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Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to be inhaled, and/or externally or internally applied. Some essential oils work by absorption into the skin and some work by initiating a response when inhaled, stimulating the body's immune, circulatory, lymphatic, and other systems.

Essential oils may be extracted from a variety of different parts of a plant, including the flower, bark, roots, leaves, wood, resin, seeds, or the rind. They may be used for their physical or for psychological benefits. Most essential oils are so potent that they are not recommended to be (and often must not be) used directly on the skin. Most need to be diluted in another "carrier" oil before being applied to the skin.

This makes massage an ideal time to use essential oils, either to aid in relaxation and the reduction of stress, or for their analgesic or other properties to aid in the massage. Essential oils may be blended with the oils used for massage, or used in a diffuser nearby.

The essential oils used in aromatherapy have very few side effects because they are composed of natural, organic compounds. They rarely evoke an allergic response in the body. The balance provided by using the whole, natural oil instead of a selected, refined compound, results in reduced side effects (for example, the use of peppermint essential oil has advantages to rubs using just the menthol extracted from the plant).

It is important to inform your practitioner of any conditions, including menstruation, possible pregnancy, heart or circulatory conditions or allergies since these will definitely affect the decision on the use of certain oils.