Dr Finbar Magee from Synergy Healthcare is a medically-qualified GP, highly trained in both conventional and complementary medicine. This week he talks about aromatherapy

When you enter the world of aromatherapy there are endless possibilities open to you.

The word aromatherapy has great significance in itself — the therapy of the aroma.

And aromatherapy oils, otherwise known as essential oils, are extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, and roots and trees from various locations all over the world.

There are, on average, 300 varieties of oils available and they constitute an extremely effective medical system. Many of these are the active ingredients in drugs prescribed by the orthodox Western system of medicine and the inspiration for chemical copies, including the perfumes that you buy and the moisturisers that you use.

However, the cosmetic companies' focus is primarily on the beautifying aspects of oils in their chemically substituted equivalents.

Whereas, the fragrance industry is more concerned with how these aromas from the essential oils contain therapeutic and emotionally enhancing qualities.

Each individual essential oil has its own unique purpose. For example, peppermint has an anti-inflammatory components as well as it being a great digestive aid.

Camomile is used for migraine and menstrual concerns, rose is used for fertility issues, black pepper for pain and tension, basil for fatigue and stress, geranium for depression and neroli for anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

At Synergy Healthcare, we practice reflexology and aromatherapy.

We treat each client on an individual basis and specifically tailor which oils or treatment would be most suitable and effective for them.

We then use these oils in their treatments accordingly on either the feet, or via the application of oils in body massage.