Follow the mail on Twitter.

• +
• -
• Text size

Related content

Topic tags

Living

Relax and let the scents do their work

What is it supposed to do?

Aromatherapy is an ancient treatment that enhances well being, relieves stress and helps rejuvenate and regenerate the body. It has been used throughout history in the traditional medical practices of the world’s greatest civilizations. Nowadays, aromatherapy is widely accepted by orthodox and complementary practitioners as one of the most comprehensive natural therapies, used in cases with more than basic holistic needs. Essential oils are absorbed into the body in two ways: through the skin, in conjunction with massage therapy, and through a sense of smell.

What benefits does it claim?

Aromatherapy oils are used for their balancing effects on the nervous and hormonal systems, and their ability to improve the function of bodily systems. Many oils have a powerful antiseptic action, while others act as natural painkillers. For example, Rosemary essential oil has a stimulating effect while Lavender is used for its ability to calm and sedate along with being excellent for burns, cuts and scarring. The method can be used as a natural complement or alternative to other treatment options. However, it does not claim to ‘cure’ serious illnesses even though its effectiveness in alleviating many of the discomforts associated with them has been documented. Essential oils, the heart of aromatherapy, can heal wounds, improve skin tone, relieve menstrual cramps, stimulate the immune system, energise, relax muscles, improve sleep, kill fungal and bacterial infections and decrease sinus and lung congestion.

Is there any science behind it?

There are two main schools of thought on why aromatherapy is effective. One is that essential oils are derived from plants, so they affect the body in unique ways. Doctors explain that their function in the plant community is to help the plant’s immune system as plants use chemicals to fight off bacteria and fungi. They even battle back against the harmful effects of sunlight by making phytonutrients we call antioxidants. Another theory is that smell receptors in the nose might respond to the smells of essential oils and send chemical messages to the brain’s limbic system. The limbic system affects moods and emotions.

What is it like?

Susan Worwood, a clinical practitioner of aromatherapy and reflexology with over 24 years of experience, welcomes me to her new establishment, the Anahata Creative Wellbeing Centre. After I fill out a form detailing any injuries, illnesses or discomforts I have, she allows me to undress to my underwear and then begins. The one-hour session starts with five minutes of reflexology. This, a therapy carried out on the feet, is to determine the parts of my body that are craving rejuvenation and healing. Within minutes she is hitting spots that bring on tremendous amounts of discomfort and pinpoints, without being told (as I hadn’t mentioned ALL my health ‘problems’), the parts in need, which are my intestines and head and neck and apparently eyes, which, she says seem “a bit tired”. She then blends a mixture of essential oils that correspond to my exact needs. This bottle will later on be given to me as a way of continuing the treatment at home. Susan then makes me as comfortable as possible by putting a pillow under my chest and my head on a massage cushion with a hole in the middle. I relax and enjoy a massage which targets my legs, feet, back, neck and stomach by way of rubbing rapidly at times, allowing the essential oils to be absorbed. Afterwards I feel uplifted and my neck, relaxed. Susan gets my vote of confidence for two reasons: first, she knows her oils and can give you a number of inexpensive ways to heal many small health issues and second, she has the most reasonable prices I have come across in Cyprus. A 5ml bottle of Lavender costs just €5.

Where and how much?

At the Anahata Creative Wellbeing Centre in Nicosia – Tel: 99 956557, 4, Dinokratous Street, Flat 1 (off Kallipoleos Street). A one hour treatment costs €35.