Sue Beechey and Geraldine Howard, founders of Aromatherapy Associates, each have almost 40 years of experience in aromatherapy.
They were trained, and later practised, at the Micheline Arcier
clinic in Knightsbridge, London during the late 1960s and early 1970s,
at a time when aromatherapy was in its infancy in the UK. Micheline
Arcier trained Sue and Geraldine in the principles of traditional
aromatherapy based on the unique massage technique designed by Austrian
bio-chemist and aromatherapy skincare pioneer, Marguerite Maury.
Marguerite Maury's work on the external application of essential
oils with massage in the 1950s was the foundation for the development
of modern day aromatherapy. Dr Jean Valnet, who made his name around
the same time because of his extensive research into the practical uses
of essential oils and his trailblazing book "The Practice of
Aromatherapy", used to visit the clinic and share his wisdom.
Clients at that time included names from the stage, screen and
London's aristocracy who were interested in this new kind of
alternative therapy.
With such distinguished credentials behind them, Sue and Geraldine
went on to develop their individual private practices. They also built
their reputation by giving training courses in aromatherapy, and
Geraldine was asked to lecture extensively in Europe. They were founder
members of the IFA (International Federation of Aromatherapists),
formed in 1985.
That same year, Aromatherapy Associates was established because
Sue and Geraldine saw a need for a professional brand to support
aromatherapy treatments in spas. The products and treatment ranges have
expanded as the interest in, and demand for, aromatherapy has grown.
Aromatherapy Associates products are now sold in over 20 countries
worldwide at exclusive hotels, spas and retail outlets.
What is aromatherapy and what are its benefits?
"Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes.
We believe that essential oils can work on physical as well as
emotional levels to improve one's general state of health and wellbeing.
On a physical level, because essential oils are made up of very
small molecules, they are able to penetrate into our blood stream and
can help many problems. They are used extensively in the spa industry
to help ease muscular aches and pains, improve circulation and ease
sinus congestion. In skincare products, by penetrating into the deeper
layers of the skin, essential oils can have a positive effect on the
skin, such as optimising the cellular renewal process, enhancing blood
circulation and addressing problems such as acne, eczema and ageing
skin.
On an emotional level, the aromas of essential oils can have a
dynamic effect. The sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses,
and is linked to the deepest parts of the brain which govern basic
instincts, memories and emotions."
Geraldine Howard, President, Aromatherapy Associates.
