Sue Beechey and Geraldine Howard, founders of Aromatherapy Associates, each have almost 40 years of experience in aromatherapy.

They were trained, and later practised, at the Micheline Arcier clinic in Knightsbridge, London during the late 1960s and early 1970s, at a time when aromatherapy was in its infancy in the UK. Micheline Arcier trained Sue and Geraldine in the principles of traditional aromatherapy based on the unique massage technique designed by Austrian bio-chemist and aromatherapy skincare pioneer, Marguerite Maury.

Marguerite Maury's work on the external application of essential oils with massage in the 1950s was the foundation for the development of modern day aromatherapy. Dr Jean Valnet, who made his name around the same time because of his extensive research into the practical uses of essential oils and his trailblazing book "The Practice of Aromatherapy", used to visit the clinic and share his wisdom.

Clients at that time included names from the stage, screen and London's aristocracy who were interested in this new kind of alternative therapy.

What is aromatherapy and what are its benefits?

"Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes.

We believe that essential oils can work on physical as well as emotional levels to improve one's general state of health and wellbeing.

On a physical level, because essential oils are made up of very small molecules, they are able to penetrate into our blood stream and can help many problems. They are used extensively in the spa industry to help ease muscular aches and pains, improve circulation and ease sinus congestion. In skincare products, by penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin, essential oils can have a positive effect on the skin, such as optimising the cellular renewal process, enhancing blood circulation and addressing problems such as acne, eczema and ageing skin.

On an emotional level, the aromas of essential oils can have a dynamic effect. The sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses, and is linked to the deepest parts of the brain which govern basic instincts, memories and emotions."

Geraldine Howard, President, Aromatherapy Associates