The use of holistic aromatherapy for medical purposes predates to as early as 4,000 BC, but the term aromatherapy has only been in use since the ‘20s started by French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse. The term was brought about as Gattefosse discovered by accident that lavender oil helped to relieve pain while assisting slight burns in healing. For centuries, aromatherapy has been used as a great alternative to medicine in many European countries, coming to the U.S. during the ‘30s and ‘40s gaining a great reputation. During the ‘60s in the United States, however, the great scientific and technological advances promoted a drop in the use of holistic aromatherapy, but returned as a common practice in the ‘70s. Since, it has been used to treat various conditions, while alleviating stress and uplifting the mind, body, and spirit.
What is Aromatherapy?
Holistic aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in steam and salve in order to invoke various results in the human body. There are many aromatic plants from which these essential oils are derived including:
• Lavender
• Rose
• Orange
• Geranium
There are thousands of other plants that are used to extract the essential oil which is 100% pure and natural. The parts of the plants that are used to extract these oils include:
• Bark
• Leaves
• Buds
• Resin
• Berries
There are also several other sources for the essential oils within these plants, most times extracted through a steam distillation process. Aromatherapy will consist of using these oils in a combination or individually in various forms such as:
• Incense
• Steam
• Mist
• Salve
The essential oils’ aromas are then absorbed by the body through the nasal passages or skin, promoting better health, a stronger mind, and renewed vigor, uplifting the spirit and offering the ease of pain and stress. Aromatherapy is a very subtle therapy technique, yet provides a very powerful result that is completely natural, noninvasive, and safe is used appropriately. Holistic aromatherapy is recognized as a form of alternative medicine with several schools and treatment centers currently existing and emerging within Europe and the U.S. as well as many other areas.
Who Should Provide Holistic Aromatherapy?
Only professionals should provide holistic aromatherapy, with many schools throughout Europe and the U.S. certifying aromatherapists and teaching the appropriate procedures. There are many people that think anyone can provide this type of therapy, however, it is seen as a sort of chemistry and should be treated as a science. There are specific oils that must not be used in specific ways, some that can be toxic when used in a specific way or concentration, and others that can be toxic when used in combination with others. Only trained aromatherapists know the appropriate processes and procedures, thus, should be the only person you go to for holistic aromatherapy.
Common Uses
There are many common uses for holistic therapy both in the various European countries and within the U.S. These uses can include:
• Back compress
• Foot soak
• Rough hands scrub
• Sinus relief
• Essence connection massage oil
These oils are used in many different ways through massage, application to a specific part of the skin, use in distilled waters, inhalation through incense smoke, steamed mist, or vaporizer. There are several other uses as well for essential oil holistic aromatherapy including the invoking of labor and the easing of headaches.
Holistic aromatherapy is a strong alternative medicine that has been widely accepted for many uses. From providing an excellent soak to relieve pain and inflammation to an essence to improve the effects of massage, to even treating sinus issues and relieving the symptoms of a cold, there are several uses for aromatherapy and a great many essential oils that are utilized to provide the maximum effect of the aromatherapy. Only through proper use is aromatherapy ideal, offering a natural measure to relieve many conditions.