Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.The inhaled aroma from these “essential” oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing properties.
How Aromatherapy works
People respond to the sense of smell on an emotional level more strongly than any other sense. A single aroma can trigger forgotten memories. The Limbic system is the area of the brain associated with smell and memory. The olfactory nerves are located within the nasal cavity and respond to particular aromas. This information is sent to the Limbic system which connects with another part of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) which governs the hormonal systems. These aromas trigger a variety of chemical actions within the body, including the release of specific chemicals that relaxes, calms, stimulates and creates a general feeling of well-being.
Aromatherapy can:
- Calm and relax
- Destress
- Soothe and balance
- Stimulate and refresh
- Energise and uplift
- Maintain healthy joints and muscles
- Create a tranquil, sensual and seductive ambience
- Revive both mind and body
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that treats the mind, body and spirit. When essential oils are applied to the body during a massage, the essential oils enter the skin through the hair follicles where they are absorbed in to the blood stream and circulated around the body.
Aromatherapy has many benefits to the person being treated and can:
- Enhance mood and general feeling of well-being through massage and the use of essential oils.
- Improve blood and lymphatic circulation through massage and the use of essential oils. Depending upon the essential oils used the blood vessels will either constrict or dilate thereby raising or lowering blood pressure.
- Balance the hormone production by the endocrine system. Essential oils such as clary sage can mimic oestrogen.
- Strengthen the immune system by helping to kill viruses, bacteria and fungal infections.
- Reduce pain.
- Encourage restful sleep.
- Improve digestion.
Flower Terapies – Australian Bush Flower Essences
Flower essence therapy is the practice of using flower essences for healing by restoring balance between mind, body and spirit.
Flower essence therapy is a vibrational therapy that works by tackling the emotional and mental states which are often at the root of, or strong contributing factors in, most types of illness.
Aliki Vythoulka is an experienced flower essence therapist, having worked with flower essences both personally and professionally over the last 12 years. Aliki specialises in working with Australian Bush flowers renowned for their high vibration and subtle but powerful action helping clients to uncover their individual blockages or imbalances, and tailoring the programme of therapy to each person’s unique needs.
Flower essence therapy can help with a range of conditions and illnesses, including:
- Physical disease such as hay fever, arthritis, RSI, cancer, psoriasis or breathing problems
- Behavioural issues such as anger, withdrawal and self control
- Psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, paranoia or phobias
- Personal concerns such as bereavement, pre-exam nerves, crises or stress
These are just a few of the problems that can benefit from flower essence therapy.
Diet and Nutrition Advice
As a Holistic Therapist it is very important to look at all aspects of the human being including their diet, as it has a major role to play in the wellbeing of the client, and after all we are what we eat.
By studying the patient’s lifestyle, work, exercise, age, physical and emotional health, we attempt to develop an appropriate diet for each person and, through diet, get an optimal state of health and wellbeing.
There are many types of diets, but to choose the appropriate for each patient is difficult especially when you consider that a diet not only helps us lose weight, but also to solve or prevent health problems, gas, constipation, headaches, allergies , skin problems, nervous system disorders, insomnia, chronic fatigue, etc.. If our body does not have the necessary nutrients, it will begin to show symptoms of a system that can fail due to their lack.
To develop the right dietary habits for each patient a medical history will be taken, asking the patient for details of their diet, their health …, watching very carefully that there are no symptoms of intolerance to any food, since they are often the origin of several annoyances that are not easy to treat.
Patient cooperation is essential, telling his troubles with the greatest truth and accuracy possible.
Equally important is the commitment to treatment, they always try to make it as simple as possible, rich in natural and common foods in the kitchens of today, which can be prepared at home and adapt to their work schedules. Even people who have to eat away from home can follow their own diet still eating in a restaurant.
Just having a good diet can prevent illness or address illness better, increasing the quality of life and living as fully as possible.
Phytotherapy Advice
Phytotherapy, or Herbal medicine, is the oldest form of medicine known.
Herbal medicines are whole-plant extracts containing many active constituents which act synergistically (with combined energy) to support the body’s own complex ability to heal itself. Herbal medicine, unlike conventional medicine, does not only treat symptoms, but targets the underlying causes of ill-health. Every prescription is individually tailored to the particular physical, emotional and spiritual needs of a person.
Herbs are effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic health conditions, and are suitable for all ages.
In the clinic herbal infusions, tinctures and supplements are also recommended as a complement to Reflexology.