What is Aromatherapy?
Burning Aromatherapy oils in a ceramic candle holder
The term aromatherapy essentially describes the practice of making use of essential aromatherapy oils to heal.
This healing practice was first referred to as aromatherapy by Rene Maurice Gattefosse, the French chemist, in
1928. With aromatherapy oils are taken from various sources such as plants,
flowers, roots, seeds, trees and bark - for the purpose of healing.
The 'smell to get well' healing power of essential oils is what greatly appeals to holistic
enthusiasts and draws them to aromatherapy, while providing the main source of controversy for the aromatherapy
skeptics.
The aromatherapy oils used in the practice of aromatherapy are
extracted from plants and various natural sources. There are many ways in which the aromatic
essential aromatherapy oils can be applied in the practice of aromatherapy. It
can be inhaled, or absorbed directly through the skin, or in some cases even ingested. Any of these methods will
help alleviate the symptoms for which the aromatherapy is applied: albeit to calm the emotions or harmonize the
spirit or to just treat something as mundane as flatulence. It is the essence, or properties, of these essential
oils that renders aromatherapy as therapeutic.
Aromatherapy is nothing new. In fact the practice of aromatherapy dates back as far as the Ancient
Egyptians and China when essential aromatherapy oils, organically extracted
from plants, were first thought to be used in everything from eye makeup and body fragrance to medicinal
treatments for respiratory problems, skin disorders and immune deficiencies.
Present Day Usage of Aromatherapy