About Essential Oils

As well as simply smelling divine, essential oils are also complex chemicals which penetrate the skin into the blood stream, affecting the systems of the body on a physiological level. Meanwhile the aroma enters the body via the nose into the lungs and is transported to the brain where different oils may have calming, relaxing or stimulatory properties on the nervous system.

In this way essential oils affect both body and mind simultaneously, providing a truly holistic healing experience.

Methods of Use

There are several popular methods of application for essential oils - the most common being massage by dilution in a base oil, which is the main method I use in my practice.  Many clients think that an aromatherapy massage is a very delicate style of massage and won’t get to work areas of muscular tension.  This is not necessarily true! While aromatherapy massage is generally slower and lighter than Swedish, the therapist should adapt their style to your needs.  Properly qualified aromatherapists will have done a course in Swedish massage as a pre-requisite to their training, and so will be able to apply deeper tissue work where required - don’t be afraid to ask!

There are many other methods of application of essential oils that can be used in home-care such as compresses (hot and cold), inhalation, room sprays, diffusers and oil burners, and baths.