Alternative Information

The Origins of Aromatherapy


Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat various ailments, has been used by healers for thousands of years. Although its origins are difficult to trace, the use of aromatherapy goes back at least 4,000 years, possibly beginning with the ancient Egyptians, who were known to have used aromatic botanicals in many different ways. The Egyptians used a number of herbs and spices for soothing massage, medicine, cosmetics, and even in their embalming practices.

Centuries later, it was Hippocrates who may have been the first high-profile advocate of aromatherapy. More than 2,000 years ago, the creator of the physician's creed that bears his name was an outspoken believer in the benefits of aromatic massage for both physical and emotional well-being.

In the 10th century, the Arabs invented a process of distillation that allowed for more efficient extraction of the essential oils from plants, and for centuries, cultures from every part of the globe have inhaled aromas, drunk potions, and worn aromatic amulets as healing aids and to protect them from harm.

By extracting the essential oils from plants and herbs, aromatherapy has been, and continues to be, used to address a wide range of physical and emotional ailments, from headaches to herpes, from dry skin to acne, and from arthritis to asthma.

In modern times, France and England have led the attempt to reintroduce many ancient remedies to the world in the early 1900s, and to help aromatherapy gain greater acceptance in the traditional medical community. France still leads the world in rediscovering modern uses for ancient remedies, and many French doctors routinely prescribe aromatic remedies for their patients. That practice is reinforced by the fact that French pharmacies stock a wide variety of essential oils, and insurance companies are willing to pay for treatments involving ancient healing methods.

America currently lags behind the French and English in the use of aromatic medicine, but as more and more people experience the healing properties of aromatherapy, its use will continue to gain popularity in the United States.

Copyright (c) 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm


MORE RESOURCES:

Romney's Alternative Auto Rescue Plan
FOXNews - 19 hours ago
This is a rush transcript from "Your World With Neil Cavuto," November 19, 2008. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated. ...


CharlotteObserver.com

Alternative core inflation gauge sees biggest drop ever
MarketWatch - Nov 19, 2008
By Rex Nutting WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- An alternative measure of core inflation, which doesn't automatically exclude food and energy costs, ...
Video: Consumer Prices Drop Record 1 Percent in October AssociatedPress
Fed Predicts Economic Woes Through '09 Christian Broadcasting Network
all 1,677 news articles


Sunbeams can help Houston’s ‘powerful vision for the future’
Bizjournals.com, NC - 18 hours ago
... of Houston-based Alternative Power Solutions LLC (www.apowersolutions.com), which designs and installs residential and commercial solar systems. ...
Madison County Wind for Schools Project Brings Alternative Energy ... International Business Times
all 13 news articles


Boston Globe (registration)

UPDATE 1-W.House backs Republican alternative on auto aid
Reuters - Nov 19, 2008
WASHINGTON, Nov 19 (Reuters) - The White House said on Wednesday it supported an alternative Republican proposal for aid to the auto industry that would ...
Senators reach bipartisan deal on auto industry bailout Bizjournals.com
White House urges Congress to weigh Republican plan for auto bailout DetNews.com
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Dana Perino Whitehouse.gov (press release)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
all 477 news articles


Patrick rules out bus alternative to rail project
South Coast Today, MA - 6 hours ago
Deval Patrick said Thursday he will not settle for an express bus service as an alternative to extending commuter rail to SouthCoast. ...
Rail project recommends three routes South Coast Today
OUR VIEW: SouthCoast won't settle South Coast Today
Governor looks to SouthCoast rail, not bus service South Coast Today
all 7 news articles


Washington Post

Montgomery Lawmaker Touts Alternative to Ambulance Fee
Washington Post, United States - Nov 18, 2008
By Ann E. Marimow Montgomery County Council member Phil Andrews today introduced what he called an alternative to a proposed ambulance fee that would ...
Red-light cameras mulled as source of EMS funding Business Gazette
all 15 news articles


PETA pilgrims push soy-based alternative for Thanksgiving
Jackson Hole Star-Tribune, WY - 5 hours ago
By ALLISON RUPP There was definitely something to honk at on the corner of Second and Center streets Thursday. Two women wearing not much more than their ...


The danger of low prices
Baltimore Sun, United States - 3 hours ago
Stricter legislative requirements and green incentives for automakers will be gone, funding for research on alternative energy sources will dry up, ...


TAKE 2: An alternative look at the day in sports
Columbia Daily Tribune, MO - 15 hours ago
By DAVE MATTER Maybe I’ve been entranced too long by Coach Congenial, Gary Pinkel, but as his Tigers enjoy their bye week, some of his colleagues should ...


Alternative Energy: A Look at Compressed Natural Gas
TurnTo23.com, CA - 10 hours ago
Hybrid cars have been the buzz for the last year or two, but a different kind of alternative fuel garnered some interest earlier this summer. ...

Alternative - Google News

home | site map
© 2006