Intoxicating aromas are taking over Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit where a new, weekly 45-minute aromatherapy class will now be offered as part of the nightly rate. Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots, or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. During each class, guests are able to dive into an interactive discovery lesson, distinguishing and experiencing the wellness benefits that aromatherapy has to offer. Guests will learn the difference between essential, beneficial oils and aromatic, perfume oils, all diffused into the atmosphere for an exhilarating first-hand experience. Led by the spa instructors, each class will help guests understand the benefits and properties of each essential oil. And if that’s not enough to convince you to attend, the short neck and head massages at the end of the class surely will.
Below are the essential oils you can expect to learn about in the class:
- Teatree Oil: The “King of Aromatherapy” has been proven to be a powerful yet natural antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal medicine. It is being used as a very effective first aid remedy and against countless skin ailments such as acne and hair nourishment, and is safe for humans and pets alike.
- Geranium Oil: Utilized for its medicinal purposes since it possesses high antimicrobial properties, essential in the minimization of pores. It can be used as a natural primer for skin.
- Lavender Oil: Health benefits include its ability to eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. The Latin name of lavender is Lavare, which means “to wash,” due to its aroma which has a particularly clean scent. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature, and are often used as a calming and relaxing homeopathic sleep aid, which also aids as a pre-yoga or meditation calming agent.
- Rosemary Oil: Helpful in massage and arthritis blends and can help improve circulation. It is useful for respiratory issues, makes a good expectorant/decongestant, helpful with alopecia (hair loss), and has an excellent reputation for oily skin/acne, scalp and hair care. Rosemary is quite stimulating, and while you should avoid if pregnant, it is heralded for help in memory retention and staying focused and alert.
- Peppermint Oil: Often utilized by Aroma therapists for its uplifting, invigorating properties. A hybrid of the watermint and spearmint plants, peppermint oil has a cooling, anesthetic quality because of its high menthol content. It can make your skin feel chilly or cool when applied during massage. You can use peppermint oil in a foot bath to soothe tired, aching feet or use it to treat sunburn and inflammation of the skin. Due to its cooling properties, applying a tiny bit of undiluted peppermint oil directly to your temples when you have a headache can provide instant relief.
- Citrus Oils: Wonderful to use during the colder months, as they are energizing and help to uplift the spirits. They are the perfect complement to blends that fight off the winter blues, “cabin fever” and depression. While you wouldn’t want to apply this oil to your skin, the essential aromatherapy oils of orange and lemon invigorate and activate the mind and body.
- Sandlewood Oil: Health benefits can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, healing agent, diuretic, disinfectant, memory booster, and sedative. The essential oil of sandalwood is extracted through steam distillation of pieces of wood from matured Sandalwood trees that are 40-80 years old, although 80 years is preferred. The older the tree, the more oil is available, and the aroma is stronger, thus rendering Sandlewood as one of the most expensive essential oils. This woodsy, heady aroma scents the largest of spaces, lending a sense of warmth, depth and exotic spice to the atmosphere.
For more information, visit: vallarta.grandvelas.com