Aromatherapy – An Overview
Aromatherapy History
Aromatherapy began in Egypt. The Egyptians extracted the oils from aromatic plants by infusion and used them for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Aromatherapy was also practiced in China, India, Greece and Rome. The French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse is largely responsible for the study and popularity of modern day aromatherapy. Gattefosse observed the healing powers of lavender oil on a burn. He burnt himself while working in a perfume factory and providentially picked up the first thing at hand, in this case a vial of lavender oil, and doused the burn. Impressed by the healing he began to study it in earnest.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aroma means ‘scent’ and Therapy means “treatment”. Aromatherapy is a branch of complementary science using the scent of essential oils, for physical and mental well-being. The principle behind aromatherapy is massage technique using essential oils through olfactory perception.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated perfumed oils with therapeutic properties. They are extracted from leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, or other parts of a plant by distillation. These concentrated essential oils are diluted with carrier oils, namely, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil or jojoba oil. These are vegetable oils and function by carrying them to the skin. There is a variety of essential oils with different therapeutic properties, so ensure that you utilize the appropriate oil for your ailment.
Some of the common essential oils used in aromatherapy are lemongrass, eucalyptus, basil, bergamot, black pepper, citronella, tea tree, sandalwood, clove, lavender, jasmine, rose and ylang ylang. Aromatherapy oils are inhaled or absorbed by the skin for relaxation, emotional and therapeutic healing.
Benefits of aromatherapy oils are immense. The oils have a variety of properties – most of them are antiseptic, while others are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, pain relievers, expectorants and anti-depressants. They can help you relax and deal with insomnia as well as stimulate and uplift your mood. They also aid in digestion and have diuretic properties.
While aromatherapy is available to you in the form of aromatherapy candles, diffusers and potpourris, the correct usage is only under supervision by a certified practitioner.
Alternative therapies with aromatherapy essential oils are increasing being used as a regular aid to other therapies in holistic therapy centers like spas, beauty salons, sports centers and even in hospitals. They are also playing a large part in daily living with some waiting rooms pumping in lavender and rosemary scents to calm down irate customers and lemon and eucalyptus in solely employee areas to keep them alert.
