Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is coined from the two words "aroma" meaning pleasant scent and "therapy" meaning a treatment that aims to cure a physical or mental condition. The term aromatherapy literally means treatment using scents. Essential oils are not perfumes, but rather the purest of essential oils extracted from plants valued for their therapeutic properties. Essential oils are some of our most powerful healing agents available today, and were frequently been mentioned in ancient scriptures and texts. One biblical reference states that the three gifts given to the Christ child included, Gold (a precious metal), Frankincense and Myrrh (both priceless essential oils that were used as powerful herbal medicines). Ask your therapist to include these oils if you wish, for an uplifting, spiritual experience during your massage.

How does Aromatherapy work?

Essential oils enter the body by inhalation and by absorption through the pores of the skin. They affect the system in three ways: pharmacologically, physiologically, and psychologically. For most people this treatment is safe, pleasant, enjoyable, and relaxing. Depending on the choice of oils & method of treatment, it can produce any number of sensations, from profoundly relaxing, to uplifting and invigorating.

Aromatherapy treatments offered at Pipestem Spa

• After an aromatherapy treatment, it is best to wait until the next day to shower so that you can get the maximum benefit from the healing powers of the essential oils.
• Please let your therapist know if you have any special scents that you especially like or dislike, or if you have any allergies.
• All essential oils used at Pipestem Spa are organic, pure, therapeutic grade oils.

Aromatherapy Massage - Essential oils, such as Lavender, Grapefruit, Lemon, Blue Spruce, Chamomile, Frankincense, Myrrh, Rose and others, are used during your massage. Our essential oils are used a few drops at a time and incorporated into your treatment (they are not mixed into a larger quantity of carrier oil) so that you get the maximum sensory experience from these precious herbal and flower extracts.

Raindrop Therapy - Therapeutic, detoxifying oils, such as oregano, thyme, cypress, basil, marjoram, spruce, lavender and peppermint, among others, are dropped, raindrop fashion, along the spine and gently massaged into the surrounding tissue. Steaming hot towels are then applied to help facilitate absorption of the oils while a 20 minute neck and scalp massage is performed. This treatment is especially good for chronic back or nerve problems, and can also be combined with Energy Healing or Reflexology. (5 treatments recommended, one week apart to achieve best results.)

Aromatherapy Facial - Special oils that are designed to heal skin problems, such as blemished or problem skin, or dry, patchy skin, are added to your facial treatment. All treatments are customized to your special needs.

Some of the many different pure, essential oils we use are listed below:

Azulene: Extracted from the chamomile flower, this oil is naturally dark blue; it is added to cosmetics as a natural colorant and for its soothing and calming properties. Chamomile is beneficial for insomnia, allergies, PMS and menopause symptoms. Chamomile flowers can be sewn into a bag and used as a dream pillow, as the aroma is deeply relaxing and can help provide more restful and deeper sleep.

Clary Sage: A herb beneficial for hot flashes, dandruff or dryness of the scalp, fear, panic and depression. Clary sage has a calming affect and can be used topically to improve the condition of the hair and skin. Native American cultures use Clary Sage extensively in their spiritual practices, believing that it clears a person or space of negative energy.

Eucalyptus: Purifying, invigorating and cooling, beneficial for asthma, migraine and can help to clear the breathing passages.

Lavender: Is calming, soothing, an antidepressant and emotionally balancing. It has the ability to alleviate aches, pains, tension, and insomnia.

Lemon: Promotes clarity of thought and purpose. Lemon is beneficial for cellulite conditions, acne, muscular fatigue and stiffness and is very uplifting and refreshing.

Lemongrass: Is beneficial for mental fatigue, irritability, palpitations and athlete’s foot. In Thailand, lemongrass is considered a natural antibiotic and used at the first sign of a sniffle or cold.

Marjoram: Marjoram is a natural tonic which increases circulation.

Orange: Extracted from the skin of the fruit, the aroma is sweet, refreshing, uplifting, and cheery. It is best known for relieving nervous tension, depression, and stress related disorders.

Peppermint: This reviving aromatic oil is known as a vasoconstrictor, induces perspiration, reduces inflammation and is a natural astringent. Peppermint is excellent for sore muscles.

Rose: Rose is one of the most precious of all essential oils, sometimes costing as much as a $100 or more for a half teaspoon. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal qualities, which include helping heal any type of skin condition, such as eczema and broken capillaries, and has also been shown to help a person dealing with depression, grief or loss.

Rosemary: Known for its toning, astringent and invigorating properties, it improves blood circulation thereby aiding the skin in regeneration.

Tea Tree: Nature’s first aid for athlete’s foot, acne, nail infections, dandruff and general debility. Tea Tree oil, also called Melaleuca and has been used by Aborigines in Australia for many years.

Ylang-Ylang: Balances equilibrium, restores confidence, beneficial for insomnia, PMS, and may prevent hair loss.