If you’re looking for a Paddington hotel with special offers that will provide you with a sanctuary from the urban streets, look no further than The Chilworth London Paddington. Laid-back yet luxurious decor awaits you once you step into the lobby of our townhouse and check into your boutique room.
Relax with our Classic Afternoon Tea in London which comprises of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones and the sweetest cakes in town. For the full, boutique experience pay a visit to our on-site wellness centre and spa and wind down with an aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are one of the most popular choices for those seeking a full body tension relief as they radiate a sense of well-being and the results are as relaxing as the name suggests. As a wellness hotel find that our guests are interested in learning more about the practice of aromatherapy and so we’ve put together this short overview of exactly what aromatherapy is, how it works and what it can help treat.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment which combines art with science. Aromatherapists use natural plant extracts to aid health problems and enhance a person’s general well-being.
Aromatherapy is also known as essential oil therapy. The practice uses aromatic essential oils found in plants in a medicinal way to improve the health of the body and mind.
These oils are highly fragrant substances found within the petals, stems and roots of plants. They capture the plant’s unique scent, essentially the ‘essence’ of the plant. They’re usually removed from the plant through steam distillation in order for aromatherapists to use then.
If you are interested, you can read more about the techniques whilst enjoying the best afternoon tea in London.
How does aromatherapy work?
Once we have the extracted essential oils, aromatherapy is the practice of absorbing these into the body safely. The oils can be applied directly to the skin with a topical application – such as by massage. An aromatherapy massage is of the most popular ways to experience the healing powers of aromatherapy and is something guests of The Chilworth can experience in our wellness spa.
We offer aromatherapy massages which last for 30 minutes through to 90 minutes. Our massage therapists are professionally trained and will discuss your needs with you prior to your treatment.
Aromatherapy can also be absorbed using scents, and this can be done by anyone at home. Popular methods include diffusers, aromatic spritzers, bath salts, body masks and applying hot or cold compresses to the skin.
Where did aromatherapy come from?
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries by ancient civilisations around the world. Although its precise origins are unknown, it is thought to have originated in China. The ancient Egyptians are credited with introducing distillation techniques to extract oils from plants which were then used to embalm their dead – such as cedarwood and clove. It is understood that ancient Greeks used aromatherapy as a medical treatment too.
The term ‘aromatherapy’ was first used by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1937. French surgeon Jean Valnet even used essential oils during World War II to help heal wounds of the soldiers. And now aromatherapy practices can be found in hotels near Chilworth!
What oils can be used?
Some of the most popular essential oils used today include eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, neroli, lemon and tea tree. Each can be used to treat specific conditions and ailments but ultimately all oils will help you to relax. Consult your aromatherapist at The Chilworth in Paddington to find the perfect essential oil for your massage.
Exactly what does aromatherapy heal?
Aromatherapy can help to ease minor health concerns such as headaches, sore throats, nausea inflammation and menstrual cramps in women. It can also reduce longer-term health problems including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and even respiratory problems.
If you suffer from a condition yourself or are looking for the chance to detox your mind and body, consider booking hotel special offers which offer a combination of aromatherapy, nutrient-rich meals paired with yoga and meditation classes.
Those seeking to try and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression might find aromatherapy to be helpful if used in conjunction with conventional treatment. Discuss with your aromatherapist which essential oil is most-suited for you. At its heart, aromatherapy aims to promote relaxation and will help you to feel more at ease.
Each of the essential oils has different uses:
• Vetiver oil has a sweet, smoky scent which can alleviate panic attacks and emotional stress.
• Rose oil promotes calmness and can help those who have experienced bereavement.
• Lavender oil is known for its qualities to help those who suffer from poor sleep.
• Ylang-Ylang can treat nausea and headaches.
• Tea tree oil can heal wounds, acne, athlete’s foot and insect bites.
• Peppermint oil capsules can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and aid digestion whilst topical application can relieve tension headaches.
• Lemon oil can boost low mood.
• Jasmine oil can help with depression.
How does aromatherapy heal us?
There is still research to be done to determine the extent of how much the practice of aromatherapy can heal us. Rather than a replacement for western medicine, aromatherapy should be used to work in tandem with conventional treatments.
Experience an introduction to aromatherapy for yourself by taking advantage of our special offers. For example, our Sweet and Soothing package includes a 60-minute massage as well as our Classic Afternoon Tea for two people.
Cautions about aromatherapy
Essential oils must be blended with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. Such oils include jojoba, sweet almond, avocado and coconut. Essential oils applied directly to the skin can cause irritation. Rest assured that all treatments in hotels near Chilworth will be safe and practised by professionals.
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies, it is recommended to do a patch test prior to topical treatment.
55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 3UY
