7th September 2010 
Aromatherapy #01

AROMATHERAPY

What is Aromatherapy?
  • Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy, treating mind, body and spirit. It is an ancient art, used over thousands of years, for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. History has recorded the use of aromatics and oils, derived from plants and flowers by the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, Chinese and Arabs. It was widely used in the Middle Ages and saw its modern day renaissance with French pioneers such as Rene Gattefosse, Marguerite Maury and Tisserand. Essential oils can be produced from flowers, leaves, twigs, roots, bark, wood, seeds, fruit, rind and resin.


    • Aromatherapy #02What is Aromatherapy Massage and how can it help?

  • Aromatherapy massage combines essential oils, chosen specifically for an individual's needs with a gentle, flowing, holistic massage. Both therapies are powerful in their own right, but when combined, they become even more effective. Massage has been shown to stimulate the circulation, help release toxins and ease tense muscles. Studies suggest that massage can boost the immune system, reduce anxiety and depression, help relieve stress related symptoms. The use of essential oils in massage may alleviate specific conditions such as back pain, neck and shoulder aches, headaches and migraine. People who have high blood pressure, difficulty in sleeping, irritable bowel syndrome and many other conditions may also benefit.


    • Aromatherapy #03
  • I am passionate about sourcing the best possible oils and in the case of lavender, I personally visit the growers and distillers in the South of France to obtain the highest quality. I am skilled at mixing carrier oils (pure vegetable oils), essential oils, hydrolats (distilled floral waters), creams and gels for each treatment, specific to an individual's needs . I am also happy to make up products for clients, at a reasonable cost. These can include massage and bath oils, perfumes, face tonics, cleansers and moisturisers, body lotions, gels for excema and much more.

  • For more information, please contact Karen Young on:
    Tel: 020 8742 0643
    email:karendekowski@hotmail.com


    • Aromatherapy #04

    How to prepare an aromatic bath

  • The skin is the largest organ of the body and presents the most effective method of absorbing essential oils. The most efficient way is by facial and body massage, but aromatic baths are also wonderful for relaxing, lifting the spirits or to help ward off minor illnesses.

  • To prepare an aromatic bath, simply run a bath with warm to hot water. Close windows and doors to retain the vapours within the room. Add your chosen essential oils to 5mls of carrier oil (something like almond oil which is readily available). Never add the essential oils to the bath neat as water will not disperse them; they will sit as a very thin film on top of the water and they can in some circumstances irritate the skin. Soak in the water for at least 20 minutes, inhaling the vapours and allowing the essential oils to penetrate the skin. When drying yourself just pat the skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing briskly, again to allow the oils to continue to penetrate the skin.


    • Aromatherapy #05
  • For a relaxing bath (evening): Add 4 drops of lavander and 2 drops of rosewood to 5 ml of carrier oil.

  • For tired overworked muscles (evening): Add 3 drops lavender, 2 drops marjoram and 2 drops roman chamomile to 5 ml of carrier oil.
    N.B. marjoram should not be used at all during pregnancy.

  • For winter blues or if low in energy: Add 3 drops grapefruit, 2 drops bergamot and 2 drops benzoin to 5 ml of carrier oil.

  • To turn your bathroom into a fragrant orange grove: Add 3 drops orange, 2 drops neroli and 1 drop petitgrain to 5ml of carrier oil.

  • Essential oils must never be taken internally. As they are powerful, concentrated substances, do not be tempted to use more than the stated amounts. The above amounts should not be used if pregnant, very elderly, in the case of acute illness, or by babies or children. Essential oils should never be used in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.

  • When using essential oils it is important to go for quality, as it will make a difference to the therapeutic qualities.