Aromatherapy

What is the History of Aromatherapy?

The origins of Aromatherapy can be traced to the Chinese around 4500 BC.  The Egyptians must, however, take the credit for recognising the physical and spiritual properties of aromatic essences.  From hieroglyphs and paintings we know that aromatic preparations were used as offerings to the Gods.  The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of essential oils and resins, such as Cedarwood and Frankincense, were used for mummifications.  As cosmetics and perfumes became widespread the use of essential oils gradually permeated all levels of society.  Essential oils were used in Greek and Roman times and in Arabia.  Later in Europe essential oils were used as the basis of a flourishing perfume market.  In 1928 a French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, first used the term Aromatherapy, and his study of the therapeutics of aromatic plant essences were further developed by Dr Jean Valnet.  Their work forms the basis of today’s art of Aromatherapy.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of natural essences extracted from leaves, flowers, roots, herbs, trees, grasses and the fruit peel.  These essences can help to maintain the body’s physical and emotional well-being.  Through the powerful senses of smell and touch, essential oils can be used with massage to help restore balance to the mind and body. 

Aromatherapy can help benefit the following:

	Stress, tension and fatigue
	Insomnia
	General aches and pains
	Anxiety and depression
	High or low blood pressure
	Menstrual and menopausal problems
	Skin care
	Digestive disorders
	Arthritis and rheumatism

What happens in a Treatment Session?

Each Aromatherapy session is a space for you and your individual needs.  A treatment begins with a confidential consultation to ensure appropriate oils are chosen for you. Pure, high-quality essential oils to promote positive health, restore balance, reduce stress and revitalise are blended with a carrier oil. The treatment is tailored to suit your needs.  It may, for example, include lymphatic drainage if required. If you are pregnant your massage will be adapted and advice will be given on suitable oils for the pregnancy and birth.

Reflexology

What is the History of Reflexology?

The ancient art of Reflexology has been practised for many thousands of years.  It was first used by the early Indian, Chinese and Egyptian peoples.  The basis of today’s foot reflexology was developed by Dr W Fitzgerald, who, in 1913, discovered that the reflex areas on the hands and the feet are linked to the systems of the body.  This theory of mapping zones was further developed in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham. She observed that tension and congestion in any part of the foot mirrors tension and congestion in a corresponding part of the body.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the firm but gentle massage and manipulation of the feet.   It deals with the principle that there are reflex points on the feet which correspond to all parts of the body’s glands, organs and structures.  There are over 7,200 nerve endings on the feet and by stimulating these with reflexology it is possible to stimulate and effect the whole body through the nervous system.  The body has a natural ability to heal itself and Reflexology can help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing. 

Reflexology plays an important role in ongoing health care maintenance. Some of the many conditions it can help benefit are:

	Stress
	Lethargy
	Headaches
	Backache
	Sinus problems
	Digestive disorders

What happens in a Treatment Session?

Your first treatment will be preceded by a confidential consultation.  You will then be asked to remove your shoes and socks and lie down in a semi-reclining position. The feet are then cleansed and the treatment begins with relaxation movements of each foot before moving on to thumb and finger pressure techniques.

The pressure I use will depend on the sensitivity of the client being treated.  For example, light pressure would be used if treating a child or a frail client. The treatment should not be uncomfortable but some reflex areas on the feet may be sensitive.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage, or Champissage, is a wonderfully relaxing therapy which has been practised in India for over a thousand years.  It includes massage of the shoulders, arms, neck and scalp and is performed with the client in a seated position, fully clothed.  Oils may be used on the scalp if desired and it can help relieve aches and pains, headaches and migraines, stress and dandruff.