A is for aromatherapy

Finding out about the range of health and beauty treatments available in Gloucestershire is now as easy as learning you’re A, B, Cs, with the first fragrant entry in SoGlos.com’s body and mind alphabet being aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a widely-respected form of alternative therapy growing in popularity at a staggering rate and available across Gloucestershire. But if the term causes a vague look of confusion to spread across you face, you’re not on your own.

Fundamentally, aromatherapy is a treatment which focuses on the healing properties of essential oils which have been gathered from flowers, trees, shrubs, fruit, leaves, stems and roots. Different oils, or combinations of oils, can be used to treat a range of problems or as a form of relaxation and pampering.

According to advocates aromatherapy can enhance well-being, relieve stress and promote vitality and good health. Those suffering from back, neck and shoulder problems; stress and depression; problem skin; poor digestion; insomnia; and circulatory problems are all able to potentially benefit from a course of treatments. As side effects are uncommon, there are very few drawbacks to aromatherapy – other than investing a bit time and money, of course.

Aromatherapy treatment can work through a range of methods but the most commonly used is massage, with inhaling essential oils through vaporisers coming a close second. Scientifically-speaking aromatherapy works because scents from essential oils can stimulate the receptors in the nose and then trigger activity in certain areas of the brain linked to mood, while elements of essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, which can influence emotions and possibly even organ function. While clinical trials have proven that aromatherapy can impact upon stress levels and encourage relaxation, ongoing tests are required to offer solid proof of other claims.

Treatments differ slightly according to the individual therapist, but your first consultation will always involve spending a short time giving personal and medical history details on your lifestyle, allergies, diet, exercise and emotional and environmental factors. This information is used to decide on which oil or combination of oils will benefit you individually. Aromatherapists will only make medical diagnoses if they are medically qualified and so you may be advised to see your doctor as well.

Most aromatherapists in Gloucestershire use massage techniques in their treatments, which can either be given on the neck, shoulders and back, or as a facial or a full body massage using your individually-tailored oils. Aromatherapy massages can take between 20 to 90 minutes and can cost from £25 to £90, according to how long your treatment takes.

Aromatherapy is available across Gloucestershire – including at the Cheltenham Holistic Health Centre and Running Earth in Cheltenham; the Cirencester Therapy Clinic and The Aura Centre in the Cotswolds; the Aromatherapy Beauty Clinic and Gloucester Natural Therapies Clinic in Gloucester; Newent Natural Health in the Forest of Dean; Stroud Natural Health Clinic in Stroud; and Body 2 Soul in Tewkesbury.

So what are you waiting for? Lie back and relax and put this alternative treatment to the test for yourself.

SoGlos.com
25 October 2007