What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants, trees, and herbs to help improve one's sense of well-being and overall quality of life. These aromatic oils may be placed in a diffusor, which atomizes them into a fine mist that spreads easily and uniformly throughout a room. With care--and awareness of each oil's appropriate use--some oils may also be applied to one's skin.

A complex organism, the human body is extremely sensitive to smells, which are in fact the most powerful triggers of memory--perhaps even of emotion. This complex system of interactions may become more balanced through the use of pure essential oils, leading to a sense of greater personal well-being.

"Aromatherapy" is truly a natural part of our lives, although most of us may not have associated this particular name with the physical and emotional experience of smelling an orchard or spring blossoms or a field of autumn harvest.

Because natural aromas keep us connected to the world through sensory experience and emotion, essential oils have unlimited potential as ambient fresheners, mood and personal beauty enhancers, and natural perfumes. Even to the extent that some might seem to enhance aspects of physical well-being, essential oils have the potential to change your way of life.

What is The History of Aromatherapy?

Ancient Egypt is widely believed to have been the birthplace not only of medicine and pharmaceuticals, but also of perfumery. Six thousand years ago, Egyptians practiced the art of massage and were renowned for their natural skin care treatments and cosmetic application. Various natural fragrances, herb oils, balsams, and resins were also used in embalming procedures and for religious ceremonies throughout this early period.

Eventually, the use of aromatics spread from Egypt to Israel, Greece, Rome, and the entire Mediterranean world. These cultures then developed their own unique arts of perfumery using various natural oils, but with the terrible loss of fine art and culture during the long centuries of the Dark Ages, much of this knowledge dissipated in the inexorable winds of ignorance. Only in India was the depth of this rich tradition never fully lost. Since its inception thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic (life-knowledge) medicine remains probably the oldest form of herbal application believed to be in continuous use.

In the 1920s, however, a French chemist, Rene' Maurice Gattefosee', made a remarkable discovery. While working in his laboratory, he severely burned his arm and thrust it into the nearest vat of cold liquid--lavender oil. Gattefosee' was stunned to find that the pain of his burn seemed to lessen and that there was no apparent redness, inflammation, or blistering on his arm. This fortuitous event lead Gattefosse' to coin the term "aromatherapy."

In 1964, Dr. Jean Valnet published The Art of Aromatherapy, and Europe's aromatherapy movement was born. About the same time, Madame Marguerite Maury established the first aromatherapy clinics in Paris, Great Britain, and Switzerland, studying the apparent rejuvenating properties of essential oils. Her research was published in English as The Secret of Life and Youth (1964).

Today, thousands of aromatherapists practice in France, England, Russia, Japan, and many other countries around the world. With the addition of a growing field of aficionados and professionals in the United States, aromatherapy is rekindling ancient tradition, melding them with a modern scientific understanding of the plant world and its relationship to human health and well-being.

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06/01/08