| Aromatherapy is a popular technique that is often | | | | health. For example, lavender is believed to stimulate |
| used as a way to relax and get relief from a variety | | | | the activity of brain cells in the amygdala in the same |
| of ailments. When used effectively it can help calm | | | | way that certain sedative medications work. |
| and rejuvenate a person by improving the health of | | | | Research is currently showing promise in the use of |
| their spirit, mind and body. | | | | aromatherapy for such diverse ailments as cellulite, |
| The name Aromatherapy is derived from two words. | | | | fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Anecdotal evidence |
| 'Aroma' refers to smell and 'therapy' refers to | | | | supports the use of essential oils for a number of |
| treatment. In other words, aromatherapy means | | | | emotional and physical diseases. |
| treatment using fragrances. It is a natural healing | | | | Massage therapists can assist the work they do by |
| practice that is used often during holistic medicine. | | | | adding essential oils to their hands or have the aroma |
| The therapy can trace its history back to 18,000 BC | | | | diffused into the air via essence or oil burners. It is |
| when flowers and plants where used as tools for | | | | important that these essential oils are diluted before |
| healing the body. The ancient civilizations of Egypt, | | | | applying to the skin. Massage aromatherapy provides |
| China and India all used various forms of | | | | relaxation as well as a physiological action through the |
| aromatherapy. Today's versions of the therapy has | | | | nervous system. In addition, when applied topically, |
| its direct roots in the Egyptian method who used to | | | | essential oils can exhibit anti-microbial, antiseptic, |
| extract oils from flowers and plants. They often used | | | | anti-fungal, or anti-inflammatory properties. |
| these essential oils to heal and for embalming | | | | Aromatherapy is increasingly widely available. Many |
| mommies. | | | | health clubs, sports centers, beauty clinics and |
| Modern Researchers believe that stimulation of smell | | | | complementary therapy centers now offer |
| can influence our physical, emotional, and mental | | | | aromatherapy or aromatherapy massage. |