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What is Aromatherapy ?
AROMATHERAPY is the use of aromatic oils for both physical and psychological benefit. It is the only treatment that combines remedies with hands on therapy and bodywork. The pure essential oils are usually obtained by the distillation of plants, herbs, seeds, woods and resins.
History Of Aromatherapy
The ancient Egyptians are generally regarded to be the founders of Aromatherapy, and were using aromatics as far back as 4500 BC. In ancient China, India, Greece, and Rome, the sense of smell was much more appreciated than it is today. Hippocrates, the father of medicine once said "The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day."
In the twentieth century, Rene Gattefosse is called the father of modern Aromatherapy. Marguerite Maury rekindled the ancient art of combining oils with massage. Robert Tisserand is the author of one of the first Aromatherapy books in English.
How Do The Oils Benefits The Body?
The aroma of the oils aids in relaxation, assists the body in the healing process, and alleviates stress. There are three main ways to use the oils:
INHALATION: Add a couple of drops to a bowl of hot water and cover the head with a towel, suspending it over the bowl, while breathing deeply.
IN THE BATH: Add 7-8 drops to a warm bath. The oil penetrates the skin and is also vaporised and inhaled.
MASSAGE: This is the most effective method. During the massage, the oils are absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream where they are able to immediately perform their function.
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