To celebrate #AromatherapyAwarenessWeek my latest blog discusses why I keep falling in love with Aromatherapy.
I have been a qualified Aromatherapist for 5 years this summer, but long before I qualified I had been using essential oils and making products; for approximately 14 years. Over the last few years of my practice I’ve seen the popularity for authentic Aromatherapy treatments dwindle. What do I mean by ‘authentic Aromatherapy?’ Well the easiest way to describe it is using essential oils blended in either vegetable oils or base products to treat someone. The blend chosen is based on that particular client’s needs, so it’s not a pre-made product. The product (usually a massage blend if being used in a clinic setting) is made specifically for a person and is based on them and what they tell me they need in a treatment. However, this year more and more of my clients and family and friends have experienced the benefits that Aromatherapy has to offer and it’s so wonderful to introduce my favourite Therapy to more and more people. So with it being the IFA’s Aromatherapy Awareness Week. Here’s how Aromatherapy has been helping many whom have come to me for a treatment.
It’s a great relaxer and mood enhancer
This year I ran 2 workshops. One at the start of the year which was a stress workshop with my colleague Debra Whelehan, the second was on how Aromatherapy can help with mood. It was wonderful watching all the attendees smell different essential oils and what memories arose from that experience. There were many funny comments, but some evoked beautiful childhood memories, and some really did help the groups relax, by the end of both workshops each group was ready for their beds! In the first workshop, each attendee was given a pre-blended rollerball aimed at reducing stress. I recently gave one of the rollerballs to an elderly family friend who has been housebound for many many years and the strain had taken its toll on her. She has been dutifully applying the rollerball to her pulse points daily; she says it has helped her feel more positive.
Positive results for pain relief
Last month my friend’s son was rushed to hospital with a perforated appendix. When we went to visit him my friend’s lovely 5 year old was in so much pain. The pain killers weren’t working and he was being given a form of morphine, which my friend wasn’t keen on. Unfortunately I completely forgot to take my oils with me when I visited him in hospital. Luckily I keep oil in my bag, as well as a Neal’s yard Energy Rollerball. I rolled some of the rollerball blend on 2 pieces of tissue; one to put in the hospital pillow and one for him to smell when the pain got too much. I then massaged his feet with the oil I had which contained Lavender, Geranium and Tea Tree. This helped him relax and he continued to sniff the tissue all evening, and his parents massaged his feet that evening and the following morning. When I got home I made him a blend of essentials containing Mandarin, Geranium, Bergamot and Neroli. I instructed my friend to put I drop of the blend on a tissue for her son to inhale, she could also add 4 drops to her diffuser to leave in his bedroom whilst he slept. I also made a foot oil for him so he could have his feet massaged. After a week I contacted my friend and she was so thankful for my help. Her son had loved both blends and it really helped them get through a difficult time. Her son was back on his feet and was on the way to making a full recovery.
Can be used for muscular pain and headaches
Even if my clients don’t want an authentic Aromatherapy treatment Massage, I do make massage oil blends using essential oils. The popular ones are always the ones that contain essentials oils like Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary, Peppermint, Ginger and Lavender and all of these oils are great for muscular pain and tension headaches. I have some clients who suffer from severe headaches and I always recommend an Aromatherapy Massage to enhance the benefits of the treatment. A few years ago, I suffered from chronic tenosynovitis. It was so severe; I thought I was going to have to give up massage for good. I couldn’t even hold a pen, let alone bathe my son, who was a baby at the time. It took a combination of Therapies that helped me overcome the condition. Every night I would perform a hot and cold treatment with key essentials oils such as German Chamomile, Spiked Lavender, Peppermint and Thyme. I also made an anti-inflammatory gel using these key oils in a base of Aloe Vera and Seaweed gel and St John’s wort oil. I applied the gel before bed and after any deep tissue massage treatments I had on my arm and hand. It was a long journey to become ‘pain free’ but it paid off. I haven’t had a bad episode like that since.
Beneficial in Skincare Preparations
If you know me or come to my clinic, you know that Aromatherapy is a huge part of my skincare regime. I make 75% of the products I use, and that is the same for my son since the day he was born, My Mum called my son, my second guinea pig! When he was born I made him face, hair and body oils, balms for his bottom and eczema and baby powder. You name it, I make it. I am currently working with a lovely young lady who suffers from acne. My next blog will be about our journey finding the right products for her.
Some of my favourite essential oils for the skin are Lavender; it’s great for all conditions particularly burns and cuts. I often tell friends and family to apply it after a burn. I instruct them cool the area with water first, before applying Lavender and I always get a call to say there was no evidence of the burn the next day. I also love working with Geranium, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense and Myrrh. They are great for conditions such as eczema, mature or dry skin conditions. For oily skin, I love Juniper, Lemon and Palma Rosa and of course Tea Tree. Tea Tree is a great oil to have in the house; it has so many beneficial uses.
In short from the day I discovered Aromatherapy, it has become part of my life. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to work in a field that you are passionate about. I love the journey it has taken me on and I will spend a lifetime discovering new oils and learning how they can benefit me, my family, friends and my clients.