Shock News!  Aromatherapy is more than sweet smelling concoctions that you use to perfume a bath or candle!

Go on – tell me more!

Aromatherapy is a form of mixology! No seriously, aromatherapy is the science of blending chemicals found in plant essential oils to elicit a certain effect on the body.

In brief, plant essential oils are released by tiny glands found on a plant’s leaves, petals or bark. These oils have chemical compounds in them.  An aromatherapist knows which oils have which chemicals and so can mix them together to create a cocktail. The exact mix will depend on what the aromatherapist is trying to achieve. So, for example, different oils are used to warm muscle, relax the mind or promote sleep.

How do you use this cocktail?

A qualified aromatherapist can apply a ‘mix’ by blending the essential oils with a carrier oil.  The carrier oil is thicker than the essential oils but allows the plant oils to be applied to the skin. Sixty percent of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body.  The chemical compounds in essential oils are so tiny that they are not only absorbed into the skin but can penetrate into the blood stream and move around the body.  When in the body they mix with the body’s own chemicals and alter the state of the body.

That’s not all!

Aromatherapy oils have some very practical applications. You can use the calming effects of the chemicals in lavender and chamomile to help you get a good night’s sleep or the stimulating qualities of black pepper to warm your muscles.

The nights are drawing in

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, we all need a little more nurturing.  Some essential oils provide the perfect antidote to feelings of low mood while others can warm cold extremities.

Here are some recommendations

• Citrus oils such as orange blossom (also known as Neroli), grapefruit or bergamot can lift the spirits and cheer you up if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder
• Rosemary is warming and stimulating.  It promotes blood flow and so is good for warming hands and feet
• Sweet Marjoram is warming and has slight pain-relieving properties so can be very good for tired aching muscles
• Black pepper is warming as it stimulates the circulation. It’s excellent on cold days or when you have cold hands and feet
• Ginger generates heat.  If you have a cold ginger can raise your temperature helping you to sweat to chase off colds and fevers

Here’s how to make your own blend of oils

1. Buy good quality plant essential oils  
2. Choose 3 oils for your blend
3. Use 2 drops of each oil in a 10ml carrier oil such as grapeseed
4. Massage the oil onto your skin – especially your wrists and temples but don’t get it in your eyes!
5. Or pop some of your blend into a diffuser and inhale

Don’t do it yourself

Why bother with buying oils when we have everything here as well as excellent aromatherapists. Another bonus is that in October you can get 10% off an aromatherapy massage.  Just use the promo code AROMA at our online check out. 

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing aromatherapy treatments

Want to find out more about our aromatherapy massage – just click here.  Or to meet the therapists who perform this magical treatment click here. 

As you would expect from our fantastic service all of our therapists are fully qualified, insured and members of relevant professional bodies such as the FHT

To find out more about Phoenix Health and Wellbeing and our charity work click here

If you have private health insurance you may be able to claim back the cost of your treatment. Check your policy.

Opening times:

Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00

Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00

Sunday closed.

Book your massage via our website or call 0113 234 0818 to speak to one of the team

Phoenix Health & Wellbeing is a charitable social enterprise.  By coming to us for a treatment you are helping people who have chronic health issues and low incomes. We use the proceeds of your treatment to subsidise those who would not otherwise be able to access our therapies. Roughly £4 to every £10 spent with us will go to help others.