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Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from botanical material (flowers, herbs and other aromatic plants) to achieve relaxation, relief from stress and other disorders. The oils are applied to the body in different ways - massage, inhalation, bath, creams, compresses etc and as a rule are not taken internally.
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In France doctors do prescribe the use of essential oils that are taken internally, but this should never be done by the lay person, as these oils are very powerful compounds and can be dangerous to your health if ingested.
There are various safety measures to keep in mind but if they are adhered to, it can be a most satisfying and helpful way of helping to alleviate certain problems.
This form of treatment is based on the premise that minute quantities of the oils are absorbed into the body through the skin or lungs (in inhalation therapy) and then interact with the body chemistry to counter stress, boost the immune system and assist with a host of other medical problems.
It must be kept in mind that this form of treatment to help alleviate medical conditions should be seen as a complementary therapy and not as an alternative to normal allopathic (Western type) medicine.
Aromatherapy does not replace conventional medicine unless so applied by a licensed medical practitioner, and people are advised to contact their licensed medical practitioner about any health problems.
The logic employed is that the different compounds in the essential oils assist the body by stimulating the natural healing action.
Some people think that aromatherapy is a new age phenomenon, but has been employed since the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks and Romans.
The founder of modern day aromatherapy is however considered to be Dr. Rene Maurice Gattefosse. To read more on the
history of essential oils and aromatherapy, please click here.
The healing power of essential oils spans a great many problems and for more information on what they could be helpful for, please visit our treatments page, by clicking here.
Additional Reading:
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