Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is derived from the ancient practice of using natural plant essences to promote health and wellbeing. It is viewed by its practitioners as a natural alternative to traditional medical treatments.

For centuries, mankind has used plants, many of them fragrant, in the treatment of common ailments, as well as in cosmetics and around the home, and aromatherapy can be seen as a natural extention of these practices.

Aromatherapy can help relax, uplift, revitalise or restore the body and spirit depending on the oil used and is a natural aid in maintaining the body's own sense of balance and well-being, at the same time working on mood enhancement and ambience.

Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. The essential oils taken from plants and used in Aromatherapy have been described as their "life force" - they are essential to the plants' biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent.

The practice of aromatherapy goes beyond smell, though. It involves "pure" essential oils that are believed to have a chemical effect on the body. The essential oils are added to the bath or massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room.

It's hard to imagine a more enjoyable health treatment than a deep, relaxing massage accompanied by the aura of sweet-smelling oils.

A Brief History.........

Before 1993 you wouldn’t have been able to find the word ‘aromatherapy’ listed in a dictionary even though this art/science has been effectively used for thousands of years. In fact, the word was invented in the 1920’s by a French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé who studied the cosmetic properties of plants. He soon learned that plants contained organic antiseptic elements that worked better than inorganic antiseptics. His interest was further ignited when he there was an explosion in his laboratory; badly burning has hands. Relief came when he plunged it into the nearest liquid – luckily, it was lavender oil[one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly on the skin. In a short time the burn had healed without forming a blister or leaving a scar. He then went on to treat soldiers in the First World War. Later his work was built upon by a French physician, Dr Jean Valnet and later a French beautician and biochemist, Marguerite Maury, developed a massage and beauty programme to incorporate the use of essential oils, which she introduced into Britain.

However, the usage of aromatic plants for their essential oils has been going on for thousands of years. Some of the earliest writings about the use of aromatic or essential oils on the body have been found in China and date from around 2000 years BC. Most evidence of widespread use of oils comes from ancient Egypt where oils were used in offerings to their gods. When we reach around 400 years BC, Hippocrates, the 'father' of medicine, writes that 'the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day'. Here we have a clear link between aroma and health as well as massage and health. There are many other writings through history in many civilisations on the use of essential oils.

Today in England and the United States, aromatherapy is a commonly accepted alternative medicine. In France, it is common to find doctors who practice aromatherapy, pharmacies that sell essential oils and health insurance companies that reimburse for treatments using these approaches.

How Does It Work?

During the massage, the aromas are perceived by the nerve endings in the nose, and signals are passed to the limbic system in the brain. An important part of the limbic system governs the pituitary gland, which controls hormone release throughout the body. Additionally, the small molecules of essential oils are absorbed through the skin. They then dissolve in the natural body fats and fluids. This allows them to flow around the body, to relax or stimulate, detoxify and regenerate.

Easy To Use

Aromatherapy is an easy-to-use home remedy. Though there has been an increase in the number of qualified aromatherapists, professional guidance is not required as long as the user follows safety guidelines and usage instructions.

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