Aromatherapy is the art of massage with essential oils, said to be especially effective in treating stress-related disorders. Like all holistic therapies, to achieve best results it should be practised in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and in particular, a healthy diet.
Practitioner Beverley Muir was initially attracted to aromatherapy because of her interest in the essential oils derived from plants, herbs and flowers. These range from the commonplace lavender to the exotic jasmine. Each is said to have various beneficial properties and each may be used to treat a variety of conditions. In many cases, no single oil is used for a massage but several are blended together in a carrier oil such as grape seed or almond.
A dental hygienist by profession, Beverley Muir is also a keen cook and had worked with vegetarian cookery expert Sarah Brown on numerous food-related projects, including teaching and recipe development, before qualifying as an aromatherapist at The London School of Aromatherapy. Now she finds her diverse background equips her perfectly to counsel patients on all aspects of health and diet.
Before first receiving treatment, new patients undergo a consultation with the therapist. This enables her to assess the patient and to take notes of any relevant medical history. After this the aromatherapist prepares a blend of essential oils specifically to suit the individual patient which will be used for the massage. This can vary from a simple back massage through one encompassing back, neck and shoulders, to a whole body massage.
Many aromatherapists, whether vegetarian or not, recommend that patients avoid meat and fish for several days before and after treatment. Here Beverley finds her knowledge of foods invaluable in guiding patients towards a healthy vegetarian diet. Generally she recommends very simple, easy-to-prepare recipes, especially to non-vegetarians who perhaps may be daunted by unfamiliar ingredients.
Beverley finds that salads and fruit desserts are ideal and can be prepared in individual portions. She is also a great advocate of soups - highly nourishing and great either as a snack or as part of a meal.
Whether you're able to indulge yourself with a relaxing aromatherapy massage or not, the recipes that follow will fit in well with any healthy eating regime.
Beverley Muir works from home as she finds the atmosphere more conducive to relaxation than at a formal clinic. However, she will also visit clients in their own home should they prefer.
