Aromatherapy

The sense of smell, olfaction, is the most immediate of our senses. The olfactory nerves lie in the upper part of the nose and are directly connected to the brain. As we inhale an aroma the scent molecules stimulate the nerve endings, which then relay messages to the brain. Smell is registered in one of the oldest parts of the brain, the Limbic System and is the only sense that has a direct link here. This part of the brain is concerned with many activities vital to survival; hunger, thirst, smell, memory, sleep, sexual response and together with the stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary bodies can trigger off the appropriate response to the mood initiated by the particular smell.

An important function of the hypothalamus is to control our autonomic nervous system, the involuntary system, which regulates the hormonal system, digestion, heart rate, respiration, stress, fear, anger. This contributes to a number of biochemical responses occurring throughout the body linking every thought, action and emotion. The limbic system releases neurotransmitters such as endorphins creating a “sense of well-being” and are pain reducing, serotonins that help one to relax and stay calm and nor-adrenalin, which stimulates keeping one awake.

The fragrance of herbs can thus affect us in many ways, sometimes subtly and other times in a more obvious way. Each person’s reaction to the fragrance, is very specific to them, and must be respected. Unhappy, mental and emotional states play a role in lowering one’s resistance to any number of physical ailments. If un-addressed, one’s health can be seriously affected. Scent has the power to make one feel relaxed, uplifted, or great. When the aroma evokes pleasurable memories endorphins are released creating the “sense of well-being” and enhancing one’s natural immunity.

Janet practices as a professional Aromatherapist and Reflexologist.

• Janet is registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and the South African Pharmacy Council. She is a member of the Aromatherapy Society of South Africa (ASOSA), the South African Reflexology Society (SARS), and Pharmaceutical Society of S.A.

• Janet Visée Reg.Nos. 4656 A8553

• Dip.Pharm B.Compt.

• Dip.Reflexology

• Dip.Aromatherapy

• Therapeutic Aromatherapy Massage is the use of pure essential oils, massaged into the body, to help with various ailments, relax the body and mind, and counteract the energy blockages caused by chronic stress of modern day lifestyle and diet.




• Therapeutic Reflexology is a system of therapy that seeks to promote healing and homeostasis through pressure and manipulation of reflex points on the feet and hands.




• Both Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Therapeutic Reflexology follow a holistic view of the body which regards the body as a dynamic ecosystem in which all aspects of physical, psychological, mental and spiritual functioning are interrelated. The treatments are not a luxury, they enhance wellbeing.

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