What role should aromatherapy play at my spa?

Ancient history in aromatherapy seems to be shrouded in mystery. Evidence reveals that early cultures such as the Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Roman and African were among the first to use oils in healing techniques. Awareness of the healing power these pure oils contain has emerged in the modern western world in the last 20 or 30 years. At the core of aromatherapy are highly concentrated essential oils. These oils are derived from thousands of families of plant and herb extracts. Consider these highly concentrated oils to be the life source, or blood, of the plant. Pure oils can be as much as 75 to 100 percent more potent than most herbs dried from the same plant.

Specific aromas are blended to have a positive influence on many health-related issues. Aromas can be delivered by massaging the oils into the skin or through the olfactory system of the brain and nervous system (better known as our sense of smell). Oils can be delivered in several ways including inhalation, bathing, burning and massaging.

Utilizing these pure oils properly is not as simple as you may think. Education and history of holistic benefits are a necessity if you want your clients to receive maximum benefits from the treatment. Here are a few suggestions:

• Never use pure oils directly on the skin. They are extremely potent and can cause severe irritation. Pure oils must be diluted. Two common ingredients to which essential oils are added are lotion or vegetable oil. Dilution factors differ based on the age of the client and whether the oils are used during a body massage or a facial. Approximately one to three drops of oil per tablespoon of dilution product is fairly standard. I would suggest a patch test on the client¹s inner arm prior to initial treatment application.

• Essential oils should not be taken internally, with the exception of being used in treatment by a professional aromatherapist or physician.

• There are many suggested restrictions on oil aromas when it comes to medical conditions (especially pregnancy) and exposure to sunlight.

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