Aromatherapy

It is interesting how there are some areas of complementary medicine that our society is still skeptical about, whilst other forms have been embraced whole-heartedly. The average man or woman in the street may feel unsure about the benefits of acupuncture, and yet follow the principles of aromatherapy, often without knowing it. How many of us feel happier of more relaxed when we wear a particular perfume or aftershave? Why do you choose the scent of one shampoo or deodorant over other and how many of us burn candles, incense or essential oils at home to create a certain ambiance?

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years and there is evidence of the ancient Egyptian and Babylonian cultures valuing spices like cinnamon and myrrh largely for their aromatic qualities. Today, whether you acknowledge it or not, the scent of things and how these smells make us feel affect much of our food and toiletries shopping. As aromatherapy has moved quietly into the mainstream, it has become more and more evident in cosmetics, skincare ranges and beauty treatments and you'll find that most day spas will offer some form of aromatherapy on their pampering menu.



From the moment you enter the spa you will probably smell a delicious fragrance wafting towards you from an incense burner. Your next reaction should be a sense of well being and relaxation, as the essential oils permeating the room will almost have certainly been chosen to calm and sooth your frazzled nerves and to get you in the right frame of mind to leave your worries and stress outside on the street.

One of the most common ways to introduce clients to the beneficial wonders of aromatherapy is an aromatherapy massage, and most day spas and health retreats will offer one as part of their body care services. Before starting your massage, your masseuse should talk to you about how you're feeling, any allergies you may have and what you want from the experience. This little preliminary chat should help the practitioner to decide which oils to blend for you; if you are feeling depressed, lemon maybe used to lighten up your spirits, whilst if you are stressed lavender may be included to aid your relaxation. If you are achy your beauty therapist may mix you a blend incorporating black pepper, which is great for getting the circulation moving, or if you are prone to migraines, they may use basil, which can sometimes ease headaches. The magical thing about aromatherapy is that it works on a number of levels with the oils softening tight muscles whilst also working beneficially on your emotions and mental state.

The combination of carefully selected oils, expertly mixed to suit your unique needs and a full body massage should balance the energy in your system, soothe your mind and leave you feeling absolutely fantastic.

Another popular aromatherapy option at many spas is some form of aromatherapy facial and indeed, many beauty salons offer their own 'signature' facial which uses fabulous-smelling creams, face masks and lotions to declutter your head whilst balancing your skin's chemistry. Few things can leave you feeling better.

In addition, many day spas have also built aromatherapy principles into their manicures and pedicures, in order to give the maximum in indulgence to their clients. And what better way to leave the spa than looking, feeling and smelling divine!