Can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or as a relaxant. 

The essential oils have many different properties and as research has shown can be stimulants, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, relaxants, calming, soothing and uplifting. Aromatherapy therefore has the ability to affect the emotions, feelings, help bodily symptoms and work psychologically

Whilst it should not make any medical claims Aromatherapy can assist the bodies natural defence and reparative systems and help with overall well being.  Many people find aromatherapy extremely relaxing and come away feeling refreshed.  It is especially effective for stress-related conditions.   Aromatherapy can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or as a relaxant. 

Essential oils which are extracts from plants and herbs are used through massage to alleviate a wide variety of conditions.  A specific blend of oils will be chosen which is specific to the clients individual needs.  Especially effective for stress-related conditions.  Advice can also be given on the use of essential oils in vaporisers, bathing, compresses, etc.

Debate on the historical origins of Aromatherapy is ongoing with many texts placing its beginnings around 6,000 years ago.  Ancient Chinese, Indian and Greek civilisations all proposed the benefits of scented oils for relaxation and healing.  Ancient Egyptian civilisations used aromatherapy for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and a combination of oils were used to embalm their dead.

During the early 20th century, a French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, was the first to use the term 'aromatherapy' after studying its effects for medicinal use.  Gattefossé had previously used oils for aromatic purposes but when he suffered a burn on his arm while working, he instinctively looked for a liquid to cool it in.  The nearest liquid to him was a vat of lavender oil.  Gattefossé noted how quickly the oil eased the pain and that later the burn healed without any trace of a scar.

The study of aromatherapy among English speaking nations is credited to Robert B Tisserand.  Tisserand wrote the first book in English on aromatherapy and opened the first aromatherapy institute.  Tisserand's book became an essential reference and influenced aromatherapy authors and practitioners for the next three decades

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy treating the body both emotionally and physically by using essential oils extracted from flowers, fruits, shrubs and trees.  These oils, when inhaled through the nose or absorbed through the skin, contribute to and aid the body's natural healing process through close reactions of the Limbic System and Hypothalamus.  Aromatherapy is usually carried out using massage techniques, baths or inhalations.

Smells from aromatherapy oils can be attributed to pleasant memories.  The scent from aromatic oils can trigger cells in the nasal cavity which send electrical impulses to the limbic system - the part of the brain that deals with emotions and memory, giving a person a sense of well-being.

Aromatherapy also treats conditions through topical application.  For instance with bruises, acne or burns, essential oils can be applied that penetrate the skin through hair follicles and sweat glands.  These oils are absorbed into the body's fluids helping to fight bacteria or viruses and boosting the immune system.