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Sophie Waymouth
Tisserand Institute Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy
Clare Maxwell-Hudson School of Massage Certificate of Sports Massage
Member of The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
I qualified as a Holistic Massage Therapist in 1991. The course covered massage techniques, the chemistry and background of essential oils, as well as their therapeutic properties and how to choose and use them; the course also covered basics of nutrition, counselling skills and clinical diagnosis, as well as giving an insight into other disciplines such as Reflexology and touch for health or Kineisiology.
My interests are in the mechanics of the body, as much as the promotion of good health through relaxation, so I completed a sports massage course. This gave me knowledge of the body system, the reflex areas of stresses and strains, and techniques to remove them.
The holistic way of treating a person takes into consideration lifestyle, diet, exercise and general well-being as well as treating the signs the body may offer. Discussion helps bring about a self-healing process: the client taking responsibility for his or her condition. The oils I use in treatments are from a company based in Glastonbury, Somerset, called Fragrant Earth, who have high standards and demand Pure and Organic Essential oils wherever possible. They also work with the local suppliers to be as sustainable as possible with the plants the oils are extracted from.
The main benefits of massage are relaxation and rehabilitation.
Relaxation comes through the treatment as muscles and limbs are massaged and manipulated. One becomes aware of areas of tension within the body and of them being soothed away.
Massage alters the flow of blood top muscles and tissues, and improves the drainage of toxins via the lymphatic system, thereby improving circulation.
Rehabilitation is what is required by muscles that undergo ‘repetitive strains’ incurred in various types of sport.
Each sport places its own demands on the body; usually on one area more than another. This will throw the body out of its natural alignment and often sets-up a chain of reactions through other related or dependant muscles.
Sports men and women are aware of their bodies and which muscle groups take most strain. By working with this personal knowledge the therapist is able to release these tensions.
Treatment on a regular basis helps to maintain an equilibrium, which will prolong the efficiency of the body.
Aromatherapy oils used in the treatment enhance the feeling of well-being. They usually smell pleasant, which is an important psychological factor, aiding relaxation. The oils used are the ‘essences’ of the plant, they are pure and natural with individual properties. They are mixed with a carrier oil, and applied during the massage treatment.
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