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As far back as 18,000 B.C., as can be seen depicted on the walls of the Lascaux caves of France, flowers, plants and their essences have been used for healing, relaxation and enhanced lovemaking. Ancient peoples captured the mysteries of different fragrances, creating an art that can do anything from calm the savage beast to strengthen his prowess.
This art is now known as Aromatherapy. A science based in nature and its effects on the entire being - mind, body and spirit. Complete, or holistic healing is an ever-increasing consciousness in today's society. However, a look back through history will reveal that it has been humanity's backbone all along.
In ancient Eqypt, aromathereapy was a way of life. The substance and scents of specific plants were used during religious rituals, as certain smells could raise a higher consciousness or promote a state of tranquillity, just as incense is still used in some services today. Egyptians understood the principles of this art and incorporated it into their cooking as well. Specific herbs aided in the digestive process, protected against infection, or built the immune system.
Aromatherapy came of age when the Greeks took medicine into a new light. Hypocrites, commonly known as the "Father of Medicine", was the first to study cause and effect. These studies led him to believe that a daily aromatic bath and scented massage would promote good health. Holistic practitioners of today adhere to the same belief.
As people migrated across Europe, they carried with them the knowledge of benefits of specific herbs of their native lands. Aromatherapy has had its peaks and valleys in popularity throughout history. China, India and some Arab nations maintained a greater understanding of the use of herbs, whereas, emphasis on medicine waned in medieval Europe. However, as the onset fo the Renaissance and the expositions of the great explorers gave rise to new aromas, oils were again sought after, and herbs were back in demand.
The twentieth century has brought a new enlightenment to this ancient art. During the turn of the century, French chemist and author, Dr. Gattefosse, brought about a renewed interest. He studied and documented essential oils and their healing properties. He discovered that different applications had antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. He experimented with these discoveries on soldiers during World War I. Lavendar was used to decrease pain. Lemon, clove and chamomile were used as disinfectants. The applications were carried on to the Second World War, where doctors used oils to prevent gangrene and speed healing.
About a decade after Dr. Gattefosse conducted his studies, Dr. Edward Bach, noted
British physician and scientist, dedicated his life to examining the relationship between
a person's state of mind and the onset of disease.
Believing that a physical illness must be treated by first eliminating any underlying
emotional cause, Dr. Bach formulated his special flower remedies. These natural
preparations, derived from 38 flowering, trees and special waters proved very successful
in alleviating stress. Removal of stress could therefore pave the way to recovery. It is
this principle on which aromatherapy of today has been built.
The discovery of Penicillin and creation of synthetic drugs has conditioned modern society
to readily accept instant cures. In many medical circles, aromatherapy and holistics as a
whole are considered "soft" sciences, because cures are less speedy, or
non-existent in some cases. This is because the foundation of natural healing lies in
prevention as a way of life. Hopefully, aromatherapy will continue to exist for as long as
it has been used. Nonetheless, the proof of its effectiveness lies in our ancestors, who
survived throughout the ages in this hard world equipped with only a natural instinct of a
"soft" science.
During world war II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.
Aromatherapy works the best when it works on the mind and body simultaneously.
Aromatherapy Source: Paschalis Drakidis
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