Aromatherapy

More books about Aromatherapy

The term 'aromatherapy' refers to the use of essential oils to facilitate the recipient's self-healing processes.

The word 'aromatherapy' is derived from the two words "aroma", which means fragrance, and "therapy", which means treatment. "Aromatherapy" therefore conveys the ideas that the essential oils used in aromatherapy are fragrant, thus detected by our sense of smell, and that when selected and applied appropriately they may have therapeutic effects.

Essential oils may be applied in a variety of ways, such as evapourated into the air, massaged into the skin, dispersed in bathwater and so on. However, Aromatherapy as a therapy or treatment usually refers to a body-work treatment in which a practitioner applies a blend of Essential oils diluted in Carrier oil(s) to the client's skin.

History of Aromatherapy

The earliest pictorial references associated with aromatherapy are images on the walls of the Lascaux caves in France which are thought to date from approx. 18,000 B.C..

Most aromatherapy texts claim that this therapy is at least 6000 years old and refer to the many ancient cultures from different parts of the world that are believed to have used scented oils to aid relaxation and healing. These include Ancient Egypt, China, Greece, Rome and others.

These ancient civilizations may not necessarily have used scented oils in the same way as each other, or in the same way as aromatherapy is practised today but there is evidence of use of scented/aromatic oils for the purposes of physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being.

During the Renaissance in Europe (ca. 1450-1600), explorers and merchants brought exotic herbs and oils back to Europe from the Middle and Far East, interest in these luxuries grew, especially among the middle- and upper-classes. Wigs were scented with aromatic oils and people carried scented handkerchiefs to overcome the effects of unsanitary streets and living conditions. Lavender and rosemary oils were used to fumigate French hospitals.

Key developments leading to the modern form of aromatherapy took place in France during the middle years of the 20th century. Dr. Rene Maurice Gattefosse published a book about the anti-microbial effects of essential oils in which he used the term 'aromatherapy'. Dr. Jean Valnet also conducted extensive research using essential oils. Valnet's research results and the massage techniques established by Margaret Maury and her co-researcher Micheline Arcier form the basis of modern aromatherapy as taught today.

For more detailed background information see the History of Aromatherapy page.

What does an Aromatherapy Treatment involve?

There are several ways in which an Aromatherapy Treatment can be given, and even more ways in which aromatherapy can be used.

The most common forms of Aromatherapy Treatments are:

• Aromatherapy body massage
• Aromatherapy reflexology treatment
• Aromatherapy Indian head massage (Indian head massage alone is usually a 'dry' treatment, that is - no oils or creams are necessary).

The form of the treatment may therefore be similar to the form of the corresponding basic treatment (without the use of Essential Oils).

Key differences may include :

• A more detailed initial consultation in the case of aromatherapy - because the therapist will be concerned not to use oils to which the client is likely to be allergic, and also to select the oils that may be most beneficial to the individual client.
• Client participation in the selection of the essential oils to be included in their personal blend.
• Some Aromatherapists favour a gentler massage technique than that often used in general massage. However, in all cases, the particular style and vigour is subject to client preference.
• If any of the client's own blend of oils remains after the treatment then he/she may be given this to take away with them and use later, e.g. in bath water.

Please refer to the pages about Massage and Reflexology for further information about what happens during typical treatment of those types.

Textbooks and other Sources of Reading

Many excellent texts are available, both to introduce Aromatherapy to the interested public [27], [28], and also to aid the study of those intending to become Professional Aromatherapists [17].

Further Information about Aromatherapy

Introductory aromatherapy courses are available from many local colleges.
For a personal introduction to this subject and to meet like-minded people who have similar interests, find out what is available in your area.