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In an aromatherapy massage these highly concentrated oils, impermeable to water, dissolve in fatty oils such as almond oil or sesame oil and are then applied to the body through the medium of massage which is soft tissue manipulation. In this way they enter the body through the skin and enter the blood stream and circulation. They can help to boost blood circulation and can have a decongesting effect upon the lymphatic system and any chestiness.

Essential oils are extracted from different parts of plants (for example, the oil from lavender is extracted only from the flowers, whereas the oil from an orange is extracted from the rind).

Essential oils are made up of molecules from different chemical groups and it is this unique combination that determine it's therapeutic effects and aroma. It is this that makes aromatherapy a treatment that can be applied to many different people as there are so many different plants and oils exerting such a wide range of therapeutic effects. Essential oils can be, for example, warming, energising and stimulating so aiding with muscle tension, lethargy, concentration and generally having an uplifting effect while other oils can be cooling, soothing and relaxing, so helping with headaches, anxiety, insomnia and digestive complaints.

An Aromatherapy treatment is aiming to help rebalance the individual at that particular time having an effect upon the person; the whole person being physical, emotional and spiritual. Each session will last about 60 minutes. In the first treatment a detailed consultation will be gone through establishing the client's general health, historical health and lifestyle and understanding the reason for the treatment and what you want to get out of it. After this the client will undress to their underwear and lie on a massage table underneath towels. The therapist will mix a blend of up to 3 essential oils in a carrier oil to best benefit that particular person and treatment. It is then massaged into skin.

Evidence varies as to the effectiveness of aromatherapy, but clients come with the following conditions, to name just a few:

• chronic pain
• anxiety
• depression
• insomnia

Aromatherapists are not trained to make a medical diagnosis and so it is best talk to your GP to get a diagnosis before having aromatherapy. It may be that the treatment is not right for you. Aromatherapy appears to be safe, however it is best to ask your therapist if there are any risks to you for example an allergy to a certain oil.

There is currently no statutory regulation for Aromatherapy. The industry is self-regulated which means anyone can work as an aromatherapist. However there are professional associations that aromatherapsists can join and this ensures that they will be following their code of ethics as well as having relevant training and qualifications.

• Aromatherapists and Allied Practitioners Association (AAPA)
• International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)
• International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA)

It is always advisable to choose an aromatherapist who has been properly trained and to make sure they have qualifications relevant to what they say and that they have relevant insurance.

Our Aromatherapy description was kindly supplied by Louise Powell.