Aromatherapy uses distilled or expressed oils from the roots, seeds, flowers and bark of plants to promote healing. The oils contain chemicals that stimulate or inhibit certain bodily functions and send signals to the brain.
Many people use aromatherapy to help with pain relief and anxiety reduction. However, this practice is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Ancient Egyptians
The ancient Egyptians were pioneers in the use of aromatherapy, using aromatic oils for a variety of purposes including religious rituals and medicinal remedies. Their sophisticated understanding of the healing properties of essential oils can be found in papyrus scrolls and temple inscriptions.
The Egyptians were also known for their perfumery industry and used fragrant oils like myrrh and frankincense in embalming. They favored scents that represented luxury and divine favour. Perfumes were even a status symbol, with the wealthiest members of society using fragranced oils for personal adornment and religious ceremonies.
The Egyptians were also credited with developing one of the first distillation machines to extract essential oils from aromatic plants for use in their embalming processes. This knowledge was passed on to later civilizations like the Greek and Roman, who incorporated herbal medicine into their wellness practices.
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is rich with gods, goddesses and heroes and is based on an oral tradition, retold over the years. Hesiod’s Theogony gives a comprehensive account of the origin of the world and personifies natural forces as gods. Homer and the other ancient writers appealed to the Muses for inspiration for their poems.
This era also saw the rise of Hippocrates, who was a great advocate of herbal medicine. Hippocrates’ teachings were to be used as the basis for medical practice for centuries. The Greek physician Dioscorides documented many herbs and their uses in his book De Materia Medica, which had a great influence on Roman medicine. It was around this time that the Asklepian temples appeared, which were the earliest hospitals. They had healing springs, non-venomous snakes and priests who interpreted patients’ dreams.
Persians
The Persians are a people with a rich and diverse culture. They are a religious group that believes in the concept of “qesmet,” or fate. This belief dictates many of their beliefs and behaviors. Art is a prominent part of their culture. It includes calligraphy, miniature painting, and intricate tile patterns. They also have a unique style of poetry that uses well-defined meter and rhyme.
Despite the fact that the Middle East is often portrayed as a monolithic region with little demographic or cultural diversity, the Persians are a distinct people. They have maintained a culture that has influenced and been influenced by numerous cultures over the centuries. After the Arab invasion, thirteen centuries ago, the Persians absorbed many Arabic elements. This is the primary difference between the Persian language of today and the language spoken 13 centuries ago.
French physicians
Although the exact origins of aromatherapy are lost in time, many of its benefits are still recognised today. It is now a well-established therapy that uses essential oils to promote healing and improve wellbeing.
Medical doctors in France (with specialist aromatherapy training) can legally practice what is known as aromamedicine. This involves internal use of essential oils, but in a medically controlled manner to minimise the risk of sensitisation and toxic overdose.
French physicians are paid through a fee-for-service system that includes regulated fees and a small lump sum for GPs. They also participate in a collective agreement to coordinate patient care across regional hospital groups. They may also work for healthcare facilities or private practices, depending on their qualifications and experience. Their job is to provide health and social care, and carry out professional research.
Cancer clinics and hospitals
Some cancer clinics and hospitals offer aromatherapy massages for patients. This helps to relieve the pain, stress, anxiety and other symptoms that may be caused by cancer treatment. Ask your nurse or doctor if there is an aromatherapy service at your local hospital.
Comprehensive cancer centers provide national focal points for cancer control and influence health system development by providing expertise, training and support to other hospitals and community-based care providers (Knaul and Gelband 2007). They also strengthen the capacity of a country’s health workforce through their involvement in education consortia that extend beyond its borders (Frenk and Moon 2013).
The PDQ® information summaries are written by experts on a variety of topics. They are reviewed and updated regularly by the PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board.
