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AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Essential oils are extracted from various parts of a plant, herb or flower and are made up of hundreds of different organic chemical constituents that give a plant its characteristic fragrance and the essential oils their effective therapeutic actions within the human body.
The term “aromatherapie” was derived during the 20th Century. A French chemist and perfumer, Dr Rene Gattefosse, suffered a burn to his hand and plunged it into a vat containing pure lavender essential oil. The burn healed quickly and without scarring. It was this accident which led Gattefosse on a lifetime study of the therapeutic properties of essential oils.
Although modern aromatherapy was developed as a result of Rene Gattefosse, the use of aromatic plants to treat ailments is nearly as old as the world itself. Ancient texts from Asia, Egypt and the Mediterranean describe procedures to make healing ointments and medicated oils, whilst the use of aromatic fumigations to uplift the spirit and help cure disease have been used throughout history by the world’s greatest civilizations.
Although most clinical research money goes to commercial pharmaceutical trials, aromatherapy has been proven in smaller studies to have treated successfully a myriad of medical conditions from nervous system disorders, skin diseases and respiratory conditions to digestive and reproductive issues.
AROMATHERAPY CONSULTATIONS
Each aromatherapy treatment is designed for the individual depending on their specific requirements. In a clinical setting, the method of administering an essential oil will depend on the symptom being treated. Treatments can include aromatherapy massage, compresses, aromatic perfusion, steam inhalation as well as the preparation of individually prescribed remedies such as creams, ointments and essential oil blends for self administration. Individual prescriptions and products are only developed after a detailed consultation process and are not available “off the shelf”.
Aromatherapy Massage is a specialized technique which combines the disciplines of Lymphatic Drainage, Shiatsu, Reflexology and Swedish massage. The combination of Aromatherapy massage with individually prescribed essential oils has a powerful effect on the human body. For example, by alleviating stress - which can exacerbate many medical conditions - treated clients are able to more effectively utilise their own healing energies.
The initial consultation is 90 minutes and may include treatment using one or more of the above techniques. The initial consultation costs $90. Depending on your private health fund “extras” cover, you may be eligible for a rebate. Individually prescribed home treatments are an additional cost, but compared to the high price of commercial and pharmaceutical drugs, essential oil remedies are relatively inexpensive and often more effective.
AROMATHERAPY FOR PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is a time of not only physical changes but also emotional, social and spiritual adjustments. It can be a wonderful and exciting period, but it can also be very stressful bringing on anxiety and fear.
Every system of the woman’s body will be affected during pregnancy. Aromatherapy can provide many benefits including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Relieving fluid retention
- Reducing pain including back pain, cramps, headaches
- Relieving general discomfort and fatigue
There are many myths regarding the danger of using essential oils during pregnancy. However, aromatherapy is a relatively safe and effective healing modality and can assist with many of the symptoms associated with pregnancy when administered by a qualified aromatherapist.
TESTIMONIALS
“Margaret has a very calming energy ”
Samantha
“Couldn't have asked for a better massage - feeling very relaxed and energised ”
Louisa
“Lovely, competent practitioner with very warm and comforting hands ”
Sonya
“The blend of oils chosen was perfect and the technique on the legs and feet was so good ”
Kathryn
“Margaret was lovely and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to others "
Angelene
LINKS
International Federation of Aromatherapists (Australian Branch) - currently undergoing name change to the International Aromatherapy & Aromatic Medicine Association.
National Centre for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine - free research extracts on complimentary medicine including aromatherapy.
Essential Therapeutics - supplier of therapeutic grade essential oils and skin care base ingredients for professional aromatherapists.