The definition of aromatherapy reads:
The use of volatile plant oils, including essential
oils, for psychological and physical well being (http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4278/findex.html).
While each researcher, advertiser, or practitioner may
submit a different definition of what
aromatherapy is, all definitions focus on plant oils
(namely essential oils) and their use in
improving both the psychological and physical self.
Many may classify aromatherapy as a type of alternative treatment or a
division of
holistic medicine. While others believe that aromatherapy
is a proven science used both in
the prevention and treatment of disease. Aromatherapy
has actually been practiced since
ancient times. But, the actual date (or time period)
when aromatherapy was first
introduced is much disputed. Most experts claim
that the ancient Egyptians were the first
to practice aromatherapy.
Ancient Egyptians recognized
the physical and spiritual properties of these oils and
used them in their daily lives. Egyptians used oils in
their mummification procedures and
over time they became aware of the healing properties
of many of these oils. The priests
became "healers" mixing and prescribing medicinal potions.
During the fifteenth century
people in Europe began using essential oils to disguise their body odors and to ward off sickness.
The French
chemist Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé is considered the "father"
of
modern day aromatherapy. Gattefosse was the first to
use the term "aromatherapy" in
1928. The French physician Dr.Jean Valnet was very impressed
with Gattefossé’s findings
and began using essential oils to treat war injuries
during World War II. Marguerite
Maury, an Austrian bio-chemist, studied the rejuvenating
powers and cosmetic uses of
essential oils. These three people reintroduced aromatherapy
in the twentieth century.
Today, more than a thousand doctors in France use aromatherapy
in their practice (Suzie’s
Stress Solving Site at (http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/2248/history.html)
(http://www.ebound.com/Aroma.htm).
It has been said that
aromatherapy can be used to cure and/or prevent many
diseases. Some other major uses of aromatherapy are in
weight loss, the treatment of
depression, the treatment of most infections, and
stress reduction/control. As the amount
of stress that the average American encounters every
day increases so do the ways to
combat its effects. Aromatherapy is only one of the many
forms of stress reduction that
individuals can explore in the nineties.
Back
to Aromatherapy and Stress Reduction Page
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