Why it works: The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage at Bryn Tanat Wellness Spa

In the tranquil surroundings of Bryn Tanat Wellness Spa, guests enjoy private use of the spa facilities as part of their spa day, while the rest of the time is spent indulging in Aromatherapy Associates spa treatments. Their hero therapy is the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage, 60 or 90 minutes of bliss tailored to individual needs. Here, they explain what it is, what it involves and why it works.

What is the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage?

This hero treatment can either be 60- or 90-minutes long and starts with a consultation to find out what your emotional and physical needs are.  From that we carry out an aroma test to allow you to choose the oil most suitable for you.  There are 14 signature oil blends to choose from, formulated with natural plant, herb and flower extracts with wonderful exotic scents and powerful therapeutic benefits for body and mind. 

With your chosen oil, your therapist will use carefully applied pressures to stimulate the nervous system, Swedish and neuromuscular techniques to relieve muscular tension, and lymphatic drainage to encourage healthy circulation.  This treatment works from your head to your toes - it will dissolve stress and tension. It is an intense massage ritual drawn from a fusion of eastern and western techniques enabling your therapist to work on your body, mind and spirit. It releases tension held in every part of your body, with the intention of leaving you feeling deeply relaxed and recharged. 

What does the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage involve?

It is a powerful combination of massage and aromatherapy. Essential oils work on the body's olfactory system.  The olfactory nerve is directly linked to the area of the brain that accesses memory, mood and emotions.  Therapists use carefully applied pressures to stimulate the nervous system, Swedish and neuromuscular techniques to relieve muscular tension, and lymphatic drainage to encourage healthy circulation. 

We never really get a day where we use the same oil blend  twice as everyone comes in feeling different. That is really important - it's about the mind and the body and how they work in balance together.

Where is the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage from?

The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage is a spa treatment from British brand, Aromatherapy Associates, who we have worked with since 2016. We have developed a close working relationship with the brand and believe their treatments, ethos and ethics synchronise with our own at Bryn Tanat Wellness.  The whole experience is based on aromatherapy and knowledge that dates back thousands of years. The result is really powerful.

What is the aromatherapy massage supposed to do?

The massage works on both mind and body, relaxing the muscles, easing tension and helping you to unwind. Beyond that however, it depends on the chosen oil and what you need as an individual.  The essential oils are absorbed through your skin, working at a physical level, while the aromatic effects of the blend balance the mind and emotions through the sense of smell.  The massage technique is a fusion of East and West techniques, taking the best and most relevant parts from each tradition.  The targeted and precise use of pressure stimulates the nervous system, influencing all the systems and organs of the body. 

We have aromatherapy blends that can help with insomnia, stress, anxiety, fluid retention, a lack of energy, or grief and trauma for example. There’s a whole array of things that we can help people with. Many clients continue to experience stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation, following the difficult few years we have all experienced. 

Recently we have begun working with a bereavement charity. They see massage as an important therapy for dealing with grief and they approached us because of the holistic treatments that we offer. For example, one of the blends is called Inner Strength which was created by one of the founders of Aromatherapy Associates to help deal with life's unexpected moments. This is a coping mechanism in a bottle and is a hand-blended fusion of anxiety-soothing clary sage, emotion-grounding sandalwood and geranium to balance scattered emotions. 

The oil is absorbed into the circulatory system when it has been on skin for 20-minutes or more. Then it stays in the body for up to eight hours, continuing the benefits post-treatment. We see a lot of emotions come out during treatments, both happy and sad. Every client's needs are different which is why the aroma test during the consultation is so important. 

As therapists, we do not pry - we let the client lead the experience. If you choose to share your thoughts and feelings, then we try to help. For that reason, not one of our therapists will do more than four full body treatments in a day. We give everything to our treatments: we're not just going through the motions, and allow ample time between treatments to ensure the experience is not rushed for the client or therapist. 

Is there anyone who can't have the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage?

The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage is not suitable during pregnancy. We have an Ultimate Pregnancy Massage available from 14 weeks. It incorporates parts of the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience Massage and the positioning is different for the comfort and wellbeing of the mum and baby. We are careful with conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and heart conditions and will always try to adapt the treatment or offer an alternative treatment or product wherever possible. Our therapists are knowledgeable, experienced and are all trained to Level 3 in massage therapy.

We also provide advanced treatments for clients who may be undergoing treatment for cancer or post cancer care.  The treatment was created by Aromatherapy Associates and in depth training was provided by Michelle Hammond the founder of  t.p.o.t - the power of touch. 

Is there anything you recommend doing before or after the massage to get the most out of it?

We try to encourage clients to use the spa facilities before you have your treatment so you can keep the oils on your skin for as long as possible, and let them work their magic. We always try to time the spa experiences to allow for that. If you are having a full body exfoliation however, it is beneficial to have the treatment before you go into the thermal experiences as it really prepares the skin for the infrared sauna and hydrotherapy. After your massage we suggest that you just try to relax, keep nice and warm, and don’t go to the gym or do anything strenuous. The best preparation is just not to overthink it - enjoy the experience.