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SCMP Reporter

AROMATHERAPY, or using aromatic essential oils to enhance the quality of health and well-being, was first used by the ancient Egyptians.

   It is currently enjoying a revival and is rapidly growing in popularity in Hong Kong.

  At The Beauty Spot, in Sai Kung, beauty therapist Joanne Footer uses 100 per cent pure essential oils from English company Astor & Windsor in a variety of treatments, including facials, reflexology, manicures and pedicures.

  'I do aromatherapy massage, where you can use the oils according to people's needs,' Ms Footer said.

   'They are beneficial for a number of things. If someone has a headache, is tired, stressed out or has stiff muscles, you can combine a few different oils to cope with the problem.'   For the purposes of massage, a few drops of the essential oil are usually diluted with a carrier oil which is a cold-pressed pure vegetable oil.

  Ms Footer also sells essential oils and carrier oil for home use but warns people not to use too much essential oil to avoid becoming over-sensitive.

  'I tell them to use a few drops then work their way up drop by drop if they want something stronger,' she said.

  Essential oils can also be used in oil burners (also available from The Beauty Spot) to create a therapeutic atmosphere, or to help control colds or sinus problems.

  With a massage, the oils work through absorption and, with the burners, through inhalation. Either way they are always taken into the bloodstream.

  'Getting them directly into the body is most effective, so through a massage or by using them in the bath is more immediate,' Ms Footer said.

  In manicures and pedicures, essential oils can be used to improve circulation, help strengthen nails and remove hard skin.

  Lavender is one of the most popular oils because it is good for many different things and is relaxing if burned or added to a bath.

  It can also be applied directly on to the skin without a carrier oil.

   'If you have spots or insect bites, cuts, bruises or burns, it is a good first-aid oil to have on hand as it helps you heal a lot quicker,' Ms Footer said.

  Tea-tree oil is also popular because it is anti-bacterial.

   'It is good for things like fungal infections or athlete's foot. You can also gargle it for sore throats, making it a good first-aid oil as well,' Ms Footer said.

  When it comes to burning oils, Ms Footer recommends geranium as having a calming and relaxing effect, with bergamot oil being more uplifting and refreshing.

  Health problems that can be alleviated by aromatherapy include tension and stress and tight muscles that such problems create.

  'It will help some people and not others. It depends on how they react to the oils for things like migraine and period pains,' Ms Footer said.

  Clary sage oil is often beneficial in relieving menstrual pains if put into a carrier oil and rubbed on to the abdomen or dropped into a bath. Basil and, to a lesser extent, peppermint oil can help relieve migraine if the oil is rubbed on to the temples.

  Ms Footer said the more stimulating oils - such as thyme, clary sage, cypress, juniper and rosemary - should not be used by pregnant women.

   Given the fact some people may be allergic to certain oils, she always does a skin test before a massage to ascertain if any oils are not suitable.

  In general, however, essential oils are beneficial for the skin and can help specific skin problems such as oiliness or dryness.

   'I use them a lot in facials and, when I do the massage in a facial, I will mix certain oils according to the skin type,' Ms Footer said.

  'Because I am trained in skin care, I can normally tell if someone has sensitive skin. If they do, I will use gentle oils.'    Benzoin and patchouli are good for dry skin, cedarwood helps in the treatment of acne and oily skin and chamomile is for sensitive skin.



Ancient aromatherapy enjoys major revival in 20th century