Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, from flowers, trees and shrubs and their fruits, blooms, leaves, stems and roots.

The oils are obtained by steam distillation, expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) or enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).

The aromatherapist will take a medical history and then determine which oil, or combination of oils, will be the most beneficial for you. The oils will be diluted in carrier oil, such as almond or grape seed, and then massaged into your neck, shoulders and upper back, or given as a full body massage.

Massage is often used to alleviate stress and aid relaxation, to relieve pain and to facilitate healing from injury. Touch is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to promote circulation and release tension. Oils or powder may be used to enable smooth, flowing massage movements.

Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids, which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid the removal of waste products combined with the use of essential oils the effects can be extremely beneficial.