What is Aromatherapy?
Throughout history, across all cultures from ancient times to the present evidence of massage can be found. Indeed, for thousands of years it has been enhancing mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
There has been a growing awareness of how mental health is at the forefront of wellness. Aromatherapy massage is a complementary therapy and may help to manage specific mental, emotional and physical problems and is used alongside conventional medical care.
Aromatherapy massage can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety and depression as a tool to promote relaxation and emotional wellbeing. It may help people cope with certain health challenges, support and general wellbeing, or as means of relaxation. Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy if the body is unbalanced. It encourages the return of balance and health and acts on the body, mind and spirit.
How does it work?
Aromatherapy is based on the use of natural oils extracted from aromatic plants, flowers, trees and herbs which may help improve both emotional and physical wellbeing.
The oils are often considered by many to be the life force of the plant. They are invaluable therapeutically as they contain vital energy and natural compounds. Two of our most important senses, smell and touch, are used in aromatherapy. The nerve cells in the nose are activated by inhaling the aromas of the essential oils, which sends messages to the brain. This has a therapeutic effect on the mind and emotions.
The aromatherapy massage works on the soft tissues of the body, allowing the tiny molecules in the essential oils to be absorbed into the skin, thence to the bloodstream, and into the nervous system.
This process is how the essential oils can calm and relieve stress or invigorate.
Benefits
Psychological
Benefits
Your body responds to massage in two main ways. Firstly, there are the psychological benefits. Anxiety and stress are common challenges we face due to the pressure of our fast-paced lives. We may be feeling, overburdened, tired and over-worked with insufficient time to rest. Our lifestyle may be stressful and feeling the weight of modern life. It is important for our wellbeing that we switch off from anxieties and problems. Aromatherapy can offer respite by encouraging feelings of deep relaxation, to relieve tension and lower stress levels by harnessing the soothing calming properties of essential oils. This may help to calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, promote tranquillity and relaxation. Massage may help to relax and unwind, which makes it an ideal antidote to today’s stressful lifestyles. Aromatherapy may help to improve digestion using essential oils to calm digestive tract muscles, nervous system and reduce inflammation. Holistic therapy looks at the whole person, and the root cause, recognising that mental or emotional stress can often be linked to physical aches.
Finding time to totally relax to “Just Be” can help the mind, body and spirit in releasing pent up tension and emotions.
Mobility
Benefits
Secondly, there is a physical effect on your body from massage, helping to reduce muscle aches, pain, stiffness or increasing joint mobility. Muscles can ache for all sorts of reasons: bad posture, tension, sitting at computer desk typing all day or a physically demanding job. Aromatherapy may help to improve mobility and reduce pain due to its anti- inflammatory properties. It may help to relieve muscle fatigue, soreness, stiffness, muscle tension, particularly upper back tension and lower backache, and target knots. Massage may help to ease headaches by reducing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Boost
Energy
Incorporating aromatherapy may help to boost energy levels, enhance mood and general wellbeing, to achieve a greater sense of balance and enhance emotional wellbeing. Aromatherapy can encourage a return of wellbeing and balance if the body is unbalanced acting on the mind body and spirit. Moods may fluctuate and energy levels dip, Aromatherapy is known for its uplifting, energising properties with mood enhancement and refreshing energy-boosting effects. We may experience poor concentration, suffer physical tiredness, lethargy and mental fatigue. Aromatherapy may help to enhance alertness, concentration, cognition and memory improving productivity and focus.
Sleep
Health
Sleep health and quality sleep is essential for vitality and overall health, yet we may struggle with poor sleep patterns and insomnia. Certain essential oils have sedative properties which may help to enhance sleep quality. They may help to unwind, calm the mind and nervous system promoting better sleep quality. Aromatherapy may help to relax an active mind, improve mood and aid sleep.
Support
Immune System
Maintaining a strong immune system is important as it builds resilience and overall health. Aromatherapy can play an important part in immune system health due to the essential oil immune-enhancing properties. The essential oils may support the immune system by boosting its natural defence against infections, germs and illness, promoting vitality.
Improve
Circulation
Aromatherapy supports the body’s natural detoxification, and it improves circulation, stimulating the flow of fresh nutrients. It may help to enhance the condition of your skin.
Aromatherapy & Me
My journey started with two large folders about holistic health passed down to me by a family member. I would spend many a day browsing through them.
As a keen gardener, I started to add a few herbs into my garden: camomile, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary and sage, or a pot of lavender in the house. I would sit and relax after a hard day’s work and enjoy their aromas. I became curious about aromatherapy after a few health issues of my own and I started to use essential oils as part of my wellbeing. Experiencing aromatherapy helped me through issues which inspired me to help and make a difference to others.
