WebMD Selected Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, A Division Of Atlanta School Of Massage, To Give Expert Advice On Aromatherapy.

ATLANTA (August 20, 2006) – Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, a leader in skincare education and one of the premier esthetician schools, was recently featured on the homepage of the WebMD website (www.webmd.com). Featured in June 2006, the video clip ‘Understanding Aromatherapy’ explores ways in which essential oils, applied during a massage therapy session, can be used to cleanse, stimulate, relax and control pain.

In the video, Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics’ Director of Spa Therapies, Carol Venclik, gives a demonstration of a typical aromatherapy session and explains how oils play an essential part in the overall experience. Essential Oils are applied to the client during the aromatherapy massage session, paying particular attention to the hands and feet since they absorb the oil into the bloodstream very quickly. Clients are then wrapped up for warmth and to keep pores open. The aromatherapy demonstration can be viewed athttp://www.webmd.com/content/pages/27/115548.htm.

Aromatherapy treatments are so effective because, as Ms. Venclik explains, our sense of smell is about 10,000 times more acute than that of our sense of taste. Scents stimulate nerve endings in the nose, sending impulses to the brain. The scents go via the olfactory nerve to the limbic system, which is the connection to our emotions in our brain. It is also the part of the brain that controls memory. If the memories are happy then endorphins, our bodies’ natural painkillers, may be released. Because of the effectiveness and popularity of aromatherapy treatments, many esthetician schools are offering courses in these treatments.

Studies into how scents affect the body are ongoing. Scents are believed to have positive impacts on various conditions. Lavender is believed to be calming to patients suffering severe dementia and pleasing smells are believed to be a good complementary therapy for managing chronic pain. Pregnant women should avoid using all essential oils in the first trimester of pregnancy because they may in rare instances promote pre-term labor. There are some essential oils that can be safely used after the first trimester.

The Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics offers aromatherapy courses. For more information on pursuing a career in skin care or massage therapy, visit our web site atlantainstituteofaesthetics.com.