Jane Holstead Holistic Therapies
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, made from plants, to enhance health and well-being, and its origins go back to very ancient times. Although in the last 100 years synthetic chemicals have largely superseded essential oils in both medicine and perfumery, the natural chemical compounds found in healing plants provided a springboard from which research could develop. The healing properties of the oils come not only from the profound emotional effects of the aromas on the brain, but the natural chemical compounds work harmoniously with our own systems.
The oils are either applied to the skin by massage or in baths, or are vaporised and absorbed through the lungs and so more rapidly into the blood supply. These methods complement each other and other alternative therapies.
Many of the oils are naturally antiseptic, some help to boost the bodies immune system, all help to overcome both physical and psychological problems. The oils are blended individually to suit the patients needs taking into account the state of health, emotional problems, stress at work or in the home, lifestyle etc.
Aromatherapy combined with mainstream medicine is now being used within the National Health Service in Britain to aid people who are terminally ill, the elderly, people with mental health problems, drug or alcohol dependency, learning difficulties, and during childbirth.
Aromatherapy