~ Complimentary Therapies York ~ Reflexology York ~ Reflexologist York ~ Health York ~
What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, from flowers, trees and shrubs and their fruits, blooms, leaves, stems and roots.
The oils are obtained by steam distillation, expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) or enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).

What does it involve?
Essential oils are usually either massaged into the body, to be absorbed through the skin, or inhaled by means of vaporisers. They may also be added to steam inhalations or baths, added to compresses or spread throughout a room with diffusers.

What's it used for?
It's often used to relieve stress, headaches, insomnia, tension and pain, and to aid relaxation and general wellbeing. It's increasingly being used in cancer care and in sports therapy.
Essential Oil Resource.

How popular is it?
Aromatherapy is one of the most popular forms of complementary therapy and is widely used by people buying over-the-counter oils, and by health professionals in a range of settings.

How does it work?
Scents from essential oils can stimulate olfactory (smell) receptors in the nose, and brain scans have shown that this can then trigger activity in certain areas of the brain linked to mood and memory.
Components of essential oils may also be absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream and are then thought to influence the nervous system, mental state and emotions, and possibly even organ function, although the exact mechanism for this is still unclear.

 
What happens?
Diagnosis: Aromatherapists do not make medical diagnoses unless they're medically qualified, so if you're in any doubt about your condition you should consult your doctor.

Treatment: The aromatherapist will take a medical history and then determine which oil, or combination of oils, will be the most beneficial for you. You'll normally be asked to undress to your underwear and then be covered with towels in a warm room.
The oils will be diluted in a carrier oil, such as almond or grape seed, and then massaged into your neck, shoulders and upper back, or given as a full body massage, or a facial.
Various massage techniques may be used although Swedish massage is the most common.

Time taken: An aromatherapy massage can last from 20 to 90 minutes depending on whether its a partial or full body massage.

Techniques: Some aromatherapists also use manual lymphatic drainage and/or acupressure techniques as part of their treatment.

Is it safe and are there any side-effects?
supervision, as they may be toxic. Allergic reactions are also possible. It's best to test for this by applying a small amount of diluted oil on the back of the wrist or ear lobe as test before using it fully.
Certain oils may also interact with prescribed medicines. Get advice from your doctor or aromatherapist if taking medication.

How many treatments will I need?
People who have aromatherapy for relaxation and pleasure may have a treatment every week.
Treatments for ailments, such as respiratory problems, are usually weekly over several sessions and then gradually spread over increasing intervals to fortnightly or monthly follow-ups.

When should I not have aromatherapy?
Certain essential oils may not be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or high blood pressure. In such cases, always get advice on appropriate oils and massage techniques from a trained aromatherapist.

Aromatherapy should not be used with infants and very young children, or immediately after surgery. It is also not advised if you have epilepsy, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis or contagious skin conditions. Areas of broken skin should also be avoided.

How much will it cost?
Aromatherapy sessions usually cost from £25 to £50 depending on whether you have a full body or partial massage. Aromatherapy treatments on the NHS are usually free or subsidised. Private health insurance does not usually cover aromatherapy

~ Beauty Therapist York ~ Aromatherapy York ~ Massage York ~ Aromatherapist York ~