Aromatherapy uses essential oils, concentrated essences that are distilled or extracted from dozens of different plants. The various essential oils all have different properties. Some oils can relieve pain and some can increase circulation, many essential oils are antibacterial or antiviral, some are sedative and some are stimulating. Many aromatic oils have been used for centuries in healing and in beauty treatments. Today's aromatherapists use around 50 different oils that are derived from the flowers, roots, fruits, leaves, seeds and resins of aromatic plants.
The aromatherapy treatment session with an aromatherapist offers a unique experience in stress relief. An aromatherapist will blend natural essential oils together with a nourishing base oil, which is usually a high quality vegetable oil such as jojoba, sunflower or sweet almond. As the oil is worked into your skin, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and begins to circulate to other areas of the body. Also, as the therapist works to massage the oil into your skin, you will be able to breathe in the scent and enjoy the natural healing benefits.
A classic aromatherapy massage is a full body treatment and it often creates a feeling of deep relaxation that can last for hours or even days. However, there is more to aromatherapy than relaxation. A professional aromatherapist begins a treatment by taking a detailed case history: s/he will ask questions about the client's health, previous and current injuries, any health conditions and illnesses, lifestyle and other issues that affect the choice of essential oils for the treatment. Based on the consultation the therapist then creates a blend of oils to use during the treatment.
There have been studies suggesting that receiving a regular massage can be a very effective way to ease muscle tension, relieve stress and pain and increase joint mobility. In the aromatherapy session, natural essential oils will be used to compliment and enhance the physical techniques being used, as well as to provide their own unique health benefits. Using the combination of the health giving benefits of the essential oils in combination with the massage treatment itself make aromatherapy an extremely valuable remedy for natural stress relief.
Aromatherapy is a therapy that can complement almost any traditional or alternative medical treatment. It also has the ability to simply provide a beneficial relaxing effect that can be enjoyed as a special treat, or as a way to paper oneself while taking a break from the hectic and chaotic pace of life. A regular session of aromatherapy massage can be an effective means of preventing stress as well as providing a way to remain balanced even when times are stressful.