Wanting to learn more, I embarked on my journey of training to become an aromatherapist in 1997. My experiences led me to start my own holistic business as an aromatherapist and nutritional adviser. I work from home and have gained extensive experience over the years working with clients. I have built trust and confidence between myself and my clients. I have worked in corporate environments, in offices and workplaces, and run health and wellbeing days for the public, helping and supporting people to alleviate the physical and mental effects of stress-related ailments.
Whether you are seeking help with muscle tension, stress relief or just an hour of escapism, time to “Just Be”, I am here to help and support you through your wellbeing journey.
What’s Involved
Consultation
My approach is client-centred, taking into account your individual needs and preferences. This means that your individual best interests, personal preferences and needs are at the centre of the treatment plan.
I formulate a treatment plan which meets your objectives, expectations and needs. I engage with you fully in the treatment plan, so your personal preferences are taken into account where it is safe and appropriate to do so. I can explain the differences between my treatment options available to address your needs. We can decide together which treatment is best to suit your needs. I always consider if this choice is appropriate and safe for you and an alternate treatment may be offered.
At your first session, please allow approximately 20 minutes extra as a full consultation is taken. Please ensure that you have personal details to hand on your first session.
Part of your consultation is about your general health, considering any emotional and physical issues. Also to recap if any changes in health since our initial assessment.
I request permission to send emails, text or call.
I always work holistically, looking at the whole person, mind, body and spirit whether you seek help managing stress, muscle tension or any other health issues. The massage treatment plan is tailored for your unique needs, to address your personal health goals and concerns.
Treatment
I use Neals Yard essential oils in the aromatherapy massage. They are certified 100% organic, sustainable ingredients and ethically sourced. Free from genetic modification (GM), certified cruelty-free and never tested on animals. I mix essential oils with a neutral carrier oil like almond oil or grapeseed, which is tailored to your skin condition and treatment aims. Never apply undiluted essential oils to your skin. Support your wellbeing or boost your mood with these expertly crafted pure essential oils. To help you relax, restore, balance, and uplift your spirits gently and naturally.
Aromatherapy massage merges tailored techniques with a therapeutic blend of carrier oil and essential oils which are absorbed into the skin. Some massage techniques are slow which can promote relaxation and induce sleep. Other techniques can be brisk movements to invigorate.
Aftercare
After care is offered in accordance with your requirements and wherever appropriate following your treatment, if you wish to maximise the effects of your massage.
Follow-up sessions may be needed to achieve the most benefits from the treatments and always guided by your needs.
Treatment Times
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9am - 9pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Session Times & Frequency
My privacy notice tells you what I do with your personal information from initial point of contact through to after your treatment has ended.
I offer a free-of-charge no-obligation 2o minute telephone call, so please feel free to contact me on the number provided. It is a chance to ask any questions to gain an understanding of what the treatments entail. I ask questions to gain a better idea of your presenting issue and to identify any conditions or symptoms, medication and any contraindications. Based on this assessment, I am able to establish if I am the right person to be of help to you and ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate.
I am able to advise whether the treatment is suitable and potentially beneficial according to your needs based on this information. It is important that you feel comfortable and able to work with me and it is OK if you don’t want to continue for any reason. It is for you to decide that you feel comfortable enough with me to make a commitment to working together.
Aromatherapy/lava shell/Therma Bliss stone massage should not be used in place of conventional medical care. Please consult a GP, health professional or midwife for advice if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.
GP or other healthcare professionals’ consent may need to be obtained if any contraindications are identified, for the treatment to go ahead.
I offer treatments on a short- and-long term basis and am governed by your needs, working at your pace.
Treatment room
Your treatment is held in a private room where you are not overheard. Modesty and comfort are assured throughout your treatment, and I ensure you are treated with respect and discretion. I offer a safe non-judgemental, private, welcoming and relaxing treatment room where I aim to create a warm, comfortable, neutral space using natural materials and textured fabrics. I have incorporated a touch of the tranquillity of nature into the colour scheme enhancing the connectiveness to the outside environment.
I hope it is a place where you can take some time for yourself to reconnect mind, body and spirit.
Fees
Fees are payable by cash on the day of the treatment or by bank transfer, and I ask that you transfer my fee 24 hours before our session.
Payments are paid into a separate business bank account rather than my personal account to protect confidentiality.
My telephone number (07908 71O151) has been provided in case of alterations, cancelations or emergencies.
