| Aromatherapy
is the use of essential oils, these oils work with the whole being,
the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual self.
The use and history of essential oils goes back many years, we cannot
pinpoint the origin but possibly goes back to the beginning of Man.
Around 1800 BC the Babylonians used Myrrh, Cypress and Cedarwood oils
to heal the body of infections, thus being used as antiseptics. 2500
years ago Hippocrates stated that 'The way to good health is to take
an aromatic bath and fragrant massage every day', he also wrote that
he found bathing with essential oils are useful in the treatment of
feminine disorders.
Many years before Christ, the people of China were using the oils
for many different purposes, they used them in conjunction with acupressure
and acupuncture. In India they again were using these oils in similar
ways. Tea was drunk and different oils were added to create different
effects - calm, stimulate, relax and uplift, the oils and herbs were
used for weddings and ceremonies, the burning of incense and the use
of powdered Saffron for festivals.
Egypt also used the oils for ceremonies and purifications. Embalming
the dead was very popular - many mummified bodies have been found.
Frankincense, Elemi (?),Myrrh, Sandalwood, Rose, Orange, Tangerine,
Thyme and Sage being some of the oils found, these preserved the bodies.
This was very ritualistic and only people with special qualities were
chosen.
In India they believed in exploration of feeling into your body and
others (Karma Sutra). Oils were used to supple the skin and to soothe
and feed the whole mind, body and soul.
In the 13th Century France became the World leader in the use of perfumes
- it was thought unhealthy to bathe so it became fashionable to hide
the odours with perfumes!
In 1937 French cosmetic scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse discovered
important breakthroughs about the medicinal properties of essential
oils. His first discovery with lavender oil was when he badly burnt
his hand and quickly put his hand into the nearest tub of liquid-Lavender.
He discovered that the oil had soothed his hand and the healing process
was very quick. After this first interesting factor Gattefosse started
experimenting with many different oils and began to build a catalogue
of medicinal properties found in these oils.
Dr Jean Valret, another Frenchman also had a belief in the valuable
properties of oils, he used oils with healing qualities to help treat
the wounded in the Second World War, antiseptic oils were used to
treat wounds and he also found that men sleeping in the Pine forests
had a lot less respiratory problems.
The ancient Indians of America and the Aborigines in Australia used
many different oils to promote the healing both physically and spiritually.
In recent years the use of Aromatherapy has become very popular and
I believe will grow and be used in conjunction with not only alternative
therapeutic art, but also within the conventional medicines of today,
i.e.; Peppermint oil is now being prescribed by the doctors for the
relief of bowel disorders such as IBS.
Suzanne Ruddick
Aromatherapist ITEC
Reiki Master Practicioner
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