The history of aroma therapy - A background to the art of aromatherapy and its practices.
History of aroma therapy began with the Egyptians. The Egyptians were the first to use it and the first to realize that aromatic plants have healing as well as embalming qualities. They used the method of infusion to extract oils from these plants. During those days herbal plants were used for various specific purposes: some were used in cooking to help the digestive process, to strengthen the immune system and others were used in oils to enhance their quality and fragrance. After bathing, the Egyptians believed in being massaged with fragrant oils.Herbs were also offered to gods to honor them.
Gradually, the use of aromatherapy spread from Egypt to Israel,China, India and the Mediterranean. In every culture from the most back word to the most modern aroma therapy was developed ,and each place developed its own set of practices.
The oldest surviving medical book of China, dated about 2700 B.C.contains information on over 300 different herbs and plants This is Shen Nung's herbal book which marked the history of aroma therapy.The Chinese used aromatic herbs and burnt aromatic woods and incense as a way of showing respect to gods.
Ayurveda is known as the traditional Indian medicine.It has beenpracticed for over 3000 years in India..The Greeks as well as many other countries are continuing the use of aromatic oils.
History of aroma therapy and essential oils are still continue until twentieth century. The French chemist Rene MauriceGottefosse was the first one to use the word aroma therapy in the 20th century.
He devoted his life in researching the healing properties of essential oils.This started after an accident, which can be called a lucky accident, because it was when his perfume laboratory got on fire, his arm caught fire 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 also and was aware of the extended healing process that was required.
The redness,heat ,inflammation blisters and scarring were there in normal extended curing of a burnt injury for a long time,but he noticed how remarkably quickly his burnt healed this time with the oil, giving him much less pain and leaving no scars.
Soon the use of aromatherapy started spreading and it is now 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 cultureshave contributed it has become a great favorite for the people all over the world.
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.
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.
