Aromatherapy: History and Benefits

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils in promoting physical and mental well being. The word comes from aroma, which means scent, and therapy, which means treatment. The history of aromatherapy started off pretty early, as it is believed that the Chinese were the first few who used the method of using fragrance to promote the well-being with their use of incense. French chemist Rene Maurice Gatterfosse, however, coined the word aromatherapy, in the 1920s, when he accidentally discovered that lavender oil relieves pain and quickens the healing of slight burns. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Romans and the Persians were known to be good aromatherapists and were said to have used and reaped the benefits of aromatherapy oils.

1. Heal wounds. Just as what chemist Gatterfosse found out, lavender aids in the quick healing of wounds. But it has also been discovered that it has anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative properties, effectively repairing damaged skin. This is why lavender is often included in skin and beauty lotions.
2. Stimulate the immune system. Inhaling aromatherapy scents can help aid one's immune system. Our lives are surrounded by a host of pollutants that tend to degrade our general state of well being. Aromatherapy helps in the relaxation of the mind and alleviation of bodily stress, boosting one's defenses against viruses and infections.
3. Aid blood circulation. Aromatherapy oils are often used in a soothing massage. Massages promote blood circulation; fragrant scents aid in this function. Try and use aromatherapy oils when getting a massage to help keep your blood circulation in check, preventing high blood pressure or heart attack in the future.
4. Energize. Fragrant scents stimulate brain functions, waking brain cells up at times of need. The improved blood circulation from aromatherapy also gives you a much-needed boost during down times.
5. Relax muscles. Stress produces tension in the muscles, and aromatherapy can aid in relieving this tension. It is important, however, to perform aromatherapy in a quiet, isolated place, in order to fend off distractions that may interrupt in the "healing" process. And since the process can relax muscles, it is sometimes considered in the category of organic beauty products in cosmetics as well, ably relaxing facial and body muscles.
6. Improve sleep. People often have difficulty sleeping because they tend to think of a lot of things before going to bed. Aromatherapy relaxes the brain just before you sleep, enabling you to slip into dreamland quickly. And since it improves brain functions, it also helps in giving you a deep, continuous sleep essential for a healthy body.
7. Enhance the mood. Aromatherapy scents often produce a calming aroma that improves your general mood. Because they calm your nerves, you won't be running out of patience easily, and your blood pressure level will be kept in check.

If you want to learn more about the nature and benefits of aromatherapy, you can enroll yourself in some courses that teach you the intricacies of this traditional healing method. Supplies for aromatherapy, such as oils, burners and candles are widely available in the market, so be sure to check out local stores in your area. For optimum results, you might want to include reflexology in your sessions.