Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils by different methods to enhance the well-being of the mind, body and spirit. It uses pure essences from plants, which may have a preventative effect, helping to care for common ailments while working alongside medical treatment in the healing process. Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile and are extracted from flowers, leaves, twigs, bark, roots and fruits of many common plants. The essential oils have many different properties and as research has shown, can be stimulating, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, relaxing, calming, soothing and uplifting; these naturally occurring plant oils have distinct and powerful therapeutic properties which aid both psychological and physiological conditions, supporting a greater sense of health and vitality.
Smell is the first sense we experience, it develops whilst in our mother’s womb and arguably remains the most powerful sense throughout our lives. In today’s world, our olfactory cells are bombarded with unnaturally derived scents; from synthetic perfumes and air fresheners to polluting fumes as our cities and spaces become ever more crowded – it is therefore unsurprising that we have lost our sense to truly smell on an instinctive level. Experiencing Aromatherapy through diffusion, inhalation and massage can help us to re-connect with our intuitive self.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy Massage is one of the best ways to experience essential oils, combining the benefit and nourishment of touch and the therapeutic effects of aromatic essences. Massage can be a powerful therapy for many conditions including; stiff aching muscles, back pain, sciatic pain, respiratory difficulties, digestive discomfort, circulatory disorders, arthritic and rheumatic pain. Aromatherapy is also a powerful treatment for stress-related conditions which have both a physical and psychological aspect; It calms the emotions, stills the mind and uplifts the spirit and therefore is deeply supportive for those experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, grief and loss.
Aromatic Meridian Massage
Fen’s training as both a shiatsu practitioner and clinical Aromatherapist has led her to combine modalities, inspired by her teacher, Gabriel Mojay a leading authority in Aromatherapy and Oriental Medicine and the principal of the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (ITHMA).
Oriental aromatherapy is an integrated style of aromatic treatment that responds to all physical and psychological signs and symptoms — a process that results in identifying the underlying imbalances that are the cause of the client’s problems. Once the energetic patterns have been identified, the most appropriate essential oils for the client’s needs can be chosen; the treatment is therefore based on both scientific evidence of the oils and traditional healing wisdom.
Aromatic Meridian massage (or Aromatic acupressure massage) is a technique that stimulates the meridians, or energy pathways, together with the acupressure points found along them with carefully selected essential oils; the energetic bodywork and pure essential oils can work together in real therapeutic synergy.
A typical treatment
As part of a first treatment, there will be time to go through a full consultation which will take about 30 mins. The consultation will aim to identify the underlying imbalances that are the cause of the client’s problems. At the end of the consultation and before any bodywork, Fen works together with the client to create a very personal therapeutic blend, combining specific essential oils with a carefully selected plant based carrier oil. An Aromatherapy treatment responds directly to the unique and individual needs of the client, elements of traditional therapeutic massage techniques, deep tissue, aromatic meridian massage, acupressure, shiatsu, and yoga therapy techniques might be woven into the session.
Bespoke Aromatherapy Blends
As part of a holistic Aromatherapy service and in addition to the inHara shop, Fen welcomes commissions to create bespoke Aromatherapy blends. Here is an example of past and on-going commissions:
New Evening Workshop: Aromatic self-care summer
Tuesday 25th June, 7-9pm, Prema Arts Centre, Uley, Gloucestershire
An aromatic and sensory journey through the season – this self-care evening will help you to get into the natural rhythm of nature this summer (The Five Element ‘Fire’) and re-balance your body and mind. Explore essential oils that radiate the power of summer and create your own aromatherapy blends to take home.
Learn and experience nourishing self-massage techniques, specific meridians (energy pathways), acupressure, yoga and guided relaxation to use and share in your daily life this summer. The price includes all materials. To book your place, visit Prema Arts website.
I suffer from extreme levels of stress and anxiety and I have often turned to Fen for relief from this condition. I have found her genuine concern and gentleness, therapeutic within themselves but she is also a very gifted therapist and over the years I have gained a great deal of relief from her treatments.
Pam
