What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is treatment that utilises the natural aromatic aspect of plants, both for their scent and for their inherant medicinal purposes.
Every living thing as a life force, engery or soul. This part of a plant is said to be held in it's essential oil. These aromatic oils can be found in a wide range of species and are extracted from the seeds, bark, leaves, flowers, wood, roots or resin according to the type of plant.
The term "aromatherapie" was first coined in the 1920's by Dr Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a chemist in his family perfume company, as he became interested in the medicinal properties of essential oils. However, the use of aromatic plants dates back to the times of the Babylonians and, probably most well known, the Egyptians and their use of pure essences and resins for embalming, dyes, cosmetics and in magical and religious ceremonies. The Greeks developed aromatherapy further, acquiring medical knowledge from the Egyptians to use it to cure illneses. There are further biblical references to essential oils, and documented use throughout Indian, China & the Middle Ages.
What is Aromatherapy Massage?
Aromatherapy massage is a technique that incorporates acupressure points, acupuncture meridians, soft tissue manipulation, lymphatic drainage and energy balancing. This method of massaging essential oils into the body works on the nervous system. All movements are done in a gentle, slow, rhythmical way, allowing the body to deeply relax. This in turn stimulates the flow of blood and lymph, which encourages a cleansing and harmonising process. Together with deep mental relaxation, the process of healing is encouraged and maintained.
You deserve the chance to feel healed, relaxed and pampered.
References:
Introducing Aromatherapy ~ Margrit Bachman 1999; Home Aromatherapy ~ Julia Lawless 1993; Practical Aromatherapy ~ Shirley Price 1994
Music
"Not What You Think It Is" by Dan Mangan (www.danmanganmusic.com) from his fabulous cd "Postcards & Daydreaming". Available now.