Treatments

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of the body, mind and spirit.

It is an art and science that seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's responses to aromatic extracts, as well as to observe and enhance the preventative approach. It is also an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or disease.

Essential oils extracted from plants are often aromatic.

Aromatherapy can benefit a wide range of conditions and is considered a gentle treatment suitable for all age groups.

Aromas, smell, directly stimulate an area of the brain, the limbic system, which is responsible for our most primitive emotions and memories. A single scent can bring up a mountain of emotions and cause us to recall memories that extend back to our earliest years.

The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used fragrances as part of their daily rituals and even to induce dreams.

Aromas have been shown to stimulate or relax the body, improve attention span and concentration, enhance learning abilities, increase imagination, aid insomnia and depression etc.

Here are some of the better known scents and the therapeutic benefits ascribed to them.

• Sandlewood - tranquillity
• Jasmine - passion and excitement
• Cedarwood - relaxation
• Ylang ylang - calming
• Ginger - stimulation of the mind
• Cistus (rock rose) - mind expansion
• Clary sage (lavender) - anti-depression

Some aromas for certain negative mental and emotional states are:

• Insomnia - neroli (from orange blossom), clary sage, sandlewood, basil, chamomile, lavender, orange, apple, cypress, frankincense
• Nightmares - fennel, mint, rosemary, marjoram, orange
• Anxiety - basil, bergamot, corander, hyssop, mint, rosemary, heliotrope, patchouli
• Depression - angelica, lemon, ginger, eucalyptus, neroli, parsley, patchouli, basil, bergamot, chamomile, jasmine, lemongrass, rose, sandlewood, ylang, ylang
• Lethargy - rosemary, ylang ylang, eucalyptus, lemon, pine
• Stress - rose, tarragon, vervain, chamomile, geranium, lavender, marjoram, Melissa, peppermint, sandlewood
• Inability to concentrate - carnation, bergamot, coriander, jasmine, lemon
• Stale or toxic air - basil, peppermint, pine

By making a note of the different smells you encounter in your environment and reflecting on the feeling they provide, you can then choose scents that make you feel most creative and productive.

Many of the essential oils upon which aromatherapy is based can be safely used at home and the basic techniques of use can soon be mastered. However, some should only be used by trained aromatherapist and others must be avoided in certain conditions such as pregnancy.

It is wise to seek medical advice in the event of doubt or if the ailment is more than a minor one.

We hope you enjoy the use of our aromatherapy products.