Aromatherapy’s provenance dates back to at least 4000 BC. It was when a French Chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse accidentally discovered a laboratory who uses lavender oil to relieve pain and give assistance to the healing of slight burns. The etymology of Aromatherapy is from the Greek word fragrance (aroma) and the word treatment (therapy), this term was first used in the 1920’s by the said French chemist.
In current times, Aromatherapy has probably become the most popular holistic treatment to date. Ever so long, aromatherapy has been used to promote physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing. A lot of people have been experiencing the benefits drawn about by aromatherapy without actually realizing it. Modern medical science surprisingly agrees with our ancestors and has even proven the therapeutic effects from essential oils used for aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is practically easy to administer, with the right knowledge and the right procedures. But essentially, the oils used for aromatherapy are absorbed by our bodies in two main ways absorption by the skin and inhalation. Essential oils when inhaled, helps activate nerve cells in the nasal cavity, in turn it sends signals and stimulates the brain, to produce positive feelings and emotion. All at the same time, it also provides physical therapeutic benefits, since the substances from the essential oils are drawn in the lungs and then absorbed by the bloodstream.
Moreover, aromatherapy has been proven to be helpful in battling various health conditions and is greatly responsible for promoting emotional well being. Some of the most notable psycho-emotional benefits brought about by aromatherapy include mental clarity, spirit stimulation, robust immune system, regulation of human hormones and it serves as an aid to skin regeneration – to name a few.
Lastly, we should always take note, aromatherapy is intended to be an alternative and a complementary medical treatment, and should not be considered as the sole major treatment. It is a good addition to the healing process of standard medical care. After all they say, when a person’s well being is in its most positive state, chances are the response to treatment whether medically or alternatively are always good.
