Aromatherapy is the art by which essential plant oils are used with the aim of achieving physical and psychological equilibrium. Around 400 essential oils are extracted from trees, bushes, flowers and shrubs from all five continents and each has its own distinct therapeutic effect.

Although records go back to the times of ancient Egypt, China and India, modern aromatherapy owes its development to a French chemist called Rene Gattefosse, who coined the term ‘aromatherapie’ in 1928. After burning his hand whilst working in the laboratory of a perfumery, he plunged it into the nearest available cool liquid which happened to be neat lavender oil. He was so impressed by how quickly his hand healed, and without scarring, that he began studying the healing powers of essential plant oils. Dr Jean Valnet and Marguerite Maury, the latter a French biochemist, carried on his work and it was Maury who introduced modern day aromatherapy to the UK in the 1950s by combining the oils with massage.

Aromatherapy works in three ways. Firstly, essential oils are absorbed into the skin and the molecules are transported, via the bloodstream, to all the organs and body systems. Secondly, they are inhaled through the nose and are similarly transported by blood circulation. Thirdly, the essential oils are registered by the sensory functions of the nose. This sends an electrical impulse to the brain and recognition of the aroma takes place.

A trained aromatherapist, after taking a case history from the client, will be able to choose beneficial essential oils and combine them to form a massage oil blend. It is advisable to consult a qualified Aromatherapist before using essential oils at home and oils should not be taken internally.