Aromatherapy is a type of therapy that aims to improve psychological and physical health through the use of selected essential oils extracted from various parts of plants like leaves, flowers, stems, resins, seeds, fruits.
The fragrances of these oils are inhaled or the oils themselves are applied topically, using compresses, baths, or massages, in an attempt to reduce stress, induce relaxation, and decrease emotional distress, calm mind, rejuvenate body, balance spirit, and strengthen well-being.
The practice of aromatherapy have been used for almost 5,000 years, . when the ancient Egyptians used essential oils for producing medicine, embalming, cosmetics, perfumes, and love potions. Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Roman civilizations also made usual usage of scented oils in therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic, and ritualistic activities.
In the 5th century BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates taught and promoted the health benefits of aromatic oils.In the book entitled Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales., René-Maurice Gattefossé, French chemist , described how he had severely burned his hand in an explosion in his lab but had recovered well after treating his burns with lavender oil. He investigated the antibacterial and healing properties of essential oils during World War I while treating wounded soldiers. Dr. Jean Valnet, a physician French army surgeon, further fueled the revival of aromatherapy during World War II.
In the last 5 years Aromatherapy gained wider recognition in the world, the popularity of aromatherapy among clinicians and lay people has grown dramatically. Currently, strong international market exists for aromatherapy oils.
Essential oils are so powerful because their aroma directly impacts your emotional brain center named limbic system. For example, citrus essential oils can lift spirits with their bright, zesty aroma.
