Aromatherapy, an alternative medicine using pure essential oils, is the use of volatile plant oils (essential oils) for psychological and physical well being. Aromatherapy is derived from two words - Aroma, meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy, meaning treatment.

ORIGIN

Aromatherapy was used by the most ancient civilizations and is reputed to be at least 6000 years old. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils to heal the sick thousands of years before Christ. They are the oldest form of remedies and cosmetics known to man and were considered more valuable than gold. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible.

It wasn't until the 19th century however, that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans.

A French chemist , Rene Maurice Gattefosse, began his research into the healing powers of essential oils somewhat accidentally. After burning his hand in his laboratory he instinctively immersed it in lavender oil and was extremely impressed by how quickly the burn healed. In 1937 he published a book about the anti-microbial effects of the oils and coined the word Aromatherapy. Shortly thereafter, a French medical doctor, Jean Valnet, discovered Gattefosse's research and began experimenting with essential oils. Around the same time, Margaret Maury, a French biochemist developed a unique method of applying these oils to the skin with massage. Micheline Arcier, now living in London, studied and worked with Maury and Valnet and their combined techniques created a form of Aromatherapy now used all over the world.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Essential oils, used in aromatherapy and aromatherapy recipes, are one of the GREATEST untapped resources of the world with surprisingly potent and outstanding properties. When used properly they have a natural, balancing action on the body. Aromatherapy can also act on the central nervous system, thereby relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing the body, uplifting the psyche, sedating or stimulating the mind and restoring both physical and emotional well-being. Many of the oils have powerful antibacterial and antiviral qualities, which, unlike pharmaceutical drugs, do not leave behind dangerous toxins.

The main method of absorption is by massage, and this is the method most commonly used by Aromatherapists. The skin is a semi-permeable membrane, which will allow for the passage of certain substances in and out of the body. Once through the skin, the essential oil molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and lymph system and carried to various parts of the body.

We are all affected by our noses, the olfactory faculties. The moods and emotions that rise up in response to what we smell is a fundamental principle of mental science. Our sense of smell is estimated to be 10, 000 times more acute than our other senses. The path of an odorant leads into the nose, into the primary and ancillary olfactory systems, and so, directly into the brain. Smell is the only sense that has this direct access and route to the brain.

Aromatherapy has the capacity to enhance the quality of our lives in so many ways especially when combined with the soothing, healing touch of massage.

*The oils do produce a definite Physiological effect and should always be used with knowledge and respect. If misused, essential oils can be toxic to the body. During pregnancy, use only with advice from a trained Aromatherapist. Always keep aromatherapy oils out of the reach of children.