Aromatherapy
Written By: Rose Hannigan
Aromatherapy
There is evidence to suggest that as far back as 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians extracted and used essential oils. Both ancient Chinese and Hindu records suggest the use of herbs and aromatic substances for religious/therapeutic use. In ancient Greek and Roman times, essential oils were used on a daily basis. Even that long ago, the benefits of essential oils were known. They were used for skin care benefits, used as massage oils and as bath oils. Hippocrates advocated the use of aromatic oils and their medicinal value in relation to achieving good health. The Arab physician, Avincenna, is credited with the primitive form of distillation, which is used to produce pure essential oils. There are records, to suggest the use of aromatic oils in Europe in the 13th century; however, it was the 16th century before the production of essential oils was more widely practised. Between 1470 and 1670, publications of books called ‘Herbals’ regarding their medicinal properties of plants were quite prolific. In 1652, the herbalist Nicholas Culpepper wrote ‘a book of herbs’, on the medicinal properties of hundreds of plants. These writings were verified by the fact that survivors of the plague had used essential oils.
aromatherapy
The use of essential oils, as we know it today commenced with Gatfosse, a French cosmetic chemist in the 1920s. He had used lavender essential oil to treat a burn, resulting in an exceptional healing, and no scarring. Another important figure in the history of essential oils, is Dr Jean Valnet. He used essential oils to treat burns and battle injuries. However, with the growth of the modern drug industry, the use of essential oils for medicinal purposes started to lose credibility. In the 1950s, a student of Dr. Gatfosse, Marguerite Maury re-introduced essential oils in Britain. This was done by combining the use of essential oils with massage, otherwise known as Aromatherapy massage... Maury proposed a more holistic approach. She developed specialised aromatherapy massage techniques, and also selected and blended oils to suit individual needs. This resulted in what we know as ‘prescription treatments’ or ‘individual prescription’. This forms the basis of the practice of aromatherapy today. This is also the foundation for using essential oils to address many skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and
skin care
psoriasis. Despite its ancient origins, aromatherapy is still in its clinical infancy. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing therapies, and also most popular. In modern times, natural and organic essential oils are used in many skin care products including moisturisers, toners, facial washes and handmade soaps.
