What is Aromatherapy |
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy, taking into account the mind, body and spirit of the person as well as the lifestyle, eating patterns, relationships etc.Aromatherapy is the use of organic essences of aromatic plants. The essences or 'essential oils’ are extracted from a variety of plants and are very concentrated. Each particular oil has its' own unique healing properties and fragrance.These oils have been found to possess there own powerful therapeutic qualities.
A blend of oils can be used to promote healing on different levels - physical, mental and emotional. The essences can be used in several ways; massage bathing, hot or cold compresses or inhalations. The oil when applied to the skin is mixed with base oil which is absorbed into the blood stream via the hair follicle.
HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy has its' roots in most ancient healing practices of mankind. The plants have been used for thousand of years before distilling oils was discovered. Archaeologists have found traces of plants in the burial places and living sites of primitive sites.
Early man would have probably discovered by chance that the berries, roots, leaves and twigs had healing qualities. He probably noticed the plants which animals ate when sick. Although only wanting to throw the bushes on the fire for fuel he may have noticed that some smoke given off by the bushes made people drowsy or happy or excited and regarded as magic. The use of magic or holy smoke, in the form of incense, has continued for many years in almost all-major religions all over the world.
The Egyptians were using aromatics almost 3,000years before Christ for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as well as to embalm their dead. The earliest recorded medical records and methods used were written in 2,890 BC They made powders, pills, suppositories, medicinal cakes and purees, ointments and pastes, for external use. There are clay tablets recording orders of oils of cedar and cypress so we know that an international trade in oils was in existence.
The Greek soldiers when going into battle carried ointment made of myrrh for the treatment of wounds. They acquired much of their medical knowledge from the Egyptians and discovered the benefits of certain flower odors whether they be stimulating or refreshing. They used olive oil to absorb the odor from the flower petals or from herbs and used the oil for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes
China has an extremely unbroken tradition of herbal medicine, which is used alongside acupuncture. The earliest records being in the Yellow Emperor's Book of Internal Medicine, dating from more than 2,000 years BC
The greatest of the Arab physicians Abu Ali Iln Sina (980-1037 AD) known to us as Avicenna, left valuable written documents on over 800 plants and their effects on the human body. His greatest discovery, for the history of Aromatherapy, is that he is credited for his method of distilling essential oils. These basic principles of distillation are still the same today.
In Europe there are many documentations of oils such as lavender, thyme and rosemary used after the fall of the Roman Empire. Throughout the Middle Ages and the Tudor era, doctors used all forms of plant medicine, but by the 17th century the growing new science of experimental chemistry gave rise to new uses of chemical substances in medicine. Their widespread use overshadowed the use of more traditional remedies.
The French chemist Rene Gatefosse, who in 1937 coined the word 'Aromatherapy', was working in the laboratory of a perfumery when he badly burnt his hand. He plunged it into the nearest liquid, which happened to be the essential oil of Lavender. It healed exceptionally fast - in only a few hours - did not become infected and left no scar. This led him to develop the use of essential oils in dermatology and to undertake a great deal of research into their medicinal uses. Another Frenchman Dr. Valet, added to this research whilst working as a medical surgeon in the Second World War.Medical supplies were short and essential oils were a very effective alternative in many cases.
Since the war Aromatherapy has continued to grow. In France over 1500 medical doctors have trained in Aromatherapy. In Great Britain its growth has been part of the 'complementary medicine' movement.
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