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History of Aromatherapy and Essential OilsAccording to the translation of ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Chinese Manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before the time of Christ.Ancient Egyptians used oil to anoint their Kings and Queens for protection, health and power in life and also in many afterlife rituals. Historical texts document the use of ritual oils in every culture since the beginning of time. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Some precious oils such as frankincense, myrrh, rosemary hyssop and spicknard were used for the anointing and healing of the sick. |
These essential oils were mankind's first medicine.
The modern era of aromatherapy has dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burned hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits.
During world war II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.
Essential Oils in Action
Aroma = scent therapy = healing Aromatherapy = healing by scentEssential oil is the aroma concentrate found in plants. The aroma is contained in specilised glands which contain a fluid – essential oil. Essential oils are active ingredients which enter the blood stream.
There are 2500 oils in the world, but only around 700 of them are in use. In Israel there are 100 – 125 oils. In the past essential oils were known as ‘Royal Oils ‘ because of their rarity and costliness.
Aroma molecules of essential oils are inhaled via the nostrils and reach the olfactory centre of the brain, from there they reach the Hypophesa were they are ‘sorted’, finally to the Hypothalamus which produces a reaction to the aroma.
Each essential oil contains aroma molecules which have specific effects on the body’s various systems. All essential oils are antiseptic, some are antibacterial, some are anti-inflammatory and some are antiviral. There are some essential oils which strenghten the immune system,and others which have a positive effect on moods (especially oils from the orange family).
Oils that have a positive effect on moods also strenghten the immune system, because when a person is depressed it lowers his immune system and he will be more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses.
Essential oils are active ingredients. By taking a blood test after inhaling aroma moleclues it is possible to detect some of the oils components. Despite this, essential oils do not accumulate or leave traces in the body. When essential oils are placed on the skin, they penetrate it and enter the blood stream. The oils are more effective when placed on the skin or inhaled than when they are taken internally.
The physical body is inseperable from the ethereal body (which cannot be defined) – soul, spirit, emotion. The physical body is the vessel which contains the ethereal body. Essential oils can connect the two. Water cleans water, oil cleans oil, essential (ethereal) oils clean the ethereal body.
Methods for using essential oils:
Smell, (inhalation) – preferance
Dermal application - touch, spray
Internal use - taste, aroma, food
Compress
Baths
Suppositories