What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of oils extracted from aromatic plants. It is a natural therapy aimed at restoring physical, emotional and spiritual balance through essential oils.
It’s not just lavender we use though! There are hundreds of essential oils available that we blend into unique combinations. Some of the new oils are Palo Santo, Kunzea, Katafray, Black Spruce, Buddha Wood. Instead of lavender I might use Blue Tansy, Vetiver or Mandarin, it just depends…
How does aromatherapy work?
It’s not just a pretty smell! Aromatherapy works on your body and mood in two ways.
First the fragrant essential oils are small enough to be absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream. They then circulate throughout your body, having positive effects on your overall wellbeing.
Second, those tiny fragrant molecules travel into your brain and affects your mood. How? They zip along the olfactory nerve in your nose to the limbic system that controls emotions and survival behaviors of freeze, flight or fight. So this is how aromatherapy affects your mood so quickly.
Because each essential oil has its own a complex chemical signature, they offer unique therapeutic options that affect both mood and body. Aromatherapists select multiple oils to create a blend that addresses your needs.
Whether you just need to relax and de-stress or have particular health conditions, aromatherapy massage is an excellent method to improve your personal wellbeing. And you don’t need to have any lavender! In fact, it’s a relief to use the unusual oils, as we get tired of the same old same old too!
Benefits of aromatherapy massage
What is aromatherapy massage good for?
- Stress reducing
- Anxiety reliever
- Increased calmness and relaxation
- Decrease in muscle tension
- Pain relief
- A reduction of symptoms of depression
- Chronic lower back pain
- Menopause support
- Arthritis
- Insomnia relief
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Pregnancy
Aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of physical massage with the power of fragrant essential oils.
The conifer essential oils work on our lungs, dispelling mucus and infection. They release anger, frustration and tension. Conifers calm and ground us, they show us the bigger picture and offer insights to life direction. These essential oils work on your system much the same way as a 2 hour walk in an ancient forest, the practice known as Forest bathing or Japanese Shinrin Yuko.
Certain oils such as chamomile help with stress, anger and frustration. Bergamot helps with depression. And it’s interesting to note that anxiety or depression are common during perimenopause, when we question our place in life. We ask whether we are aligned with our soul’s calling or life’s purpose. It’s s stage where we fell invisible, unrecognised. The essential oils can help us in these times in our transition to wise woman.
What happens in an aromatherapy massage session?
Aromatherapy massage is a type of natural therapy done by a professional aromatherapist trained in both massage as well as essential oils. The scented oils are applied directly to your skin, after being safely diluted, usually into a carrier oil, but also a gel or lotion. The body parts not being massaged are kept covered with towels. Both deep and light massage techniques are used.
You will notice more movement in your neck, back shoulder after a full body massage. You may sleep better that night, but often massage releases toxins that were stuck. It’s important to drink lots of water afterwards and take a quieter afternoon and get an early night. Having a pre-prepared meal is another tip to increase the benefits.
Aromatherapy massage should not be carried out on those with influenza or fever, or someone who has eaten a heavy meal or taken alcohol. And yes, you can have aromatherapy massage during pregnancy and lactation.
Aromatherapy massage near me
If you’re visiting the South Hams (Kingsbridge, Dartmouth or Salcombe), Wendy Gardner offers appointments in Kingsbridge TQ7. Free parking available. Come and unwind and relax. Women only.
Wendy is a London-trained aromatherapist specialising in menopausal issues, who trained with Gabriel Mojay in 2003 at ITHMA, Regents College.
Your exclusive treatment will include a bespoke essential oil blend with organic ingredients, tailored to your needs. Dry skin? Wendy has many exotic extracts to soothe and hydrate.
Introductory offer – A 60 minute aromatherapy treatment is £60.
Tibetan Acupressure Head Massage
A gentle & slow massage of the shoulders, neck, head, scalp and face. Tibetan Bon (acupressure) points that rebalance your parasympathetic nervous system so that you feel deeply relaxed and tranquil. If you find it hard to relax or quiet your mind, this treatment is excellent.
Introductory offer 45 minutes for £40.
How to Book
To visit my healing sanctuary in Kingsbridge, use the contact form or button below so we can see if this will be suitable for you.
Payment is by cash, card or bank transfer.
Distance Healing
For those unable to visit in person, I offer distant healing. It’s suitable for humans of all ages as well as pets! I am trained in Reiki, Seichem and Essene healing.