It isn't known exactly
when or where the art of aromatherapy began. It is
thought that Chinese knowledge of medicinal oils may
have reached the west by way of the Egyptians, Greeks
and Roman. The first recorded use of plants in Britain
was in the 13th century and from then on, manufacture
increase and the oils became widely used as perfumes,
antiseptics and medicines.
How are the oils applied?
Usually by massage, they can be given as a relaxing
treatment covering "stress" areas such as
back, shoulders, face, legs.
Essential oils can also be inhaled, using an oil
burner or breathing in an infusion and can also be
very beneficial when added to baths.
Who can it help?
Aromatherapy is believed to be suitable for people
of all ages, even babies. Aromatherapists claim that
they can treat many conditions, and often see a great
improvement in nervous disorders, such as depression,
anger, stress and other related symptoms such as headaches
and insomnia.
Practitioners say that aromatherapy is safe for home
use, but the following general guidelines should be
observed:
Only high quality oils should be bought from a specialist
aromatherapy supplier.
Pure oils should not be applied directly to the skin.
Oils should not be swallowed unless they are supplied
by a fully trained aromatherapist and used under his/her
supervision.
Some oils are to be avoided by pregnant women. Check
with a trained aromatherapist.
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