What is Aromatherapy?

What is aromatherapy?

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used plants as perfumes were made for fumigation, libation, and ablution – these rituals became an element in the art of therapy in these ancient cultures.

The Origins of Aromatherapy go back as far as the Neanderthal Man, who archaeologists believe, was one of the first users of plant-based medications.

Aromatic plants have religious, mystical, and healing significance, as fragrance was the connecting link between the mind, spirit, and the body.

Odor is the most powerful and yet the most disregarded sense.

Aromas affect the mind, they also affect the body, because the limbic system has an interaction with the hypothalamus which in turn governs the bodily functions such as digestion, nerve responses, appetite, and hormonal reactions.

Think about biting into a lemon, the possibility that your mouth is now watering is probably pretty accurate.  Imagine also smelling the lemon, the senses of your mouth watering increase.

Lavender is the most known and used essential oil and history shows that it has many uses as Gattefosse a French chemist, accidentally found that Lavender oil had healing properties when he knocked over a Bunsen burner and burnt his hand.  He instinctively plunged his hand into a large jar of lavender oil.  Only to find later that there was no scaring, the lavender oil had saved his skin.

The roman baths in Bath, UK are a great place to visit if you have an interest in aromatherapy.  The museum takes you on a tour of the baths and the history of the uses or aromatherapy in those ancient Roman times, together with the healing properties of the spring water.

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy, as we take the Body’s Immune System and restoring the harmony between mind and body and can positively affect the way we look and feel. Bringing about restoration, balance and calming mind, body, and spirit.

An aromatherapy massage, with a professional aromatherapist who after a detailed consultation will choose professional oils to meet your holistic needs for restoration of mind, body, and spirit.  He/she will then provide a relaxing aromatherapy massage with the personal mixture of oils that together you have agreed upon are the best for you right now.  You may also have the oil mixture to use at home, to continue the healing till your next session.

Stress and insomnia are a major health problem of todays society, even more so with this pandemic.

What could the therapist choose for stress?  Let us look at a scenario where the client is unable to sleep well and has a lot on their mind and as so many people do now, finds it a challenge to go outside and even to go to work. 

A relaxing blend, to strengthen the immune system and to ease anxiety would be suitable.

Petitgrain from the bitter orange tree calms body and mind, has a woody aroma and a sedative effect.  Especially useful here for someone who is suffering with nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions, especially if they find themselves becoming angry and have panic attacks and helps to calm a rapid heartbeat.

Clary sage helps lift mood and calm nerves, bringing a sense of peace.  Often useful to return vitality after an illness.  Caution when using clary sage as it can act as an aphrodisiac and restores libido.

Lavender is immensely popular to help relax and excellent to help with insomnia.

Mixed as a blend with grapeseed oil for use at home can be used in the bath, or as a massage oil before bed.

For a specific blend it is advisable to seek a professional aromatherapist. 

If you are interested to learn all about aromatherapy for yourself we have an online course, that can be taken on its own to learn about essential oils and their uses and if you wanted to take it further and become a professional aromatherapist, then taking the practical classes and exams would get you a CIBTAC UK qualification, for details contact us