Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy dates from the ancient Egyptians, who used scents of aromatic oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, and clove to treat skin disorders. It was not until 1930 that the French chemist René Maurice Gattefosse discovered that essential oils used for cosmetic purposes also had medicinal applications. Practitioners administer the oil in a variety of ways, usually by rubbing it into the skin. The oils are readily absorbed into the body and circulated through it. The fragrance of the oil also appears to be important in the therapy. Advocates of this type of complementary medicine claim that conditions as diverse as inflammation, oily skin, dry skin, influenza, and decreased physical immunity can be successfully helped with aromatherapy. Emotional disorders are also looked at with aromatic oils: rose oil being thought good for jealousy, camomile for anger, and hyssop for grief.
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Aromatherapy Links:
IFPA - the largest professional organisation for practicing aromatherapists in the UK.
IFA - the longest established organisation for professional aromatherapists in the world.
Aromatherapy & Allied Practitioners' Association - association dedicated to the development of the profession & support of therapists.
International Holistic Aromatherpy Foundation - a professional body representing the interests of professional Aromatherapists and students in this field.
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