A pioneer of true aromatherapy Madame Micheline Arcier was an early advocate of holistic well-being - developing exclusive products and signature aromatherapy massage techniques that treated each client as a complex but complete individual. The success of this approach, and her own endless enthusiasm for further evolution, saw her develop a highly-regarded private practice and clinic in Knightsbridge, London. A quarter of a century later, those premises have closed but the reputation for excellence lives on, in the products and treatments she developed. 

Modern or true aromatherapy - the use of essential oils for the promotion of holistic well-being - was pioneered in the 1950s by Marguerite Maury, an Austrian biochemist. Madame Maury felt that their external application could be especially beneficial, and she therefore developed the early massage techniques from which today's aromatherapy derives. Her treatments were initially designed for skin rejuvenation but her clients reported many additional benefits such as better sleep, pain relief and general well-being. 

Such results inspired Madame Maury to pass down her 'hands-on' knowledge and Micheline Arcier was one of the very few people to be trained personally by Marguerite Maury.

Madame Arcier's own expertise was further enhanced by establishing a working relationship with Dr. Jean Valnet, who had pioneered the use of essential oils for the treatment of medical conditions.  Together they created a long and productive association and in the 1960's clients at the Knightsbridge clinic had the rare opportunity of being treated by the two leading exponents of aromatherapy.  Long before the term 'holistic' became commonplace, both Valnet and Arcier were advocating this approach and Valnet described the clientele at the Knightsbridge clinic as being "treated with brilliance and authority by Madame Micheline Arcier".

For more information about this fascinating subject see:

'Aromatherapy' - the full-colour, 140 page guide written by Madame Micheline Arcier herself.  Click here to order.

Micheline Arcier - What makes a Pioneer? Article written by Germaine Rich, August 2013