Aromatherapy Arises

The practise of aromatherapy is gaining prominence as extraction techniques are increasingly refined, the benefits of essential oils becoming more widely known and, with essentials oils making their way into some of the best spas, yoga studios and even juice bars, they’re becoming exposed to increasingly wider audiences.

One Kiwi has been at the forefront of aromatherapy since long before it hit the mainstream, honing and perfecting her craft since stumbling upon it, almost by accident, in the eighties.

‘I was sitting my final exams for an international qualification as a beauty therapist’ recalls Polynesian Spa retreat manager Helena Keenan. ‘The examiner knew I was interested in aromatherapy and she told me if I wanted to learn from the best I needed to go to London and study with Madame Micheline Arcier’. That casual comment set the path for Helena’s exemplary career. She scrimped and saved for five years to get the money to attend and after completing the course in 1987 has never looked back.

Madame Micheline Arcier is regarded as a pioneer of aromatherapy, what drew you to her?

My main therapeutic modality is massage and that’s what was unique about Micheline’s training. She’s created a very specific massage technique that enhances the effects of the oils and magnifies their benefits. The essential oils influence your body and mind through olfaction, your sense of smell, directly into the brain and the limbic system — so into your emotions and with the endocrine and nervous systems. Her technique includes acupressure on the nerve ganglia that run along either side of the spine, lymphatic drainage and Swedish massage movements.

What are the benefits of an aromatherapy massage?

It’s a very gentle, rhythmic style of massage that works on the nervous and lympathic systems to help bring about homeostasis, or balance in the body. That’s why I find it a wonderful therapy for our times because so many people are stressed, their nervous systems are completely out of balance which then affects their whole body and overall wellbeing. More and more people are coming to understand now, through stress and its subsequent effect on their nervous system that they’re affecting their immune system as well. That’s why this massage technique, in combination with the aromatherapy blends that we use, is so tremendously beneficial.

What are your favourite blends?

We work with the Aromatherapy Associates brand developed by Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechy who also trained with Micheline. Their passion for aromatherapy and providing high quality blends with full therapeutic benefits was why we chose to work with Aromatherapy Associates.

My favourite blend is “Deep Relax”. It has a really earthy aroma from vetivert, sandalwood and chamomile and is deeply relaxing — it really does what it says! By relaxing your nervous system this then helps you relax so you can sleep. Lack of restful sleep is a common complaint which often occurs as a result of people being unable to switch their minds off. I often explain to our guests the benefits of aromatherapy massage, by describing how good this therapy is for people who can’t stop thinking. They can’t stop their mind from going around and around, it’s a very good therapy for combatting that, helping you to stop, rest and relax.

I also love lavender, it has so many benefits and it’s affordable due to its ease of extraction from the plant which provides a high yield when they extract the essential oil. I feel this is nature’s way of giving us what we need at an affordable price for everyone to use!

It’s the same with tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon — all those oils are wonderful for your general health and help in maintaining immunity. They have many beneficial properties that aid in strengthening your body’s health, as well as wonderful uplifting benefits for your emotions.

What advice would you give anyone interested in learning more about aromatherapy?

Essential oils are so freely available now but if you’re really interested in getting some professional advice I think, just as with skincare, it always pays for you to go and see an expert [aromatherapist], have a treatment, discuss your needs and see what they recommend. They may suggest a blend or a bath oil for use at home. Start introducing yourself to the benefits of how they make you feel, for a totally holistic approach to working on yourself.

RESTORE THE BALANCE OF BODY AND MIND THIS WINTER

Escape to The Retreat at Polynesian Spa and indulge in a sumptuous Aromatherapy Associates massage to reduce stress, increase relaxation, improve blood circulation and release toxins from the body.

Aromatherapy Associates Aromatherapy Massage (60min) $179

This relaxing full body aromatherapy massage uses gentle rhythmic strokes focusing on the nervous and lymphatic systems, helping to slow a busy mind and unwind tension. Choice of six aromatherapy oil blends to relax, de-stress or revive.

Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Massage (60min) $179

A restorative Swedish full body massage to work into tense, aching muscles with an active blend of rosemary, ginger and lavender essential oils.

Aromatherapy Associates Rose Pregnancy Massage (60min) $179

Feel nurtured and supported in a time of constant change with a full body massage using Rose Renew blend to nourish and care for expanding skin, while relieving stress and tension.

To make the most of your experience, we recommend you allow at least three hours at Polynesian Spa to enjoy a hot mineral soak, your therapy and the relaxation lounge.

To book visit polynesianspa.co.nz/retreat