If you are planning to give someone aromatherapy products as a gift, read on to find out the history of this practice of applying essential oils to the body.
Did you know that the greatest ancient civilizations, namely the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans already knew the power of essential oils to maintain a healthy and strong body? Ancient man also discovered the use of herbs and aromatics to treat ailments and to preserve food.
Aromatherapy started with the Egyptians, who made use of the method of infusion to extract oil from aromatic plants that were used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes and also for embalming procedures.
The Chinese also used aromatics in religious rituals, where they burned incense and wood to show their respect for their gods.
Other ancient forms of therapy, such as acupressure, have roots in the use of aromatics in China.
In India, aromatherapy has also been used for a long time.
The traditional medical system in India, called Ayurveda, makes use of fresh herbs combined with aromatic massages.
The Greeks, who acquired most of their medical know-how from the Egyptians, also found out that the smell of some flowers stimulate the senses while others have a relaxing effect.
Perfumed oil was used in ancient times for both medical and cosmetic purposes.
The Romans, who learned from the Greeks, were also known for scented baths that were followed by massages using popular aromatics.
This also gave rise to the Roman importation of exotic oils from India and Arabia.
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the use of aromatics became unpopular and was virtually forgotten during the Dark Ages.
Aromatherapy products are truly a gift of history.