with
Alison Leishman M.I.F.P.A.
If you are visiting the North of Scotland, why not come to the ancient kingdom of Moray, where you will find the town of Forres and the nearby coastal village of Findhorn. Then you can have a relaxing Aromatherapy massage from one of Scotland's leading practitioners.
What is Aromatherapy Massage?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to achieve balance and harmony of human mind, body and spirit.
Essential oils are non-greasy natural extracts of aromatic plants which can be inhaled or applied directly to the skin (in a carrier oil or lotion) or put into the bath.
Each oil has different therapeutic properties. Here are just a few:
 | pain relieving, |
| decongestant (good for respiratory problems), |
| uplifting, |
| relaxing, |
| warming, |
| stimulating, |
| hormone balancing. |
When the oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin they reach the bloodstream and are then carried to every part of the body including the brain.
Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years. They were well known by the ancient Egyptians and there are many biblical references to them. Knowledge of aromatic plants was brought to Western Europe by knights returning from the Crusades and the oils were used until the 19th century when synthetically produced medicines began to replace these natural remedies. At the beginning of the 20th century essential oils were rediscovered by doctors treating the wounded in the first World War, when supplies of antiseptic ran out. Since then the use of essential oils has spread rapidly and aromatherapy is now used in many hospitals, hospices and nursing homes.
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy - it treats the whole of you, not just your physical symptoms. I am trained to consider not just the body but the mind and emotional aspects of the client. At your first Aromatherapy treatment I will spend time finding out about you and your medical history as well as any current problems. Usually treatment is by way of full-body massage but if this is not suitable then only parts of the body may be massaged, or I will give you advice about using the oils in other ways. I will then choose three or four essential oils, specifically to suit you, from a range of about 60. These are mixed and dissolved in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grape-seed, the choice again depending on your needs and skin-type. You will enjoy a massage lasting about an hour.
My massage technique is flowing, gentle but firm and very relaxing. Massage stimulates the blood and lymph circulation and this in turn helps the body to get rid of its waste. When combined with essential oils the benefits of massage can be exceptional. The treatment has been described as uplifting, soothing, calming and nurturing.
If appropriate I will suggest suitable ways in which you can use the essential oils at home in order that the benefits of aromatherapy can be extended between visits. I can mix oils and lotions for you to use in the bath, for inhalation or as a body lotion.
My aromatherapy treatments last 1½ hours and cost 30 UK pounds. I use essential oils of only the very highest quality.
I am available to work in hospitals and residential homes.
If you belong to an organisation which would like a talk and demonstration about aromatherapy please telephone me on:
Forres (01309)-672864.
Where is my Clinic?
I work in HealthWorks, the complementary Health Clinic in Forres, in the North of Scotland. It is a practice of about 14 therapists, each offering a holistic approach to health. The clinic was founded by a medical doctor.
HealthWorks Health Clinic
5 Bank Lane
Forres
Moray IV36 1NU
Scotland.
For further information or to make an appointment please telephone:
Forres (01309) 672864
Email alisonleishman@hotmail.com
Alison Leishman is a fully qualified Clinical Aromatherapist. She is a graduate of the Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy, and is a member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists.
Make health count!
