Aromatherapy Essay

In a Keville and Green’s book A Complete Guide to Aromatherapy it states that “Aromatherapy has been in existence for over 6000 years, or possible more.” Some of the first users of the aromatherapy practice were the Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians (Keville and Green, 1995). According to Keville and green an Egyptian physician named Imhotep who was also known as Egyptian god of medicine and healing, first used essential oils for bathing, massage therapy, and for treating the dead. Rene Maurice Gattefosse named the practice aromatherapy in 1928 (Keville and Green, 1995). According to Keville and Green Gattefosse “came about this type of medicine after discovering how well lavender oil healed his severely burnt hand without leaving even a faint scar.” He began to do more research on how essential oils could be used for healing and medical purposes after he witnessed how well the treatment had worked for him (Keville and Green, 1995). …show more content…
This therapeutic and stress relief technique uses oils from a variety of plants and aromatic substances (Selby, 1997). Aromatherapy is normally combined with a massage to increase the effects and benefits as stated by the author Anna Shelby. Some say that these massages are the most relaxing (Selby, 1997). According to Shelby the practice of aromatherapy is used to restore the balance of the mind and body and to treat a number of symptoms. In Selby’s book it states that “Aromatherapy is used to ease aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems.” Many studies so that aromatherapy also helps in relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, and just helping you relax (Selby,