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Aromatherapy is probably the best known of all massage/relaxation therapies and many beauty salons offer a version of this sweet smelling treatment. True Clinical Aromatherapy (for a therapeutic purpose) is however much more than a beauty treatment and can be a very versatile and powerful therapeutic process.

In Aromatherapy, natural "essential" oils, extracted from a wide variety of therapeutic, plants, flowers, fruits and trees are applied normally by the practitioner skillfully mixing them and using them as a medium for soothing body massage.

The use of essential oils has a long and respected history dating back at least as far as the ancient Egyptians where tomb drawings depict their use. Modern Clinical Aromatherapy is regarded as having originated in France in the early part of the 20th century when Pharmacist, Rene Maurice Gatefosse burned himself and discovered by accident that pure lavender oil could prevent scarring and infection.

Over 300 essential oils are in use today and these work directly on the body chemistry, each oil containing 100 or so chemical components which under chemical analysis have been found to have a myriad of functions or beneficial effects upon the body including, antibacterial, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antifungal, digestive etc.

The Clinical Aromatherapist's skill is in selecting and mixing the appropriate oils in what is known as a "synergistic" blend where components of the oils interact with each other to help achieve the desired outcome, whether that is to assist with treating an illness or simply for relaxation and enjoyment. They are also trained to skillfully apply gentle body massage techniques, either to the whole body or to specific areas which can relax tense or knotted muscles, encourage efficient blood circulation and assist the removal of waste/toxins through the lymphatic system.

A very wide variety of illnesses seem to be helped through Aromatherapy. This is no doubt in part, at least due to the treatment producing a deeply relaxing and euphoric state. Its not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during the treatment.

Assistance with stress/anxiety related illnesses, including insomnia and depression, is well documented.

Aromatherapy can also be very beneficial for skin conditions, muscular aches and pains, blood pressure regulation and the boosting of the immune system.

Continued