History of Aroma Therapy

The history of aroma therapy - A background to the art of aromatherapy and its practices.

The use of aromatherapy all began more than 6,000 years ago with the ancient Egyptian civilization. Egyptians were the first to harness the power of aromatherapy by burning plants that gave off scents that were meant to show reverence and respect to their gods.

Gradually, the use of aromatherapy spread from Egypt to Israel, China, India and the Mediterranean. In every culture known to man, from nomads to regal empires, aromatherapy was adopted and enhanced. Along with this there were specific set of unique practices too that evolved in these cultures.

The world’s oldest surviving medical book is from China, and dates back to aroun 2,700 BC. This medical book actually contains information about more than 300 plants and herbs. This book, titled Shen Nung’s Herbal Book, has been marked as explaining the history of aromatherapy. The Chinese used these aromatic and herbs and also burned aromatic wood and incense as an offering of respect to their gods, a tradition much like that of the Egyptians.

Ayurveda is known as the traditional Indian medicine. It has been practiced for over 3000 years in India. The Greeks as well as many other countries continue to use aromatic oils.

History of aroma therapy and essential oils are still continues in the twentieth century. French chemist Rene Maurice Gottefosse was the first man to actually coin the term “aromatheraphy,” back in 1928.

He devoted his life in researching the healing properties of essential oils. This started after an accident, which can be called a lucky accident. Once when his perfume laboratory caught fire, his arm got burnt and in panic he thrust his hand and arm in the nearest cold liquid, which happened to be a variety of lavender oil.

He was surprised to see the immediate relief that was brought to his burnt arm, and the quickness with which the pain disappeared. He had experienced burns before too and was aware of the extended healing process that was required.

Redness, burns, inflammation blisters and scarring are common in the extended curing of a burn injury and they take a long time; but he noticed how remarkably quickly his burn healed this time with the oil, giving him much less pain and leaving no scars.

Soon the use of aromatherapy started spreading and today it is one of the most widely practiced natural form of healing all over the world. It relieves pain and cures a number of complications, both physical and the spiritual ones. Today aroma therapy is gaining popularity and drawing from the ancient times and a blend of all that the different cultures have contributed. It has become a favorite for the people all over the world.

Today it is considered a competent and complementary therapy offering a wide range of highly effective treatments to both the acute and chronic stages of illness and disease. At the same time, regular use of aroma therapy treatments and home use products can help to strengthen the immune system, thereby establishing a preventive approach to overall health.

It has become a competent and complementary therapy offering a wide range of highly effective treatments to both the acute and chronic stages of illness and disease.At the same time, regular use of aroma therapy treatments and home use products can help to strengthen the immune system,thereby establishing a preventive approach to overall health.

What's Next?

Here are several articles that you might be interested.

Advantages of Aromatherapy - Advantages of Aromatherapy: the use of aromatherapy oils to help affect a person's mood and well-being has been practiced for thousands of years.

Aromatherapy Blends Recipes - Hints, tips, aromatherapy recipes and ideas for using essential oils.

Aromatherapy Essential oils Information - Obtain information on aromatherapy essential oil products and aromatherapy essential oils.

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