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Aromatherapy is a term that was first coined by French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, in 1928 to describe the practice of using essential oils - taken from natural sources such as plants, flowers, roots, seeds, trees and bark - for the purpose of healing.
The "smell to get well" healing power of essential oils is what attracts holistic enthusiasts to aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants and various natural sources. Aromatherapy essential oils can be inhaled, absorbed directly through the skin, and in some cases even ingested, in order to calm the emotions and harmonize the spirit.
It is the essence, or properties, of these essential oils that give aromatherapy its therapeutic value.
The practice of aromatherapy dates as far back as Ancient Egypt and China when essential oils, organically extracted from plants, were first thought to be used in everything from eye makeup and body fragrance to medicinal treatments for respiratory problems, skin disorders and immune deficiencies.
Presently holistic aromatherapy enthusiasts still make use of essential oils in various different methods. Oils can be burned in essential oil candles and essential oil diffusers which expel mood enhancing vapors to alter one's frame of mind. Essential oils can be rubbed onto the skin to promote digestion and blood circulation during a therapeutic massage or essential oils can be found in lotions. Many aromachologists believe so strongly in natural healing properties that they ingest essential oils, usually in herb and liquid form, in teas and foods.
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