Aromatherapy: History, Benefits, Treatments, & Oils used | My Fit Brain

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment to treat people with illness from natural plants and their useful extracts to promote their health and to let them recover from the illness. It is also called essential oil therapy because this therapy is done using essential oils which are known to promote healthy living. 

Many kinds of essential oils are used in aromatherapy which are herbal medicinal oils to improve the overall health of the body, mind, and soul. Aromatherapy enhances the physical as well as the emotional well-being of a person. 

Aromatherapy is a mixture of both art and science both. Art in the sense of massaging essential oils with the right pressure and techniques of fingers and science in terms of the herbal benefits of those essential oils.

History of Aromatherapy unrevealed:

Aromatherapy is as ancient as thousand years back. It was first incorporated in China, Egypt, and India as well when humans have started the use of aroma fragrant flowers and herbs such as basil, jojoba, etc. And their natural oil as an essential oil. These essential oils are natural substances used for medical as well as religious persons. They are known to have physical as well as psychological benefits to the person's health. 

Essential oil distillation started around the 10th century in Persia but what was published everywhere is that essential oils were first distilled around the 16th century in Germany. These essential oils were first used by physicians in the 19th century for treating diseases. As the world proceeded with the 19th century, we begin to rely on medical drugs and medicines for treating diseases and the use of essential oils for the same is about to get diminished. But some German, as well as french doctors, still practice the same way of treating the disease through essential oils. 

Even in our country India, many ayurvedic doctors still practice the same way of treating the disease through aromatherapy or essential oils. 

The term “aromatherapy” was termed by a French perfumer and chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in a book he wrote on the topic that was published in 1937. He had previously discovered the healing potential of lavender in treating burns. The book discusses the use of essential oils in treating medical conditions.

How does Aromatherapy treatment work?

Aromatherapy works through the human's sensory organs such as the nose and skin i.e smell and skin absorption. 

Aromatherapy makes use of some products such as : 

1. Diffusers
2. Aromatic spritzers
3. Inhalers 
4. Bathing salts 
5. Body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application 
6. Facial steamers 
7. Hot and cold compresses 
8. Clay masks 

These products can be used alone or in a combination of two, three, or more products. You can get hundreds of essential oils on the market as well as online. Some of them are FDA approved while some are not. You can't be sure by seeing that you are purchasing is 100 percent natural. 

Every essential oil has a unique aroma and when you combine two or more essential oil it will create a blend with more powerful properties and lasting results.

Benefits of Aromatherapy 

Here are some benefits listed for Aromatherapy: 

1. Manages pain effectively 
2. Improves sleeping quality
3. Reduces stress, depression, and anxiety
4. Soothes joint pain 
5. Provide an effective relief from headaches and migraines 
6. Reduces side effects of chemotherapy 
7. Eases the discomforts of labor pain 
8. Fights bacterial, viral, or fungal infection 
9. Improves digestion 
10. Improves hospital and palliative care 
11. Boost immunity power

Some scientific evidence has been found that aromatherapy is beneficial in many other diseases as well. Researchers support the use of aromatherapy in treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and heart diseases as well.

Diseases that are cured with Aromatherapy : 

Aromatherapy is proven to treat many health conditions which include: 

1. Asthma
2. Insomnia
3. Fatigue
4. Depression
5. Inflammation
6. Peripheral neuropathy
7. Menstrual issues
8. Alopecia
9. Cancer
10. Erectile dysfunction
11. Arthritis
12. Menopause 

Let's have a glance at some popular Aromatherapy oils 

Popular essential oils that you can use for Aromatherapy :

1. Clary sage 
2. Cypress
3. Eucalyptus
4. Fennel
5. Geranium
6. Ginger
7. Helichrysum
8. Lavender
9. Lemon
10. lemongrasS
11. Mandarin
12. Neroli
13. Patchouli
14. Peppermint
15. Roman chamomile
16. Rose
17. Rosemary
18. Tea tree 
19. Vetiver
20. Ylang ylang 

These essential oils can be used in any way such as mixing them with your regular oil and massaging them on the body, or you can apply them directly or mix it with skin toner, shampoo, body wash, or conditioner. You can also mix them in your regular toothpaste, liquid soap, or mouthwash. You can also opt for a diffuser that will diffuse the essential oil and spread its aroma in your room.

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