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AROMATHERAPY

In 2016, Ariel took a clinical aromatherapy course and has found great enjoyment in incorporating essential oils into what she offers at Health & Harmony.  There are a variety of products available for sale, or you can add a new dimension to your massage by adding Custom Aromatherapy.

Essential Oils
Essential Oils are the volatile essences of the aromatic substances found in various plant material (flowers, leaves, bark, etc.).  They are highly concentrated, complex mixtures of individual chemical constituents, the precise nature of which determines the therapeutic and fragrant properties of the specific essential oil.  The majority of essential oils are produced through steam distillation, with the major exception being citrus oils, which are cold pressed from the rinds.  Essential oils have been used for centuries for their healing properties and aromas. You can find a short history here.
With topical application such as an aromatherapy massage, lotion or rollerball blend, essential oils affect the mind and body in two main ways, though our sense of smell (olfactory system) and absorption into the skin.

Olfactory System

The nose/brain association is the most direct connection we have with the environment.  Our sense of smell is about 10,000 times more sensitive than any of our other sensory organs.  Our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic brain, which houses emotion, memory and some regulatory functions.  This is why smells often trigger memories.  Incoming aromatic molecules enter the nose during inhalation, are picked up by the olfactory hairs which bind them to receptors, then messages are sent via the neurons to the olfactory bulb and then the limbic brain.  This video explains more about how inhalation of essential oils affects the brain.
The Skin
The skin is our largest organ and another important way essential oils can penetrate the body.  Essential oils penetrate the skin through pores and hair follicles, are absorbed by capillaries, and enter the blood stream where they can circulate throughout the body.  The molecules in essential oils are small enough to cross the blood/brain barrier, which allows them to have a powerful effect on our brains and bodies.
Health & Harmony Escentials
A variety of products with Ariel's blends are available for sale including foaming hand soap, room spray, lotion, personal inhalers, and a variety of rollerball blends.  (See samples above).  Custom products can be made by request.
Custom Aromatherapy
Add a new dimension to your massage with Custom Aromatherapy!  Before your massage, Ariel will create a custom blend of essential oils to be used for your session in your own one ounce jar of massage cream.  Your blend will be selected to support both your mind and body in whatever aspect is most important to you.  Essential oils can enhance the healing aspect of your massage for sore muscles, stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, fatigue, hormones (PMS/menopause), and more! 
Session Details
Custom Aromatherapy can be added to most massage sessions.  Arrive about 10 minutes before your scheduled massage time to allow time for choosing your Custom Aromatherapy blend.  After your massage, you can take home the remainder of the massage cream with your blend to use at home.  See Services for pricing information.  Contact Ariel if you have any questions. 
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