Aromatherapy at the Creative Health Centre, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the time honored practice of using essential oils to promote healing and restore body, mind and spirit to a state of balance and wellbeing.

The word aromatherapy may be misleading because it suggests that it is a form of healing which works exclusively through our sense of smell and on the emotions. However, apart from the essential oils' scent, each one has a unique combination of constituents which interact with the body's' chemistry and in turn affect certain organs or systems as a whole.

Aromatherapy can be effectively used to treat many different problems ranging from stress and tension headaches to eczema and arthritis.

How does Aromatherapy Work?

Essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel to every cell in the body. Essential oils can be applied to the body in a number of ways:-

What is Aromatherapy used for?

Aromatherapy has been reported to be beneficial with the following conditions:

	Stress related disorders		Headaches and tension
	Muscular aches and pains		Insomnia
	Eczema		Arthritis
	Skin conditions including acne		Fatigue
	Depression		Anxieties
	Sinusitis		Digestive problems
	Blood pressure		Bring about a general feeling of calmness and relaxation

What does Aromatherapy treatment involve?

Essential oils can be applied in a variety of ways but most commonly, directly to the skin by massage. A specific area of the body causing concern can be treated or, if preferred the whole body could be treated.

Essential and carrier oils are blended for each client's individual needs, depending on the nature of the problem. They can be combined to treat several conditions at the same time.

If, following a detailed medical history, it is decided that massage would be the most beneficial way of applying the essential oils you will be asked to undress to your underwear or removing only the clothing you feel comfortable to do so, while the therapist leaves the room. Once undressed you will lie on the treatment couch usually face down to begin with and cover yourself with the towels. The therapist will only re-enter the room once you have finished undressing and are covered up.

An aromatherapy massage will usually begin with the back and backs of the legs. The towels will be moved to access the areas being worked on at that time and then re-covered. After turning over the front of both legs, feet, arms and hands are then massaged.

If you do not wish a certain area of the body to be treated, for example the legs, these would be avoided at your request and more time would be spent on the other areas of the body you are comfortable to be treated.

Is Aromatherapy Safe?

Aromatherapy is usually safe when conducted by a qualified professional. However, whilst oils are freely available and can be bought from a variety shops, please take great care. Essential oils should not be used neat on the skin or ingested. If in doubt, don't take the risk. Contact a qualified aromatherapist like Shona for advice.

Length of Aromatherapy treatment and cost

• Initial consultation 1 hour 15 minutes £30
• Subsequent treatments 1 hour £30

Practitioner qualifications - Shona Grinyer BSc(Hons), MFHT, MACTA, AOC Reg.

Shona trained at the University of Wolverhampton and gained a BSc Complementary Therapy Degree specialising in Aromatherapy. She also trained in Hopi Ear Candle therapy and achieved both the Athena School of Natural Therapies, and ITEC qualifications in Indian head massage. She is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and also a member of the NHS Directory of Aromatherapists.

Shona is registered with the Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) and consequently complies with their code of conduct. She's also a member of the Auricular Candle Therapy Association. Shona holds professional insurance with the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists and has a current first aid certificate.