Blog
How holistic therapies can help you relax
Friday 18th August 2017
Here at Heavenly Green we always try to adapt holistic practises across all our treatments; however our two ultimate favourites are Aromatherapy and Reflexology.
Whilst we are proud to say all our massages use aromatherapy oils blended by Aromatherapy Associates, I often encounter the question...."What is aromatherapy?"
Aromatherapy by definition is a holistic treatment involving the use of essential oils extracted from plants to improve physical and emotional well being.
It helps to promote health and vitality by stimulating the body to heal itself and by reducing stress, which is often a cause of many aliments and illnesses.
Essential oils are aromatic, mostly liquid substances from various parts of a plant, such as from petals, bark, twigs, roots, leaves, seeds and resins.
There are many ways to use essential oils including inhalation, in the bath, compresses and massage.
Massage is by far the most well known method of applying the oils to the body and the most effective as massage also promotes relaxation within the body which enhances the essential oils effectiveness.
The sense of smell is the most primitive of all our senses and it is linked to some of the oldest and deepest parts of the brain.
As we breathe in the aromas of the essential oils, it can trigger emotional and even physical responses and allow vivid memory recall of people or places.
Reflexology by definition is a reflex zone therapy which involves pressure and massage of the reflex points found on the feet and hands. These points correlate to organs in the body.
To best understand the benefits of aromatherapy and reflexology, it is helpful to first understand what stress can do to the body.
Stress negatively affects every system in your body, causing issues such as headaches, mouth ulcers, depression, peptic ulcers, menstrual problems, high blood pressure and colds to name but a few.
By relieving stress, you can potentially relieve some if not all of the issues listed above.
Holistic therapy is defined as a form of healing that considers the whole person, encompassing their mind, body, spirit and emotions to help them on their quest for optimal health.
Aromatherapy Associates Massages combine the use of pre blended essential oils with stress releasing massage movements to help de- stress the muscles or the mind, revive a tired body, relax the body physically promoting sleep or help provide "Inner Strength" for those less than forgiving moments in your day.
Reflexology works by opening energy pathways throughout the body to promote health and well being. Certain pressure points on the feet and hands relate to organs and systems within the body.
By freeing up these pathways the movement of energy is increased and stagnant negative energy is released. It's this release of energy that promotes health and can help heal ailments in the body.
Sometimes gritty areas are felt, and a build up of crystals is found on a certain area of the foot relating to a body system or organ. This signifies an energy blockage within that organ and by using specialised techniques a Reflexologist is able to help release these blockages and increase well being.
Whilst reflexology and aromatherapy are not substitutes for modern western medicine, they are gorgeous complimentary therapies which can make you feel better in yourself, which is definitely something we all need from time to time.
