Aromatherapy is relatively new to the Western World but civilisations
have been using incense, perfumes, and cosmetics for thousands
of years.
In India, aromatherapy was practiced by priests more than 4000
years ago. The Chinese have ancient herbal traditions recorded
2000 years before Christ. Hippocrates, known as the father of
medicine, prescribed perfume fumigations, and fomentations.
The Bible tells of treasures from the East: Frankincense and
Myrrh, both essential oils, were gifts from the Wise Men to
the baby Jesus.
Perhaps the most famous civilisation linked with aromatic associations
are the Egyptians where the first and richest information can
be found in papyrus inscriptions dating back to 2000 BC. Plant-oil
infusions, gums, aromatic herbs, and flowers in rituals, relaxation,
and skin care were used extensively in their culture.
It is the art, and science, of therapeutic use of oils extracted
from aromatic plants to enhance beauty and health.
Essential oil plays a big role in aromatherapy. These are pure,
concentrated plant extracts obtained specifically for their
fragrance and therapeutic value and have been revered for their
restorative effects on the body, mind and spirit. The scent
of essential oils is conveyed to certain areas of the brain,
so influencing emotions and hormonal response.
Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, spices, woods,
and fibres.
Examples of some oils and their therapeutic benefits are:
Frankincense: calming, restorative, gently clarifying,
visualizing, and meditative.
Lavender Flower:
balancing, soothing, gently clarifying, normalizing.
Myrrh:
centering, visualizing, meditative.
Anise Seed:
cheering, sense enhancing, mildly euphoric.
Aromatherapy can be administered in a number of ways. The most
popular and effective method is through massage. However, the
other methods include, baths, compressions, inhalations, and
vaporisation.
Even though Aromatherapy is not as prominent as ayurveda in
Sri Lanka, most hotels and ayurvedic centres do offer Aromatherapy
treatments.
Red Dot will check the aromatherapy packages that your preferred
hotels may offer. |
