Updated 24/02/2025
Aromatherapy – a practice that includes applying essential oils topically or inhaling them via various scent-diffusing vessels – has been honoured in the wellbeing space for centuries. Extracted from fragrant plants, essential oils are concentrated formulas that offer versatile use, and are often sought out to soothe, stimulate or relax the senses.
As day-to-day life takes its toll, finding the time to unwind and prioritise our self-care rituals can be tricky. However, aromatherapy is a holistic, easy-to-implement technique that can be as simple as a touch of a button.
So, what is aromatherapy and how exactly does it work? Here's all you need to know about this multi-sensorial method.
How Does Aromatherapy Work
Although it is now a widely known therapeutic practice, there is still some curiosity surrounding how aromatherapy works. At its simplest level, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils/natural plant extracts to promote wellbeing. Essential oils can be diffused into the air through reed or pod diffusers but can also be infused into atmosphere mists, bath and body oils, scrubs and candles. They're made by steaming or pressing the various parts of a plant to capture the natural fragrance.
Aromatherapy works by combining the different blends from various oils to create a scent that matches a certain mood that you may be feeling. For example, after a long day at work you may want to feel calmed. In these situations, our Soothing Signature Blend, starring myrrh’s mellow notes with rose geranium and frankincense, works well to help soothe the senses and restore a sense of tranquillity. On the other hand, the Energising Signature Blend is an enlivening blend of stimulating peppermint, refreshing eucalyptus, and clarifying rosemary, to help fight fatigue.
What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy
The benefits of aromatherapy can help to uplift and recharge our senses. Self-care in the form of using aromatherapy oils is something that many turn towards thanks to their uplifting and calming effects.
For example, the lavender scent is found to be relaxing and is often used after a stressful day or to complement a good evening routine before bed. If you struggle with settling down in the evenings, a warm shower with ESPA's Relaxing Salt Scrub is a great way to prepare the body for rest. The skin will feel nourished and hydrated while the aroma of bay and lavender radiating off the soft skin will help to calm your senses.
How to Use Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy oils can be used topically or inhaled.
Inhaling and Atmospheric Use
The ESPA Aromatherapy Diffuser infuses the air around you with an aroma to balance your mind and body with a mist to match your mood. Simply remove the ceramic cover and fill the water tank up to the line. Then, add 3-5 drops of the Signature Blend that best suits your mood, choose your misting mode and slowly breathe in the benefits of the essential oils as they are released into the air in a fragrant vapour. Alternatively, spritz our Atmosphere Mist around your home or light one of our candles for long-lasting scent benefits.
Added to a Bath
Already a tranquil sanctuary to most, a warm bath allows us to slip into a state of relaxation as our daily difficulties melt away. Enhance your bathing routine by adding a few drops of a Bath Oil, as it swirls amongst the suds and vaporises from the water in an aromatherapeutic mist.
Applied to the Skin
A more direct approach to aromatherapy is warming an oil onto the skin. Some aromatherapy products can be applied all-over as a multi-purpose moisturising treatment or massaged onto the pulse points with one of our Pulse Point Oils for targeted comfort.
Applied in Massage
Alternatively, treat your mind, body and muscles with a professional in-spa massage with tailored aromatherapy options like our Inner Calm Massage. Make your massage bespoke by choosing an oil from our Signature Blends range, from uplifting gardenia and jasmine to fortifying tea tree and eucalyptus, each infusion is curated to encourage an effective aromatherapeutic impact. Why not pair your treatment with some thermal therapy (hot and cold exposure) at your spa facility for an elevated day of wellness. Book your Inner Calm Massage today and embark on a journey of complete relaxation and balance.
Aromatherapy is the you-time you deserve. Light a soothing candle, spray an energising atmosphere mist or rub a nourishing body oil onto your pressure points. These small moments of calm throughout the day are the true meaning of what aromatherapy is all about.
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