Aromatherapy has been around in one form or another for the whole of human existence…
Some scholars believe that the history of aromatherapy dates back to 40,000 years, although the aromatherapy will be unrecognizable in today’s modern society.
Egyptologists credit ancient Egyptians for using plant oils in healing between four and six thousand years ago. They used these plant oils for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, including bathing, perfuming, healing and embalming. The history of aromatherapy also documents its use in cleansing and cosmetic make up.
Rome was the first large civilization to understand the importance of regular bathing and as such they brought the use of bathing oils to the masses.
Much later, during the Middle Ages, the returning crusaders and the flourishing of trade routes brought the use of oils and perfumes to Europe.
The Healing Properties Of Aromatherapy
During the plague in Europe in the middle ages, the health benefits of essentials became part of the history of aromatherapy as there effects on healing and the immune system were first seen. It wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists of Europe began investigating the healing properties of oils.
The term aromatherapy has been credited to Rene Maurice Gattefosse who, in a book, wrote about the anti-bacterial affects of essential oils. However, it wasn’t until French Biochemist Madame Margaret Maury came up with massages using the essential oils of plants as a healing practice did the history of aromatherapy become realized.
California became part of the history of aromatherapy in the 1980’s where it was introduced and health food stores today offer a wide range of oils and products as do a multitude of internet web sites. Based on the history of aromatherapy, many massage therapists, chiropractors and psychologists incorporate it into their practice.
While Europe has regulated the use of aromatherapy requiring prescriptions for oral doses and licensing procedures for aroma therapists, the United States has no licensing standards. However, many aroma therapists are working to achieve just that. They believe knowledge in botany, chemistry and physiology should be attained instead of just being able to rub people with oils.
While the history of aromatherapy has been a long one, there has been some reluctance from modern society to embrace it as a part of medicinal health. However, aroma therapists believe that strict licensing standards will help the practice grow in conjunction with more recognized medical practices as more people understand the healing potential of essential oils.
