needs, and so on. It is these substances that can be used in their whole state to help us heal ourselves. Many drugs originate in plants. Using essential oils is more like using the whole plant in its natural state - complete with those substances that quench any possible side effects. They come from flowers, herbs, resins and spices. As they are very concentrated that must be used with care and respect.

Essential Oils can be used in many ways:

for BABIES & CHILDREN (be careful some oils are not advised)
in the BATH (be careful some oils are irritants)
in the CAR
on a COMPRESS
as a GARGLE
for INHALATION
on a LIGHT BULB RING
for MASSAGE/SELF APPLICATION
as PERFUME
as a ROOM SPRAY
for VAPOURISATION

THE ESSENTIAL OILS

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) - has mind clearing, soothing, anti-depressant and uplifting effects. Great the morning after the night before, and for wind and other digestive problems. It has an aniseedy aroma.

BERGAMOT (Citrus bergamia) - is cleansing, uplifting, and refreshing with a citrussy aroma. Great for cystitis, bronchitis, and as a room deodoriser.

BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum) - is spicy oil with stimulating, tonifying and warming effects. Good for respiratory problems and aches and pains - use in massage oil.

CAMOMILE (German, Roman, and Moroccan) - is a relaxing, soothing and anti-inflammatory oil that can be used diluted for babies and on sensitive skins. Good for insomnia and colic.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) - is decongesting oil that is also antiseptic. It is also anti-spasmodic so good for aches and pains and for sports people.

GERANIUM (Pelargonium graveolens) is balancing and anti-depressant that is great for hormonal problems such as PMT and stress. Use in a burner for moodwsings.

LAVENDER (Lavendula augustifolia) is the best known and most widely used oil - it is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, calming. And thus a very healing oil. A drop can be used neat on minor burns and insect bites and on the temple in cases of headache. It is a great painkiller and anti-inflammatory to boot!

LEMON (Citrus Limon) is refreshing and invigorating. Lemon is a good painkiller and great for digestive and circulatory problems.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita) is refreshing and cooling to mind body and sprit. Great for indigestion, eating problems - put in a burner at mealtimes. It also aids concentration but be careful as it may irritate skin.

ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus officinalis) - reviving and stimulating. Excellent for refreshing tired muscles, feet and joints. Also useful for clearing the head and aiding concentration. Piercing, fresh, minty-herb aroma.

SANDALWOOD (Santalum album) - relaxing and sedative. Used mainly in skin care to balance oily or dry skin and an ingredient in many expensive perfumes and aftershaves. Smooth, woody aroma.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia) - antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral. Widely used in aromatherapy. Tea Tree has proven antiseptic and immuno-stimulant properties, and is also very effective in the treatment of fungal infection. Medicinal, camphorous aroma.