Professional Care Needed for Safe and Effective Aromatherapy

Essential oils have powerful healing properties and have been used to treat imbalances of the mind, body and spirit for hundreds of years.

In aromatherapy massage, essential oils complement a holistic treatment plan which is unique to each individual client. They are highly concentrated plant oils which have a wide range of healing properties which can boost your mood in a variety of ways including, stress relief, boosting energy, detoxifying, decongesting and uplifting.

Calm and slow movements are used to massage the oils into the skin. This enhances physical and emotional wellbeing by encouraging deep relaxation. They are absorbed into the skin during the massage and reach the internal organs through the body's circulatory system.

The scent of the essential oils is inhaled during the massage and can influence the emotions, hormones and nervous system. Benefits of this include relieving tension and stress, encouraging deep relaxation, stimulating the immune system and improving blood and lymph circulation, boosting energy levels and enhancing overall wellbeing and mental calm.

There is a considerable difference between the essential oils used for aromatherapy massage and the blended oils that are used for treatments in beauty spas and salons. Handling and using the oils requires specialist training as they are highly concentrated and potent. Often, only a few drops are needed to reach the desired effect.

Occasionally, clients need to be aware that the combination of massage and essential oils can be over stimulating. Pregnant women, for example, require specialist massage treatment and should speak to their massage therapist before beginning treatment.

Unfortunately aromatherapy can be seen as a 'lightweight' or just for 'a bit of relaxation and a pamper' and often when offered through beauty salons and spas this is how it is described and advertised. However, essential oils are an excellent treatment for a range of emotional and physical stresses and can calm the mind and boost the body's natural energy sources.

To get the full benefits, these potent oils should be handled carefully and used to enhance a bespoke treatment that focuses on the individual needs of each client. Before beginning treatment ensure that the therapist you have chosen is qualified and experienced in the use of these potent natural extracts and that you have discussed fully with your therapist the symptoms you are experiencing and required relief.

Often after a thorough consultation and depending on the skills and qualifications your selected professional massage therapist has they will combine aromatherapy massage with other massage therapy techniques to create a unique treatment plan for you.