Demystifying Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a range of techniques which aim to transfer some of the goodness stored in plants into your body. With over 100 different types of plant oil available on the market, promising everything from anxiety relief to better skin, getting it right can be a bit of a minefield. We demystify aromatherapy and show how you can easily treat yourself at home. 

Essential Oils 

It is widely believed that many plants contain compounds that can improve our health. Squeezing that goodness out and capturing it in a bottle is what essential oils are all about.

The best essential oils are those produced through cold press extraction methods. This is an expensive and time-consuming process which is usually reflected in the price of some of the more exclusive oils. A small 15ml bottle of rose oil for example has as much as 15,000mg of fresh rose petals compressed into it!

Aromatherapists carry a wide selection of oils with them to each treatment and spend time analysing the best for each client. This of course adds to the treatment cost and time and is often a matter of trial and error which is improved over time. 

There is however a simple alternative for enjoying all the benefits of aromatherapy during your massage without the fuss. You can choose any visiting treatment type and use your own aromatherapy diffuser to enjoy a whole host of added benefits. 

Aromatherapy Diffusers 

One of the easiest ways to enjoy aromatherapy at home is to purchase an aromatherapy diffuser. Just dispense a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the diffuser, top it up with water and switch on. Within a few minutes, the oil's soothing aromas will begin filling your space as a gentle mist is dispersed through the top of the diffuser into your room. 

As well as the pleasing scent of your favourite oil, having one of these running whilst receiving your massage creates a spa like atmosphere in your own room. Some versions also have a soft soothing light, thus creating the ideal massage ambience in your home for both lighting and scent. Just gazing at the gentle flow of steam as it seeps from the diffuser is a wonderfully soothing experience and the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing Swedish massage. 

Which Essential Oil 

Choosing the ideal essential oil is very much a matter of personal choice, but consider both the scent and the perceived benefit. Whichever oil you choose, try to get the best quality you can afford. Higher quality oils fill your room with a rich, deep and longer lasting scent.

Below are some of the most commonly used essential oils during home visit massages along with their benefits.
 

⦿ Feeling stressed? Conquer your anxiety worries with Rose oil. 
 

⦿ Having problems sleeping? Drift off more easily with Lavender oil. 
 

⦿ Battling indigestion? Pop in a few drops of Peppermint oil and inhale whilst receiving a soothing stomach massage. 
 

⦿ Suffering from nausea and a headache? Try a Jet Lag Indian head massage with Ylang-Ylang oil in your diffuser.

Portable

Most aromatherapy diffusers cost around £50 but can go up as high as £250 for models with more exclusive designs and functions.

Small portable versions have the additional benefit that you can take them away with you when you are travelling. Next time you book an in-room massage at your hotel, impress your mobile therapist by turning your hotel room into a mini spa haven with a portable diffuser placed by the bed. 

Finally, if you are feeling really generous this year, an aromatherapy diffuser would make the ideal gift for your favourite mobile massage therapist!