Valerie Zarno: Aromatherapist

Valerie qualified in 1993 and now practices aromatherapy and Indian Head massage and incorporates other techniques such as remedial points, muscle energy techniques and deep tissue massage.

Previously Valerie was a qualified nurse and midwife for 20 years.

Aromatherapy has a history of over two thousand years. Aromatic oils were used for healing in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. In England doctors used herbs at the time of the plague to help prevent disease.

The word 'aromatherapy' was invented by French chemist Rene Gartefosse in 1937. He burnt his hand badly whilst doing an experiment and put his hand in a vat of lavender - the healing that occurred was quick and miraculous without any scars.

Aromatherapy is a holistic form of healing using flowers, herbs, and tree leaves and bark. Oil is extracted by various methods and is used to treat many conditions. Essential oils, as they are often called, can be used for massage, as a room fragrance, inhalation, balms, lotions and creams. A number of doctors use aromatherapy for relieving discomfort for patients suffering from serious illnesses.

Conditions that can be treated with aromatherapy include arthritis, stress relief, migraines, skin conditions and muscular problems.

Note - it is important when using oils to check you have the correct information on their use as some oils can aggravate certain conditions. It is advisable to see a qualified and insured aromatherapist to get the full benefit from aromatherapy.

For more information read What is Aromatherapy?