Aromatherapy simply means “a therapy using aromas”. It is an ancient natural and holistic therapy using especially selected aromatic oils for their therapeutic effect on the mind, body and soul. The aromas come from the plant kingdom – from flowers, trees, bushes, and herbs.

Aromatherapy “arrived” in South Africa in the early 1980s. It is one of the most popular and fastest growing complementary therapies in the world.

A brief history of Aromatherapy
Aromatic substances played important roles in the medicinal practices of the Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, Chinese and Indian civilizations. Aromatherapy was born with the ancient Egyptians and we have records dating back to 4500 BC which tell of the use of balsamic substances, perfumed oils, scented barks and resins, spices as well as aromatic vinegars, wines and beers, in medicine, liturgy, astrology and embalming.

The Biochemist Marguerite Maury (1895-1968), “the mother of Aromatherapy”, rekindled the ancient art of combining aromatic oils with massage and explored the benefits of the oils for beauty and health. She also studied the effects of the oils on emotions and moods. She opened clinics in France, Switzerland and England. Right up to the time of her death she trained many therapists in the special techniques which she had developed. Her pioneering work has been largely responsible for the greatly increased interest in Aromatherapy today.

Who can benefit from Aromatherapy?
Almost everyone! Many of us, with our over-committed lifestyles, are just too busy to be sick and find it wise to manage our stress levels by having regular aromatherapy sessions. Pure essential oils work holistically and can help us cope with nervous tension and mood swings, indigestion and constipation, PMT and Menopause, Rheumatism and muscular aches and pains. In fact, the uses for Aromatherapy are endless.

[This article was written by Claudia Oliver, a qualified aromatherapist, reflexologist and reiki master. For more information on aromatherapy, contact Claudia on (011) 465 3038 or e-mail her at bko@worldonline.co.za]