I understand that there may be times when contact is necessary outside of the booked treatments, although my email and telephone are not always monitored and not at all outside business hours. Please leave a message and a convenient time to call back on your preferred number if you find you are directed to my answer machine. I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am the only person who will access your message, and it is confidential. Alternatively, you can email me if this is more convenient.
My phone has password protection and uses face recognition to be sufficiently secure to ensure confidentiality.
Treatment Menu
Males only on recommendation
Aromatherapy
Massage
This ancient discipline helps to enhance health and wellbeing. It combines massage with the therapeutic application of aromatic essential oils tailored for your specific needs. This full body aromatherapy massage provides a soothing experience to help unwind ending with a sublime face and scalp massage. It may help to relieve tension and promote relaxation, by targeting areas that accumulate most stress, helping to restore harmony of mind body and spirit.
Aromatherapy
Head Massage
An aromatherapy head massage focuses on the specific areas of the scalp, face and neck. A head massage may help to relieve mental and emotional stress, crafted to help relieve tension and promote relaxation. An aromatherapy head massage may help to calm a busy mind or enhance alertness and concentration. It may also help to relax neck tension and relieve headaches.
Aromatherapy
Back, Shoulders, Neck and Face Massage
I focus where most stress and muscular tension are stored, in areas around the neck, shoulders, back and facial muscles. It may help to reduce stress and deeply relax muscles, helping to calm the mind and nervous system if you are finding it hard to switch off, encouraging better sleep quality.
Lava Shell Massage
The natural tiger clam lava shells first reached our shores in 2009 from the Philippines. The porcelain shell is handcrafted using high quality porcelain. Each shell is hand painted, replicating the beautiful lustre and appearance of natural shells.
Lava shell benefits
Muscles relax quicker and more effectively due to the continual heat from the shells, easing away stress and tension:
- The heat improves circulation.
- Improves skin appearance.
- Reduces tight and tense muscles.
- Seamless massage of heat and touch.
- The lava shell can stay hotter for up to 10 times longer than a traditional stone.
Products used
A luxurious and indulgent versatile vegan-friendly massage oil made from a blend of essential oil used for relaxing, soothing, calming and sleep properties. The opulent fusion of argan, shea and coconut oil leaves your skin thoroughly hydrated and beautifully conditioned.
Lava Shells
Massage
A bespoke and indulgent heated massage delivering an idyllic treatment combining the warmth of lava shells with targeted and deeply relaxing massage techniques. The eco-friendly nonporous shells can help to deliver deep therapeutic relief tailored to your needs. During the massage, lava shells are worked over the arms and legs in slow deep moves to warm and de-stress before concluding with a wonderfully tranquil massage on the back, neck, and shoulder area to ease away tension, knots and stress. Seamlessly weaving together warmth and continual touch promoting tranquillity and serenity. Add a self-heating eye mask for ultimate relaxation.
Lava Shells
Back Massage
A deeply relaxing massage using the comforting heat of lava shells. Flowing massage, in slow deep moves, eases tension, releases knots and melts away stress. Lava shells warm and relax the muscles.
Self-Heating Eye Mask
Eye masks harness advanced and patented eco steam technology and warm up in as little as 30 seconds when they come into contact with the air.
- Relief from dry, itchy, tired and puffy eyes.
- Calms an anxious and busy mind.
- Promotes deep relaxation and recovery.
- Combats insomnia and sleep-related issues.
- Perfect for sufferers of migraines, tension or hormonal headaches.
- Great for frequent travellers needing to rest and unwind away from home.
- Ideal for anyone working long hours staring at a computer screen.
Thermabliss Stone Massage
Thermabliss Stones are non-porous hand-crafted porcelain stones made from the earth’s natural minerals. Each stone is made to replicate the appearance of natural stone. They have been cast from the ideal natural stone and are uniform in size and thickness. They offer a tailored journey to relaxation and tranquillity that can help to ease away tension, knots and stress.
Thermabliss stone benefits
- Promotes extreme relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Improves circulation
- Improves skin appearance
- Reduces tight, tense muscles.
- Seamless massage of heat and touch.
Thermabliss stones
Massage
Thermabliss stone massage may enhance relaxation for the body and mind. The consistent soothing heat combined with the essential oils may help to soothe tension, melt away stress to deliver a calming and restorative massage. The comforting heat and massage may help to relax your mind into a deeper state of tranquillity and serenity.
Thermabliss stones
Back Massage
A deeply relaxing massage using the soothing heat of thermabliss stones. Flowing massage, in slow deep moves, eases tension, releases knots and melts away stress. thermabliss stones warm and relax muscles.