What is Aromatherapy?

“Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.”  Robert Tisserand

What Is It?

Aromatherapy is a therapy designed to assist the body's natural ability to balance, heal and maintain itself through the skilled use of essential oils. It is both an art and a science based on the interaction between the therapist, the client and the essential oils, which all work together to elicit the client's innate, self-healing energy.  Aromatherapy may be used as a preventative approach or as a treatment during various stages of illness or 'dis'-ease.  As a holistic treatment, aromatherapy is able to work on several levels -- physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual -- to effect over-all health, well-being, beauty and vitality.

Essential oils are the volatile (quickly-evaporating) essences produced by aromatic plants through the process of photosynthesis. The volatile constituents of the plant's oil (its essence) are extracted -- from its flowers, leaves, grasses, bark, peels, roots, seeds, and/or resins -- through steam distillation or cold-pressing.  Essential oils contain a tremendous amount of a plant's energy, and only a small quantity is needed for significant healing power. Because the essential oils are so concentrated, they should not be applied to the skin in their undiluted form.  Individual oils or specially-prepared blends can be used for medicinal, meditative, restorative or relaxing purposes. It is believed that a synergistic blend of essential oils in proper proportions is more beneficial than each of the oils working individually.  To be sure of getting the greatest number of therapeutic benefits, be sure that all essential oils used are made from natural, pure plant material -- synthetics do not work.

Essential oils may be inhaled, applied to the skin (diluted in a carrier oil), or, in some cases, ingested. 

Essential oils stimulate the very powerful sense of smell, which can distinguish over 10,000 different odors. The body is able to utilize the healing properties of the oils through the olfactory system of the body. Through the nose, the essential oil molecules directly enter the hypothalamus of the limbic system, which controls our  emotions, hormone-production, learning, memory, and moods.  They also enter into the lungs, where they are then dispersed, along with oxygen  through the bloodstream.

As said by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, "the oils exert much of their therapeutic effect through their pharmacological properties and their small molecular size, making them one of the few therapeutic agents to easily penetrate bodily tissues."  They heal by "therapeutically" stimulating the olfactory, mental, circulatory and respiratory functions. When applied to the skin in a full-body massage, the client receives the benefits through inhalation as well as through dermal absorption. An aromatherapy massage incorporates techniques from acupressure, facial massage, lymphatic drainage, polarity therapy, and Swedish massage.   Essential oils (the light force of plants) are individually chosen for each treatment, bringing about a curative and restorative effect to the mental, emotional and physical aspects of the human being.

In Europe, ingestion of essential oils is prescribed under the direction of a certified medical doctor-aromatherapist only.  It is against the law in Canada for anyone to prescribe the internal use of essential oils as a treatment for any disease.  Even though some essential oils are used in foods, it is extremely important for the user to be aware of the correct amount to use mixed in a product.

Today aromatherapy remains a specific and specialized branch of herbal medicine. Aromatherapy can be used to complement orthodox medicine and is an excellent way for you to achieve a healthier and happier life.

For How Long Have People Been Practicing It?

Aromatic plants and essential oils were used in biblical times.  The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used them in their medical treatments, their religious ceremonies, and their beauty treatments.  Both in China and in India, herbs and essential oils were -- and still are -- an important part of daily life for many.

The term “aromatherapie” was coined by French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé in 1928, after he experienced the power of lavender essential oil to heal a terrible burn that he suffered during a laboratory accident.  He utilized the word to to describe the physical and psychological benefits received when people are exposed to pure essential oils derived from aromatic plants. This word has been used ever since to refer to the use of essential oils in healing.

What Are The Benefits of It?

Aromatherapy has physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. It can be used with everyone - from infants to pregnant women to the elderly.   Because each essential oil may contain as many as 100 chemical constituents - such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and  terpenes -  each oil has a combination of properties.  Most essential oils are antiseptic; many are also antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, expectorant, diuretic, digestive, stimulant, or relaxant, for example.   

