Indian Head Massage ☼ Reflexology ☼ Aromatherapy
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy aims to treat the whole person by helping to restore the harmony of mind, body and spirit.
It works with the pure properties of plants, using their essential oils in a natural, complementary therapy which can help improve both physical and emotional well being.
Aromatherapy is most effective in therapeutic massage (also known as aromatherapy massage), often using relaxing or uplifting fragrances.
Benefits of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy oils can help to promote emotional well-being and good health. Therapists regularly use around 50 oils to help a variety of conditions. Each oil has different therapeutic properties, so from within the range, aromatherapists can select oils that can benefit various conditions throughout your body.
With essential oils chosen and blended especially to meet your needs, potential benefits can include:• The relief of stress and tension
• A feeling of deep relaxation
• Stimulated immune system
• A calm and soothed mind
• Improved blood and lymph circulation
• Increased energy levels
• A general sense of well being
Origins of aromatherapy
- a brief history
The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks were among the first to appreciate the benefits of essential oils. The use of aromatic oils reached England’s shores around the 1 3th century, and when the plague swept Europe during the Renaissance period, those who used aromatic oils were said to survive it, because many essential oils have antiseptic properties. Culpeper’s Complete Herbal(1 652) listed medicinal properties of plants, but scientific study didn’t start until the 1920s, when the French chemist Gattefosse discovered that essential oils can be absorbed by the skin and can reach the organs through the body’s circulation systems.
Going forward
Gattefosse coined the term “aromatherapy” and modern aromatherapists have built on his ideas—the work of Marguerite Maury in the 1950s was particularly important because it was she who introduced the idea of aromatherapy as a holistic treatment, customized to the unique needs of each client. Research into aromatherapy still continues today.
Can everyone enjoy aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is suitable Tor most adults but there are certain conditions where you should avoid it. To ensul-e the continued well being of clients, all treatments begin with a consultation, which enables your therapist to make sure that aromatherapy is right for you. In some instances your doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can commence, for example, if you have a heart condition. An individual confidential record card will be kept with any relevant notes for future treatments.
What happens during an aromatherapy treatment?
Typically, aromatherapy massage lasts for approximately an hour. During the treatment, towels will be used to ensure your modesty.
Aromatherapy oils are blended with a vegetable oil, known as a carrier oil, before being applied to the skin. Individual oils can be diluted in a carrier oil, or a number of oils can be used together, by a skilled aromatherapist, creating a blend tailored specially for you.
There are two main ways in which you can benefit from essential oils: either by them being absorbed by your skin, or through your breathing. The oils can have a physical effect by causing chemical changes in your body’s systems, and a psychological effect when you inhale the fragrance. As the sense of smell has a direct access route to the brain, this can have an immediate effect on your body. So, remember to breathe deeply to enjoy those evocative aromas!
After your treatment
To gain maximum benefit from the essential oils, and to give them time to be absorbed into your skin, don’t bath or shower for 8 hours, and avoid bath oils and salts for 24 hours.
Drink plenty of water — this helps flush away toxins. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to ask your therapist for advice.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a popular and relaxing holistic treatment based on the principle that reflex points on the soles, tops, and sides of the feet are connected to corresponding areas throughout the body. In this way, the feet can be seen as a “map” of the body.
Reflexologists work on the reflexes with their thumbs and fingers using specialised massage techniques,
said to help correct imbalances throughout the body, and help release blocked energy.
Benefits of reflexology
Potential benefits of reflexology can include:• Reduced stress
• Feelings of deep relaxation
• Increased energy levels
• The release of endorphins, the body’s feel good hormones (which can also provide pain relief)
• Improved circulation
• More efficient removal of impurities and toxins
• A stronger immune system
• A sense that the whole body is better balanced, or in harmony
Origins of reflexology
a brief history
The Chinese are said to have used an early form of reflexology more than 5000 years ago in their use of pressure therapies. Egyptian tomb artwork dating from around 2000 BC shows foot massage too, an indication that the benefits of working on the feet to encourage general good health have been acknowledged for some time.
These ancient forms of foot massage were based on the principle that energy zones run throughout the body.
