The Garden Room is delighted to support Aromatherapy Awareness Week run by The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) 11th – 16th June 2018.
20% Discount on Pre-blended Aromatherapy Massages Booked This Week.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
The term ‘Aromatherapy’ was first used in the 1920’s, but the knowledge of how to extract and apply essential oils is a very ancient art. Aromatic plants and oils have been used for thousands of years as perfumes, incense and cosmetics as well as for their medicinal and culinary applications. The ancient Egyptian, Persian, Indian, Chinese and Arab cultures made use of many aromatic oils, as did the early Greek and Roman civilisations.
Nowadays, the benefits of essential oils and other natural products is being re-assessed and re-evaluated. Introducing aromatics back into the home is proving to be a healthy and enjoyable substitute for the many synthetic fragrances with which we are surrounded, and a valuable alternative to certain commonly used drugs. Current research confirms increasingly the value of many traditional remedies: for example, the bactericidal, anti-septic, fungicidal and healing qualities of tea tree have been shown through scientific research to be even more effective than many of its synthetic substitutes.
In a survey carried out at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, UK, patients in an intensive care unit were divided into three groups and given a period of rest, a foot massage or a foot massage using lavender oil. The outcome of this experiment showed conclusively that those patients in the third group, who had an aromatherapy massage, experienced the greatest decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and pain levels together with an increased feeling of well being.
Source: Aqua Oleum.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage Oils
The molecules in essential oils are small enough to penetrate through the skin, travelling through the epidermis (the top layer of skin) reaching the dermis (a deeper layer of skin) and to the blood vessels allowing them to circulate throughout the body.
Most essential oils have antibacterial properties; some are antiviral, anti-fungal and/or anti-inflammatory. Essential oils also contain antioxidants which help to prevent cell damage and protect against the build up of toxic waste in skin cells, thereby helping reduce signs of aging.
The majority of essential oil constituents leave the body within hours, mainly through excretion via the kidneys, although their effects can last much longer within the tissues.
The most primal of all our senses is the sense of smell and it is associated with some of the oldest and deepest parts of the brain. The aromas of essential oils, when breathed in, can trigger emotional and even physical responses. We have all been aware of a smell triggering a clear and vivid memory.
Here’s the science….
When aromatic molecules are breathed in, they move to the top of the nose where they come into contact with specialised Olfactory nerve cells, which have tiny hairs that recognise a specific aroma through the ‘lock and key’ process. This means each hair will only recognise a specific aroma. This process causes nerve impulses which travel to the limbic system, the part of the brain which is most concerned with survival, instincts and emotions.
Here at The Garden Room, one of the most popular treatments is the Pre-blended Aromatherapy massage. We offer 6 options, to meet all needs:
“Aches & Pains” with juniper & rosemary; an effective, active combination of concentrated muscle-relaxant oils. It is warming & soothing, giving natural pain relief and helping to relieve muscle spasm.
“After Dark” containing jasmine & sandalwood: profoundly uplifting, elevating body & mind, as well as creating smooth, silky skin.
“Oriental Spice” with ylang ylang & patchouli, this rich, oriental-spicy fragrance is profoundly soothing, relaxing all the senses and enlivening the spirits.
“Purity” with grapefruit & geranium, a highly active invigorating and purifying synergy-blend that helps combat cellulite. It is toning & stimulating, helping to eliminate toxins and reducing water-retention.
“Tranquility” containing chamomile & lavender with a hint of green orange-blossom. It is very relaxing; soothing body & mind and encouraging restful sleep.
“Vitality” based on bay & black pepper, renowned for toning and strengthening the muscles. It is profoundly energizing, enlivening & stimulating.
All of these lovely oils come from Aqua Oleum, based in Thrupp,
http://www.aqua-oleum.co.uk