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Aromatherapy Historical examples of Aromatherapy An Aromatherapy consultation and treatment Examples of uses of essential oils Where to find Aromatherapy oils What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils derived from flowers, herbs and trees. Aromatherapy oils have been used through the ages to heal the sick, to beautify the skin, in culinary preparations, and to balance the body, mind and spirit. The earliest evidence for the use of herbal medicine comes from the Dordogne region of France in 18,000 BC. Later, the Egyptians used essential oils, notably myrrh, to embalm their dead. They predicted that their mummies would last three thousand years - and as we now know, they were right. The Romans enjoyed massage as a substitute for exercise to counteract the effects of overeating and overdrinking, and even more recently frankincense and pine were burned in the streets of Europe for protection against infection by plague. What will essential oils do for you? Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, said that there is a remedy to be found in nature for every illness, and use of Aromatherapy for medicinal purposes has continued through to modern times. The current rebirth of aromatherapy is largely due to the work of Gattefosse, a French chemist who discovered the wonderful healing properties of lavender by accident when he burned his hand and dipped it into the nearest container of liquid. What happens when I see an aromatherapist? An initial consultation with a modern aromatherapist involves the therapist taking the time to prepare a thorough consultation sheet covering the health and history of all aspects of the body, mind and spirit as well as any important emotional circumstances. Oils are chosen for an aromatherapy treatment on the basis of this consultation, bearing in mind the conditions which are of the greatest importance to the patient: this is the patient’s personal prescription. Each oil used addresses at least one of the patient’s conditions, with consideration also given to how the oils will blend for optimum effect. Certain conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, high/low blood pressure, homeopathic remedies and pregnancy need to be notified to the therapist as they will influence the selection of oils. Although aromatherapy is normally associated with aromatherapy massage it can also be administered by inhalation, gargle/mouthwash, bath, compress, cream/lotion, moisturiser, shampoo/conditioner or burner. Depending on your condition(s), the therapist will advise which form of supplementary treatment is most suitable for your needs, to be carried out if suitable in the comfort of your own home. If requested creams, shampoos etc. can be especially prepared for you. Examples of uses for essential oils We recommend and encourage people to use aromatherapy oils in their daily lives, for uses from brushing your teeth to cleaning the floor. Essential oils are simple, cheap and a non-toxic form of natural enhancer for your normal products. For example, Tea Tree oil is a wonderful disinfectant and aid against bacteria, fungi and viruses, roughly one hundred times more effective than carbolic acid. One drop on your toothpaste each morning and evening helps fight tooth decay and gum infection, and has been found to be an effective remedy for bad breath. Lavender is an indispensible addition to your first aid box for treating shock, fainting, sunburn or insect bites. Where can I get aromatherapy oils? Wheatley Complementary Therapy Clinic stocks a selection of high-quality essential oils for aromatherapy which carry the Aromark seal of quality and approval by the Natural Oils Research Association. This means that our oils have not only been grown under certified organic conditions, but that the growers and distillers are monitored at every stage of production as well as the final analysis of the oil to guard against adulteration. If you have difficulty choosing the right oils or are concerned about the quality of your aromatherapy oils please feel free to contact Wheatley Clinic at any time with your specific requirements. We will provide advice on the choice of oils and their application. We also provide ready-made blends of oils for a variety of uses, including relaxation, refreshment or meditation. You can see details of these blends by clicking here. Pure essential oils and blends are available both over the counter at Wheatley Clinic and by mail order. To order over the Internet, please click here. Click here to return to our front page.