What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy massage combines the therapeutic benefits of essential oils with a variety of massage techniques to help to improve your emotional and physical wellbeing. It is often used for chronic pain (pain that lasts a long time), anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia. However, aromatherapy can help with a wide range of health issues and, combined with a sensible lifestyle, is an excellent way of maintaining health and preventing the imbalances which give rise to illness. Having regular aromatherapy massages will bring a noticeable improvement in well-being and general health: Circulation is improved, muscles are relaxed, joints become more flexible, the immune system is strengthened, toxins are eliminated and energy flow is balanced. On an emotional level, stress and tension are replaced by feelings of relaxation and contentment.
How does it work?
The essential oils, which are extracted from plants, are massaged into the skin using a variety of deep and light massage techniques and pressures. The effects of the massage are intensified by the use of essential oils and vice versa. Each treatment is tailored to your needs so the therapist selects and blends the oils at the start of each session. Every essential oil has its own therapeutic
properties, acting on muscles, nerves, circulation, skin, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and endocrine systems. (The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones that help control many important bodily functions).
It is important that you visit a professional aromatherapist as they are qualified to blend essential oils. “Essential oils are concentrated, volatile plant extracts that vary in strength due to their naturally occurring individual chemical components. They can eventually enter your bloodstream and should therefore be diluted before being applied to the skin. Your aromatherapist will know which essential oils to blend for you and which carrier oil to use for the massage treatment.” (From the IFPA).
People often ask which type of massage they need…
Many people are confused by the variety of massage techniques that exist and think that they need to specify what they want when they book an appointment. However, you don’t need to decide in advance. The therapists are trained to advise you – that’s what they’re here to do! At the beginning of your first session the aromatherapist will discuss your particular problem or condition, your general emotional and physical health and your medical history, along with any worries or fears that you have. Aromatherapy treatment is a relaxing treatment that takes place in an environment where you feel comfortable and at ease. Therefore it is not always necessary for patients to undress for an aromatherapy treatment. Hand, arm, face and/or foot massages allow the oils to be absorbed into the skin and provide the therapeutic benefits of touch. Even the aroma of the essential oils has a profound psychological effect capable of influencing our emotions and mood.
Aromatherapy can help with a wide range of health issues. These include:
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and digestive problems
Headaches and sinus problems
Grief and bereavement
Muscle soreness and stiffness
Muscle spasms and cramping
And finally, you don’t have to have something specifically ‘wrong’ with you to benefit from an aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy massage is a wonderful way to rebalance the body, creating an overall sense of wellbeing and helping you to cope with the stresses and strains of daily life.
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There are two qualified professional aromatherapists at York Clinic, Elizabeth and Christine. To book an appointment or for more information, please contact York Clinic on 01904 709688 or email@yorkclinic.com. We will respond to you as soon as possible.
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