What is aromatherapy?

Many people believe that aromatherapy is simply a soothing massage using lovely scents. But there is more to it than that. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of concentrated plant essences (essential oils) to relieve stress, enhance health and well being, prevent problems, and support the healing process.

Each essential oil has distinct therapeutic properties that can improve the body's natural functioning and so help to prevent disease. Enhancing the health of both mind and body, they have been shown through research to posess stimulant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties among others.

During aromatherapy massage the aroma of the essential oils can calm the mind and relax the nervous system. Essential oils are able to cross the skin barrier, and enter the blood stream; they also act through inhalation.

It is important to understand the nature of essential oils; they are highly concentrated, and must be diluted before being applied to the skin. They are very powerful, and should always be used with care - preferably under the guidance of a professionally trained aromatherapist.

(acknowledgement to the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists for the above extract)