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Massage
therapists, reflexologists, accupressurists, nail salons, skin specialists,
homeopathic practitioners, hospitals in India. England and France. The
United States utilizes Essential Oils less than most other countries for
therapeutic assistance.
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Aromatherapy
is the use of essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, barks, and peels
to promote health and well being and improve quality of life. The body
becomes more balanced through the use of essential oils. Aromatherapy is
a natural part of life, though you may not have attached a name to the
experience. Everyone has emotional and psychological responses to scent.
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Egypt
was the birth place of medicine, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals more than
six thousand years ago. The ancient Egyptians practiced the art of massage
and were famous for their skin care formulas and cosmetics.
Fragrances, herb oils, balsams, and resins were used in embalming techniques
and religious ceremonies.
The use of aromatics
spread from Egypt to Israel, Greece, Rome, and the entire Mediterranean
world. Every culture developed practices of perfumery using oils, but with
the Dark Ages, much of this knowledge was lost. India is the only
place in the world where this tradition was never lost. Ayurvedic (life-knowledge)
medicine is the oldest form of medical practice using oils and has been
in continuous use since the inception thousands of years ago.
The
advent of modern science in the 17th and 18th centuries marked the decline
of most forms of herbal therapy. However, in 1928, a French cosmetic chemist,
Rene Maurice Gattefosse (Ga-fo-say) made a remarkable discovery. While
working in his laboratory, he severely burned his arm and thrust it into
the nearest vat of cold liquid. The liquid happened to be lavender oil.
Gattefosse was surprised to find that his pain lessened and there was no
redness, inflammation, or blistering. It was he who coined the term "aromatherapy".
Others followed Gattefosse on the path of rediscovery with essential oils.
In 1964, Dr.
Jean Valent published The Art of Aromatherapy and the movement in Europe
had rebirth. Madame Marguerite Maury established the first aromatherapy
clinics in Paris, Great Britain, and Switzerland, and studied the rejuvenating
properties of essential oils. Her research was published in English as
The Secret of Life and Youth (1964). Today, thousands practice aromatherapy
in France, Russia, England, the Ukraine, and many other countries. |
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We
like to think of essential oils as nature's pharmacy. Essential oils may
be used as mood creators, perfumes, and fragrances. Natural scents keep
you connected to the world around you by rekindling emotions and feelings.
Essential oils may also have therapeutic value.
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Essential
oils are highly concentrated, volatile (evaporate quickly) plant extracts
that contain hundreds of organic constituents and other natural elements.
Essential oils carry the beneficial properties of the plants they were
derived from and provide a natural form of herbal energy. Most essential
oils are lighter than water and yet are not water soluble, and they are
able to dissolve in body fats.
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