Aromatherapy

History reveals that the beginning of aromatherapy is very much linked to the development of the aromatic medicines.  In the past, these aromatic medicines were associated with religion, mysticism and magic.

Aromatic plants and oils have been used for thousands of years, as incense, perfumes and cosmetics and for their medical and culinary applications.  Their ritual use constituted an integral part of tradition in most early cultures, where their religious and therapeutic roles became inextricably intertwined.  This type of practice is still in evidence.  For example, in the East springs of juniper are burned in Tibetan temples as a form of purification.  In the West, frankincense is used during the Roman Catholic mass.

Aromatherapy is a complimentary therapy using highly concentrated essential oils extracted from various parts of plants (flowers, trees, herbs or fruit) for therapeutic benefit, to enhance both physical and emotional health and wellbeing.   Each oil has its own unique properties which when blended with a pure vegetable carrier oil can be massaged into the body.  When the scent is inhaled, the molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional centre of our brain.   ‘Aroma’ refers to the smell of essential oils and ‘therapy’ refers to the healing part of the treatment.