The History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

AROMATHERAPY ' Page 1

History of Aromatherapy

Recognizable it is that the term Aromatherapy is being used nowadays . It is but one of the blooming industries at present and is seemingly growing more each year . It is being offered in health spas which seem to emerge like mushrooms everywhere . It may also be done personally at home by buying bottled pieces in stores where you can purchase varying scents depending on your taste and need ADDIN EN .CITE 2000131 312Hot Springs2007April 62000http /www .geocities .com /HotSprings /Spa /4278

/findex .html "Hot Springs , 2000

As available as your proverbial hotcake , the term is often being misconceived when in fact it has been in existence since ancient ages

Here , we will peek on the time line traversed by Aromatherapy and all other issues related to it including its uses until present

What is Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils of plants for physical spiritual and psychological well-being (Price , 1993 . Although this definition may not be exact to other practitioners , it basically boils down to the use of essential oils in any manner for well-being . The term basically was derived from two words : Aroma which means fragrance and Therapy which means healing (Crystal , 1995

Many may classify Aromatherapy as an alternative treatment while others classify it as a subunit in holistic medicine . While , many others may consider it as a science as it is used in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases ADDIN EN .CITE 2000131 312Hot Springs2007April 62000http /www .geocities .com /HotSprings /Spa /4278 /findex .html "Hot Springs , 2000

Though the term was not known to be of use until the 20th Century the foundation of it may be traced back to some time when early men learned to use fire

AROMATHERAPY ' Page 2

The roots of Aromatherapy may be traced back way before the birth of Christ . However , the exact date of its origin is still disputed as well as the place where it originated . The practice of burning incense from aromatic woods and herbs was used as offerings for the gods . This practice was used by Chinese , Egyptians and Greeks for glorifying their deities . It was believed that as the smoke rose up to the heavens , it carries with it their prayers and wishes on to their deities . This is the reason behind why Aromatherapy is being linked with religion and mysticism ADDIN EN .CITE 612History of Aroma Therapy2007April 61997-2007 http /www .quinessence .com /history_of_aromatherapy .htm "History of Aroma Therapy 1997-2007

Ancient Egyptians during those times use oil extracts from plants for medicinal and cosmetic purposes . It was also found to be used in embalming with the use of extracts of nutmegs and cedars . Egyptians were also said to use Aromatics in cooking . They believed that its use would improve the digestive system and promote immunity to certain diseases After bathing , they massage their bodies with fragrant oils . Also for them , use of aromatics in rituals raise higher consciousness and promotes spiritual balance . Frankincense was offered to...