Aromatherapy Through The Years

Aromatherapy is something that is used in spas around the world. It is something that is used to help relax the body and mind, lower pain and anxiety and enhance the body’s own energy and it is something that is wildly popular today.

It is a complementary therapy, one that utilizes blends of essential oils through a variety of applications and it is said to offer the benefits of increased well being to those who participate in the effects of it.

Aromatherapy can be as simple as using essential oils in a massage or during a bath or steam. The oils are applied topically or put in the water in the case of a bath, and then they go to work releasing their scents and helping you to relax.

While going to the spa for a day of beauty may be a relatively new thing, aromatherapy has been around for centuries. In fact, the ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Indians all used essential oils in their practices. They knew the benefits of these oils and used them in the making of their drugs, perfumes and cosmetics. They further realized that certain oils aided in certain situations, while others were best used in other ways, and that has all filtered down to modern aromatherapy thought today. Of course we now use the essential oils in many different ways than our ancestors, but the idea is the same.

Essential oils and aromatherapy have also been used in the medical community. During World War II for example, French doctor Jean Valnet started using oils for antiseptics that helped the injured soldiers he attended.

Today, those plant based oils and aromatic smells can be used in aerial diffusion where the whole space is fragranced, can be used in direct inhalation to help with respiratory infections or as a decongestant. We use these essential oils topically as part of a massage or compress as some oils are known to soften and aid in skin care. You may have your favourite oil or you may need a specific oil for a specific reason, but the end result will likely be the same. Adding oils and aromatherapy makes people relax, makes them happy and soothes the soul. They are great for aiding in calming and psychologically just make you feel better.

So next time you are having a spa day, check out aromatherapy, you’ll be glad you did!