However another way of obtaining pure essential oils was by the discovery of distillation, first mentioned in Europe by a Spaniard called Arnold de Vilanova in the 13th century, although the Arabs have since been credited with its discovery much earlier. In the ancient civilizations of Egypt. Greece and Rome, aromatics were used extensively not only as medicines, but also as perfumes, skin unguents, massage oils and hair tonics, all used to enhance overall beauty, sensuality and well-being.

Nowadays, there are several possible methods of extracting pure essential oils with the three most important methods being STEAM DISTILLATION, EXPRESSION and SOLVENT EXTRACTION. A large volume of material is needed to produce these oils; sometimes hundreds of flowers only produces a few drops of oil. The by-products of essential oils are hydrolats -also referred to floral waters as they are used as skin toners and to mix up facial masks. Essential oils are very complex, often containing many natural chemicals in one oil.

* PROCESS OF STEAM DISTILLATION

How do they work on the body and mind ?

Essential oils are inhaled through the nose, affecting the olfactory system and the brain where they affect our moods and emotions - just think how a certain smell can trigger off some past memory as well as make you feel comforted or hungry !!
As they are composed of extremely tiny molecules, essential oils are also able to penetrate the skin and enter the body, travelling within the lymphatic and circulatory systems to virtually every cell of the body. They can regenerate and strengthen cellular tissue, cleanse and disinfect the skin , detoxify and get rid of toxins [ cellulite !!], release stress and alleviate tension, enhance the protective power of the immune system.
In a nutshell, they work on the physical, psychic and emotional levels.

What Aromatherapy can do for you ?

Regular aromatherapy treatments using the essential oils can provide you with a whole range of benefits as they can help with many common disorders in a more holistic way…and they smell so good !!
The essential oils are chosen especially for you and are blended in vegetable oils which nourish the skin and leave it feeling soft and supple. Apart from the pleasure factor of having a lovely relaxing massage, the aroma of the oils directly affects our moods and emotions, and sometimes our long and short-term memory. Along with a wide range of physiological benefits, treatment with essential oils are very helpful with stress-related problems such as :

* Depression * Anxiety * Nervous Tension * Anger * Apathy * Confusion * Hysteria
* Indecision * Fear * Grief * Hypersensitivity * Impatience * Irritability * Panic

What about massage ?

Massage is as old as the human race and must be the oldest form of complementary medicine as manuscripts have been found from the ancient civilisations of China, Egypt and India referring to massage as a means to cure and heal. There are many references to massage by the ancient Romans and Greeks with the earliest book to mention dates goes back to the year 2700 BC. Hippocrates was renowned for using massage on his patients, emphasizing the importance of pressure and technique to obtain the desired effect.

The general benefits of massage are :-
* Stimulates circulation * Enhances mental and physical relaxation
* Stimulates the immune system * Promotes relaxation and restful sleep
* Eases tense muscles and muscular pain * Creates a feeling of being cared for
* Increases muscle flexibility * Adds tone to slack muscles
* Promotes a feeling of well-being and comfort * Helps to remove inhibitions

Who would benefit from massage with essential oils ?

All age groups, men and women can benefit from massage with essential oils for a variety of reasons.

* BABIES - babies are massaged on a daily basis in India and Africa to maintain good health, relax and soothe, to nourish and soften the skin, enhance hair growth and to bond with their mothers.

* TEENAGERS - sharing massage treatments such as foot or head massage can give parents and children a chance to talk about the ups and downs of teenager angst, as well balancing hormonal disorders and soothing emotions - or they can go to a therapist for the chance to chat freely and receive assistance with problem skin etc.

* STRESSED OUT MOTHERS / BUSINESSWOMEN * STRESSED OUT DADS / BUSINESSMEN

* MENOPAUSAL WOMEN - assistance with hormonal changes which affect the emotions as well as the body.

* THE ELDERLY - massage treatments will help to stimulate and energise the body, while also lifting the mood. Some elderly people can become quite depressed when their partner passes on and miss that physical touch and companionship. Massage gives them the chance to be pampered and listened to in a safe environment.

* SKIN CARE FOR ALL AGE GROUPS / SEXES - ideal for all skin problems as well as having a rejuvenating effect on the skin. An Aroma-facial is so relaxing as well as nourishing for the skin.

* PURE PLEASURE AND A BIT OF PAMPERING / TLC - need I say more !!

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