Going forward
This principle -which became zone therapy - was further developed in the early 1 9th century with the discovery that applying pressure in various places along 10 vertical zones the length of the body could ease underlying problems. These ideas were expanded when practitioners such as Eunice lngham found that working with the feet was most effective, as they were the most sensitive and responsive areas, with thousands of nerve endings. Reflexology was introduced to Britain in the early 1 960s, and its popularity continues to grow.
Can everyone enjoy reflexology?
Reflexology is suitable for most adults but there are certain conditions where you should avoid reflexology. To ensure the continued well-being of clients, all treatments begin with a consultation, which enables your therapist to make sure that reflexology is right for you. In some instances your doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can commence, for example, if you have diabetes. An individual confidential record will be kept with any relevant notes for future treatments.
What happens during a reflexology treatment?
A reflexology treatment lasts for approximately an hour. As it’s just the feet that are being worked on,you remain fully clothed; simply removing shoes and socks.
You’ll be invited to relax on a reclining chair or treatment couch, or to put your feet up on a footstool. Your feet will be cleansed at the start of the treatment and then a variety of reflexology techniques will be used, adapted to suit your individual needs.
Reflexology can also be carried out on hands as well as feet. The zones running through the feet also have corresponding zones in the hands, too.
After your treatment
To gain maximum benefit from your reflexology treatment, try to rest afterwards — this helps your body’s natural healing process.
Drink plenty of water over the next few days — this helps flush away toxins. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to ask your therapist for advice.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a massage therapy that works specifically on the area surrounding the head, scalp and face, neck, and extending to the shoulders and upper back.
Indian Head Massage has been used in Asia for over 5,000 years. IHM, as practised in Europe incorporates modern western techniques.
Benefits of therapy
Potential benefits of Indian Head Massage include:• Reduced stress
• Improved hair condition
• Increased energy levels
• Improved circulation
• More efficient removal of impurities and toxins
• Stimulation and improvement of circulatory and lymphatic systems
Origins of Indian Head Massage (IHM)
- a brief history
For over 5,000 years, Indian women have appreciated the benefits of Indian Head Massage, a treatment which has come from the Ayurveda, an ancient method involving natural therapies, taking account of mind, body and spirit. The Hindi word for head massage is Chanipi and aspects of the treatment have a long tradition in Indian families. Mothers would stroke their daughter’s hair to promote its growth and health.
As cultures moved around the world they took their traditions with them. There are several stories of who brought Indian Head Massage to Britain but it started to appear in the 1 970s and developed in popularity during the 1 990s.
Indian Head Massage as taught and practised in the West is a mixture of traditional Indian and western massage techniques.
Can everyone enjoy Indian Head Massage?
Indian Head Massage is suitable for most adults but there are certain conditions where you should avoid Indian Head Massage. To ensure the continued well-being of clients, all treatments begin with a consultation, which enables your therapist to make sure that Indian Head Massage is right for you. In some instances your doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can commence, these will be discussed at your consultation. An individual confidential record will be kept with any relevant notes for future treatments.
What happens during an Indian Head Massage?
An Indian Head Massage usually lasts for approximately 30-45 minutes, although the treatment can be shortened to 1 5-20 minutes if it takes place in the workplace.
You will be invited to take a seat and relax on a low backed chair as it is mainly the head, face, neck, upper back and shoulders that are being worked on.
Oils are optional in Indian Head Massage. If the treatment is performed without oils you can remain fully clothed and a light weight t-shirt would be recommended. If oil is preferred, upper clothing can be removed and a large modesty towel applied.
After your treatment
To gain maximum benefit from your Indian Head Massage treatment, try to rest afterwards - this helps your body’s natural healing process. Caffeine can have a stimulating effect, so tea, coffee and cola should be avoided if possible, to help you to relax.
Drink plenty of water or herbal tea over the next few days — this helps flush away
toxins. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to ask your therapist for advice.
Qualifications
Sheila Forteau HOLISTIC THERAPIST
Diploma in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage & Swedish Body Massage
Certificate in Lymph Drainage
Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology
Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
IIHHT, IHBC, IIST
Using natural oils in Aromatherapy helps with aches and pain and can also help with fatigue and circulation
Service Categories
Aromatherapy, Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology
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