Treatments

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine that uses the medicinal properties of the essential oils of plants and herbs. The use of plant essential oils dates back to the ancient times in Egypt, Italy, India, and China. The essential oils used in aromatherapy are from the flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or roots then used in their concentrated forms. 

With massage therapy the concentrated drops are added to massage cream or oil and then applied throughout the massage. It also can be placed on the therapists hands or a towel and then waved over the clients face to be breathed in. When an essential oil is inhaled, the molecules enter the nasal cavity and stimulate the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is a region that influences emotions and memories and is directly linked to the adrenals, pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus.

How Aromatherapy Works

Essential oils can affect almost every organ system in the body. Each essential oil has a unique pharmacological effect that can regulate heart rate, blood pressure, stress, memory, hormone balance, and breathing. This makes the effects of essential oils immediate in bringing about emotional and physiological balance. The use of essential oils has become more popular as a holistic healing therapy. Following are just a few essential oils and their healing properties and emotional effects.

Lemon    
French physicians treat many disorders using using lemon oil.  This powerful oil has been used to fight infections, cool fevers and stop bleeding.  Lemon oil promotes bowel movements and lowers blood sugar.  

Additionally, lemon oil encourages clarity, can fight depression and ease fear.

Lavender    
European health professionals prescribe lavender for many ailments such as digestive disorders, earaches, respiratory illnesses, skin disorders and sinusitis. It also helps to heal bruises, cuts, burns, migraines, tension headaches and insect bites.    
        
Additionally, Lavender helps with emotional difficulties such as depression, fear, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, nervousness and stress.

Orange    
This oil aids in the absorption of Vitamin C. It also boosts immunity and helps prevent colds and flu and relieves some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. It calms an upset stomach, aids in digestion, regulates the bowels and acts asa diuretic. It also soothes the inflammation of psoriasis, eczema and other types of dermatitis.

Additionally, Orange Oil revitalizes and energizes, subduing tension, stress, anxiety and insomnia. This oil also helps with emotions associated with PMS and menopause. Overall it awakes creativity, inspires harmony and self awareness.

Peppermint    
Stimulates the central nervous system promoting clear thinking and counteracts drowsiness and fatigue. It eases motion sickness and nausea and aids in digestion. It eases painful menstrual cramps, cools hot flashes and fevers and can clear nasal and chest congestion. 
    
Additionally, Peppermint cools emotions and dissipates anger, hysteria and nervousness. It also increases alertness and improves concentration, stimulates the brain.

Rosemary    
British Physicians use rosemary oil in medical treatments for arthritis, colds, coughs, diabetes, headaches, memory loss, migraines and muscle spasms. It is also used to lower cholesterol and strengthen the cardiovascular system, treats colic,cirrhosis of the liver, gallbladder issues and hepatitis.
        
Additionally, Rosemary oil enhances mental clarity while aiding alertness and concentration. This is oil that helps with emotional balance, stress and nervous exhaustion as well as overcoming impotence.

Tea Tree    
Australians call Tea tree oil “a first aid kit in a bottle”.  It is effective for the treatment of abscesses, acne, bites, blisters, burns, cuts, dandruff, skin disorders and scalp problems. It cleans and disinfects wounds and soothes burns. Much like its cousin the Eucalyptus plant it also helps in healing a wide variety of respiratory ailments.

Additionally, Tea Tree oil restores energy depleted by everyday stress by calming and centering during times of emotional shock. 

Ylang Ylang     
Medical professionals as well as aromatherapists and massage therapists recommend this oil to lower blood pressure, regulate respiration and calm heart palpitations. It is also helpful in treating irregular periods, menstrual cramps and PMS.

Additionally, this oil fosters feelings of security and serenity. It helps with depression, nervous tension, anxiety, stress and stress related disorders

These essential oils can be used individually or mixed in a variety of combinations. Ask your massage therapist which essential oil(s) would be most beneficial to you. Some of our popular blends are:

• Peace & Harmony
• Mental Focus
• Fatigue-Fighting
• Rosemary & Mint    
• Sore Muscle Therapy        
• Creamsicle        
• Psoriasis Therapy        
• Tea Tree & Eucalyptus