A to Z of Therapies
Aromatherapy
December 5th, 2008
The word "aromatherapie" was created by Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1928. He used the word to imply the therapeutic use of aromatic substances (essential oils). As Aromatherapy developed into a practice, it adopted a holistic approach that can have a profound effect on our physical and psychological well-being. There exists the belief that scent, as the most enduring of our senses, has the power to transform our emotions and heal our bodies.
For the relief of back pain, treatment with essential oils is especially powerful due to their anti-spasmodic, mood altering and pain relieving effects. Several of these--sage, rosemary, thyme, horsebalm and mountain dittany--are rich in thymol and carvacrol; compounds that help relax our muscles.
The oils are mixed with other materials like alcohol, lotions etc to give the desired effects on the body. These formulated oils are then applied to the body by either:
a) massaging them into the skin,
b) inhaling the aroma of the oil, or
c) pouring the oils into bath water for a soothing and calming effect on the body.
As a holistic medicine, Aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness.
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
http://www.naha.org/
A to Z of Therapies
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