Aromatherapy has been in existence for over 6000 years, or possible more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians were among the first to use aromatherapy. The ancient Egyptian physician named Imhotep, the Egyptian god of medicine and healing, first used fragrant oils for bathing, massage therapy, and for treating the dead. In 1930 the new and modern era of aromatherapy arrived. A French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse actually named the use of therapeutic essential oils as aromatherapy on the 1930s. Gattefosse came about this type of medicine after discovering how well lavender oil healed his severely burnt hand without leaving even a faint scar. After discovering the treatment that worked so well for him, he decided to do some investigation on the effects of other essential oils used for healing or other therapeutic and medical purposes. .
Aromatherapy was also a major treatment used in World War II. Dr, Jean Valnet, the French Army Surgeon, used oils as antiseptics. Aromatherapy later evolved into a holistic treatment. A doctor named Marguerite Maury from France started prescribing oils as remedies for her patients to treat various problems. She was also responsible for the first modern use of oils in massage practice. .
What is Aromatherapy?.
Aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing. Although the term aromatherapy suggests that the scents and aromas themselves are responsible for the healing, that isn't the case. The scents are used to identify one scent from another; they don't bring about the healing and cure power. The chemical qualities are what gives the oil its therapeutic purpose. .
Procedures and Treatments.
There are many different methods to aromatherapy. The most effective method is the use of oils through massage therapy. All of the oils must be diluted with a carrier oil so ensure that the oil isn't too strong for the skin.