Aromatic Holistic Facial

1. How can the oils be used?
There are several ways of using essential oils: by massage, bathing, hot or cold compress, inhalation or by vaporizing oils with the aid of an oil burner. Essential oils should never be taken orally and never put neat essential oils directly on to the skin. For massage, essential oils should always be diluted in carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. They work by the absorption of minute quantities of the oil through the skin, and through the inhalation of the aroma.

2. What happens in a typical aromatherapy session?

The aromatherapist will ask questions about your medical history, general health, and lifestyle. This will help him/her decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you as an individual.

3. Can aromatherapy massage cure my………. (condition)?

Aromatherapy massage does not claim to cure. But by inducing a state of relaxation to both mind and body, it helps to release the body’s own healing potential and can be of great benefit in many conditions such as anxiety disorders, stress related problems, musculoskeletal difficulties, and symptoms of depression to name but a few.

4. Can Aromatherapy do any harm?

Aromatherapy massage is an extremely safe treatment but there are certain circumstances or conditions where special care can be taken. Always check that your practitioner is a member of a professional organization and so abides by a code of practice and ethics. He/she must be fully insured to practice. Please see the IFA directory for a qualified aromatherapist. Care must be taken in selecting certain oils, they are very potent substances and should be used with caution in certain circumstances.

5. How much does a treatment cost?

Prices vary depending on length of treatment etc., but the average cost is between £40-90 per session for 60-90 minutes. It is advisable to check before booking a treatment.

6. How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the individual. In chronic conditions the full benefits may not be felt for four treatments, whilst other people may have quite dramatic results over a few sessions. Discuss this with your practitioner.

7. Is aromatherapy an aid to stress management?

Use of aromatherapy can stimulate the immune system, avoiding the run –down feeling that can leave a person more vulnerable to viral or bacterial infections. A more balanced lifestyle can be encouraged with the correct use of essential oils. A balanced state of mind promotes vitality and presentations, visiting dentists, job insecurity etc.

8. What is the difference between a spa massage and an aromatherapy massage?

A thorough consultation is done with the client. It is an individual treatment, whereas spa and beauty massages tend to be a routine/a sequence. Both types of massage include Swedish massage techniques such as effleurage and petrissage and manipulate muscles to reduce tension in the body. Aromatherapy massage also includes some lymphatic drainage and pressure point work. Both massages would be soothing and relaxing to the nervous system. The additional benefit with aromatherapy massage is that pure essential oils are blended with carriers, such as pure vegetable oils, to suit the client’s emotional, physical, and mental needs. With spa and beauty massage the oils are usually pre-blended and the clients would have a choice of perhaps a relaxing blend, a muscular blend, or an uplifting blend, and proprietary branded products are often used. Aromatherapy uses oils specifically blended for the individual.

9. What are the differences between essential oils and fragrance oils?

Essential oils are often confused with fragrance oils, which are synthetically made, standardised products not suitable for aromatherapy practice. Essential oils are aromatic, volatile substances extracted from a single botanical source, by distillation or expression. When these methods cannot be used successfully solvent extraction is used resulting in ‘absolutes. Essential oils have a very complex chemical composition which may vary from batch to batch, depending on the growing conditions. An essential oil may comprise hundreds of different chemical compounds, all of which contribute to the characteristic aroma and specific therapeutic properties. Essential oils are used synergistically in aromatherapy practice where their distinctive therapeutic properties may help various health conditions, from skin problems, muscular and arthritic pains to menstrual, respiratory and stress related issues.