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Evolution of Aromatherapy
By: Nur Syahid The Origin of Aromatherapy Since the beginning from the time of the ancient civilisations the knowledge of the effectiveness and use of aromatic essential oils has handed down from generation to generation and across different communities. Aromatherapy is a manifestation of humanitys profound wisdom. As early as 18000 B.C. as attested to in the wall paintings found in French caves people of the Stone Age era had depicted in illustrative splendour their use of aromatherapy for the cure of sickness fatigue relief or the enhancement of the pleasure of existence. In ancient Egypt priests had the knowledge of using aromatic essences in religious rituals and extracting certain types of aromatic substances for use in medication. Egyptian Pharaohs exchanged essential oils which could be worth more than gold for slaves and valuable treasures. The Egyptians also discovered the excellent disinfectant and preservative properties of certain essential oils and resins and the kinds that best served the use of preservation. Egyptian mummies that have stayed intact for 5000 years or more aptly demonstrate the effectiveness of these ingredients. In China the use of herbs for the treating illnesses has a long history and tradition. From the era of Shen Nong who made medicinal herbal samples to the time of Li Shi Zhen who compiled the Compendium of Medical Materials herbal therapy had been a part of life for people of China. In 3000 B.C. the first Chinese medical book Yellow Emperors Private Manual listed in details the curative effects of essential oils. From around 3000 B.C. priests who used essential oils in religious rituals and for corpse preservation also understood the beneficial effects of these for the living. In the Bible essential oils are mentioned 180 times. The depiction that most people are familiar is that when baby Jesus was born three wise men came bringing along the essential oil that could strengthen the bodys immunity. In 400B.C. the father of ancient Greek Medicine Hippocrates recorded in his famous medical treatise the properties of some 300 kinds of essential oils for the maintenance of well being. Ancient Romans used aromatherapy to create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere in their temples and political buildings. They also used essential oils for massages after bathing. In 15th Century Europe aromatic essential oils were used to eliminate body odor and prevent diseases; in the times of the Crusades in the 12th Century Europeans used essential oils against epidemics reducing the death toll. With the rise of the modern perfume and cosmetics industry the use of aromatic essential oils is becoming more and more widespread. The Development of Aromatherapy In 1897 a French pharmacist worked with the extracts and blended essential oils that were in fashion among the Europeans. Using an innovative process botanicool was successfully infused via essential oils with the help of a patented formula catalyst. Together with the world renowned discovery of a burner head made of composite materials these essential oils were able to diffuse instantaneously and increase its aromatic potency. This development gave rise to a complete series of efficient safe and effective aromatherapy application. In 1928 French botanist ReneMaurine Gatteforril wrote numerous books on healing with aromatic plant essential oils. In these books he explained the characteristics and application methods of plant essential oils including examples of effective application of plants essential oils for disinfections sterilisations antiviral and antiinflammatory uses. He recounted how he had unwittingly soaked his scalded hand into a container of pure lavender oil and was surprised to discover immediate pain relief and healing without leaving a scar. He continued experimenting with various essential oils such as extracts of thyme clove chamomile and lemon and used these on the sick and wounded soldiers in a military hospital. The result of healing was astonishing. In 1964 Doctor Jean Valnet made further discoveries on the effective properties of essential oils for cell regeneration and sterilisation and vigorously promoted the
use of aromatherapy in the medical field. Before the Second World War the essential oils of clove lemon thyme and chamomile were used as natural disinfectants and sterilisers. They were also used to fumigate hospital wards and to disinfect surgical and dentistry tools. During the Second World War the medical arena continued in its use of essential oils in an attempt to hasten the recovery process from scar marks healing of burns and treatment of wounds. Some time later French biochemist Marguerite Maury expanded this field of research. In her highly influential book Secrets of Life and Youth she narrated the various effects of aromatherapy. After years of research and clinical tests she identified the areas in which aromatic molecules deliver significant therapeutic results. These observations were studied from a scientific perspective and recorded in detail. In addition aromatherapy was introduced into the cosmetics world synthesising medicine health and beauty. In particular she noted the influences of essential oils when absorbed by the skin or inhaled in the form of aromatic fumes. Aromatic molecules entering through the respiratory tract cause millions of reactions to happen through the nerves finally registering themselves in the brain. In this process they stimulate our senses excite our mental faculty and restore vitality. As such we can make use of this beautiful substance to restore our physical well being to a natural and balanced state. In order to gain greater insight into this thousandyears legacy BelAir has gathered biochemical researchers to engage in scientific techniques of analysis and research into the basic characteristics and applications of essential oils. Various research and development projects have already been launched. Advancing into the New Era of Biotechnology From ancient times based on practical experiences man has realised the marvellous effects of essential oils on the human body. However what components do different kinds of essential oils contain Among the components which ones are most beneficial to the human body Under what conditions will they be most effective The study of the practical curative properties of essential oils made with the full vigor of modern science is the paramount mission of the leader of the aromatherapy world BelAir. The Global Chairman of BelAir Mr Huang Shu Li introduced Aromatherapy in Asia. He created a new wave of aromatherapy trend and successfully established the aromatherapy brand Bel Air. Strictly controlled quality materials are used to supply the market demand. Ta |