“A hug in a bottle” – aromatherapy oils for massage

June 27, 2016

A common question we get asked by visitors to the Spa Retreat is “what products do you use in your therapies and what makes them special?”

As a result we’ve decided to write a series of blogs on spa therapy products we use at Polynesian Spa to help with awareness as there are some fascinating stories behind them.

As it’s aromatherapy month, it’s timely to look into the oils used in our Aromatherapy Massage by Aromatherapy Associates.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their exquisite aromas and natural healing powers. UK based Aromatherapy Associates have been sourcing ingredients, developing products, blending oils, studying and developing their unique recognisable aromas since the beginning of modern aromatherapy over 30 years ago.

During aromatherapy massage, essential oils are absorbed into the blood stream and can enhance cell renewal, circulation and detoxification, while aromas act on the deepest parts of the brain to enhance the state of one’s mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Taken from organic, fair trade plants, Aromatherapy Associates essential oils are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which restore radiance and vitality and keep the complexion looking soft and youthful.

While Aromatherapy Associates have blends which are tried and true such as: de-stress, relax, and revive. The first new blend to be added in 20 years is Inner Strength. Co-founder and president Geraldine Howard found a gap in catering to needs when she went through a difficult time personally battling cancer, “needing something to help pull me out of what I can only describe as a black hole”.

“I needed something to give me a mental kick, boost me up and at the same time release the tension caused by the trauma I was undergoing – illness can be a lonely place, even with the love and support of family and friends,” she explains.

When Geraldine began mixing she ended up with Inner Strength which has been launched for others going through traumatic times too with 10% of the revenue from each bottle going towards cancer research – a blend of Clary Sage and Frankincense to lift spirits, Rosemary and Cardamom to give physical strength, Geranium to balance, Vetivert and Camomile to calm and finally Rose, which is a like a ‘hug in a bottle’.

Polynesian Spa stock Aromatherapy Associates in the Spa Essentials Shop as well.

Something we find visitors often need an overview of is how to apply the bath and shower oils at home… a common mistake people make is to try and apply the oil in the shower.

Here’s a quick how to guide:

For a shower: Smooth a capful over your body before showering. Follow with appropriate body wash and moisturiser if required.

For a bath: simply add a capful to your bath to enjoy

The Aromatherapy Associates blends:

Relax – The comforting combination of camomile, vetivert and ylang ylang will aid relaxation and encourage a peaceful night’s sleep

De-stress – perfect to ease muscular aches and pains, pre and post exercise. This therapeutic blend of arnica and lavender combined with rosemary and ginger will help support healthy circulation and revive tired, overworked muscles whilst nourishing the skin. A must have for any sports enthusiast.

Revive – Experience the incredible smoothing and conditioning powers of coconut, jojoba and peach kernel. Regular use will enhance the tone and texture of your skin, thanks to the refreshing and invigorating blend of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper.

Inner Strength – to help you find your inner strength in challenging and difficult times. Formulated with a unique blend of rose, clary sage, frankincense and cardamom essential oils combined with skin conditioning jojoba and peach kernel oils.

Renewing – experience the renewing and conditioning powers of rose, neroli, geranium and evening primrose to leave skin deeply nourished, hydrated and silky smooth.

Nourishing – experience the intensely conditioning and deeply penetrating powers of macadamia, coconut and evening primrose in this dry skin oil and indulge your senseswith the exotic scent of geranium, ylang ylang and vanilla.