Aromatherapy can benefit the following conditions, among others (just a few examples are given for each):

What Can I Expect In a Session With You?

"The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage everyday". 
Hippocrates

Currently, I offer two types of Aromatherapy Sessions. Click on one of the sessions below to read more.

Aromatherapy Session Type I - Initial Consultation & Holistic Healing Plan

Aromatherapy Session Type II - Initial Consultation & Aromassage

What Will Happen At The Aromatherapy Session Type I - Initial Consultation & Holistic Healing Plan

Prior to our initial meeting, you will be given an assessment form requesting you to detail your current medical history and lifestyle.  This will provide me with the information necessary to select the appropriate essential oils and other modalities for the maximum therapeutic benefit. 

The first session usually lasts one-and-a-half hours. After we review the contents of your assessment, we will focus on your healing goals for this visit.  We will determine your aroma preferences, and I will create an Individualized Blend for you. In addition, I will create a holistic healing plan that will help you reach your goals.

Subsequent sessions last one hour. 

You may choose to have this session be followed by a 45-minute massage. 

What Will Happen At The Aromatherapy Session Type II - Initial Consultation & Aromassage?

Prior to our initial meeting, you will be given an assessment form requesting you to detail your current medical history and lifestyle.  This will provide me with the information necessary to select the appropriate essential oils the maximum therapeutic benefit. 

The first session usually lasts one-and-a-half hours. After we review the contents of your assessment, we will focus on your healing goals for this visit.  We will determine your aroma preferences, and I will create an Individualized Blend for you. 

Aromatherapy is a natural process, helping the body to heal itself. It requires trust and patience. I offer aromatherapy massage in a serene environment of professionalism and confidentiality. 

Just before the massage, you will be requested to remove all clothing and jewelry. During the massage, your body remains fully covered except for the head and the specific area being worked on. The temperature, level of lighting and music in the room can be adjusted to your comfort. 

For about 45 minutes, you will relax while the essential oils are applied to do their healing work . My Aromassage is a form of massage based on Micheline Arcier's Aromatherapy Massage. It incorporates a combination of Swedish, lymphatic, acupressure, and shiatsu massage along with some reflexology, and polarity therapy; in addition, I use my skills as a Reiki practitioner, if needed. The massage itself is a very soft, relaxing massage; very little pressure is used throughout the massage. The essential oils are massaged over the body to do their healing. This gentle, therapeutic massage focuses on the autonomic nervous system and its effects on the smooth and cardiac muscles and the glands. It can have an immediate relaxing or stimulating effect, causing deepened breathing, increased oxygen intake and decreased carbon dioxide in the lungs. The soft, flowing strokes calm and soothe the nervous system, stimulate the sensory nerve-endings in the skin, and warm and loosen the superficial tissue. They also increase circulation, eliminate toxins, improve lymphatic drainage, and reduce tissue congestion, menstrual tension and fluid retention. Deeper strokes remove tension and pain from the muscles and increase suppleness and mobility.

In addition to benefiting the entire physiological system, revitalizing strokes invigorate energy levels, and leave the skin with a healthy glow. They integrate the different parts of the body, defining its shapes and contours to bring a renewed sense of body image and self-esteem. Calm, stationary holds enable deep relaxation and a discharge of pent-up feelings of stress. The effect of smell alone has a powerful influence on the central nervous system. Researchers are discovering that odors influence the mood, evoke emotions, and counteract stress.  Massage, combined with the healing properties of essential oils, is a truly holistic therapy!

At the end of the Aromassage, you will be left to rest for a short while and may then get dressed slowly.  You will leave with the gift of having had a delightful massage and also with a little gift bag with products and information that will extend the benefits of your massage.

It is suggested that your Individualized Blend be reviewed at least once a month to reflect the changes in your condition and lifestyle, so book another appointment before you leave. Subsequent sessions last one hour.