What is Aromatherapy? - Introduction to Aromatherapy 101
From the moment that human beings begin to transform their environment, they are born into it and live in it. He tried to survive by imitating the nature he was trying to stay. living creatures in nature He managed to perpetuate his generation by applying the techniques they developed to stay alive to his own life. Mankind In this process of "existence", the fragrant components of plants that have miraculous power for tens of thousands of years. uses. Just like plants, to be protected, to continue their generation, to avoid other harmful creatures, soul and body balance, to express gratitude to spiritual beings, and to bring them back to earth. to invite…
History of Aromatherapy
"Aromatherapy" , which was brought to the medical and chemistry literature by the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse, is formed by the combination of the Greek words aroma and therapeia, that is, smell and treatment. To understand his passion, it is necessary to go back tens of thousands of years.
We mentioned that we can survive by imitating nature and only if we are in harmony with it. Mankind, observing the plants around which animals find healing by eating, became the first people to apply phytotherapy - treatment with plants. Having this knowledge , the Kams were the first to heal through plants, and to communicate celestial messages by communicating with spiritual beings through scents. are aromatherapists.
We know that since 4500 BC, the Egyptians knew about aromatic oils and their properties , and they used the scent in the construction of the pyramids and burial ceremonies. Fragrant aromatic oils such as Acacia, Daily, Lavender, Geranium were used as a means to please the gods and to make people compliment their offerings. The Sumerian Civilization, which lived between 4000-2000 BC, knew and used the benefits of aromatherapy just like Egypt . 2000 years ago, the civilizations of China, India, and Iran had extensive knowledge in personal care and healing with aromatherapy oils. They had mastered the art of obtaining essential oils - distillation.
Aromatherapy together with Gattefosse, who became the father of the name with the book "Aromatherapy" published in 1937, in the adventure of thousands of years. treatment enters the modern medical literature. From this date on, modern science begins to seek an answer to the question of what aromatherapy is. This post-Gattefosse process is now used in clinical aromatherapy. as applications. Aromatherapy training is of interest to health professionals, those seeking natural beauty care, and those who engage in spiritual activities such as rituals, meditation, and yoga. enters. Alfheim brings you fascinating and healing scents in their pure and natural form, inspired by nature, just as mankind has done for tens of thousands of years .
What Does Aromatherapy Do?
In its simplest form, aromatherapy means treatment with scents. So, how can these aromatic oils, which help in maintaining the integrity of the soul and body , enter our body through the skin in topical applications, and which should be carried out only under the supervision of health professionals, and consumed orally with internal consumption, can be so effective?
Here is where the miracle of the word aroma begins. Our sense of smell is the evolved form of perception that emerged with the first living organisms. It is directly related to emotions and motives. The smell, which directly affects our most basic emotions and behaviors , activates our limbic system as soon as it reaches the olfactory receptors in our nose. Aromatic oils containing thousands of fragrant components are converted into chemical messages through these olfactory receptors and processed in the limbic system, which is associated with hormone centers that manage activities such as memory senses, appetite, nervous system, concentration. Recall that memories of your childhood are suddenly brought to life by a scent. There is definitely a scent that will remind you of your vaccination anxiety in your primary school days or a special day you spent in the countryside with your loved ones on a nice day. We may forget what we saw, tasted and touched, but our olfactory memory is surprisingly strong.
Aromatic oils are a great supporter in the management of stress and anxiety. We can benefit from the sedative effects of essential oils in sleep disorders . Aromatic essential oils such as rosemary, lemon, grapefruit, with their mind-opening and concentration-enhancing effects, are widely used in ambient scenting. It is known that world-famous retail chain stores are working on odor manipulation to increase shopping motivation and in-store mobility. Aromatherapy, which affects our mind and body so directly emotionally and instinctively, is our helper in providing mood uplift, nausea, self-confidence and positive energy.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Essential oils benefit the body not only through olfactory receptors, but also through direct applications . The active ingredients in the essential oil we inhale - terpenes, alcohols, esters etc.- they reach our lungs first and then our whole body through circulation . In topical applications, they are rapidly dissolved by the oils in our body system and are included in the system. a very short They can reach tissues and organs in a short period of time. However, due to the toxic effects of essential oils, they must be used in topical-skin applications by diluting them with fixed oils in the right proportions. Thus, the active ingredients in the essential oil are used safely for skin and body health . The use of tea tree oil on acne and acne, and the use of daily oil on the skin due to its rejuvenating effect can be given as an example of a topical effect. Made against cough symptoms related to Lemon Peel essential oil Topical and inhalation applications are available.
Human beings have been inspired by these miraculous effects of nature for tens of thousands of years. The Egyptians scented their mummies with protective essential oils and resins , the Sumerians and Greeks developed their practices of scent therapy, and China, India and Iran specialized in essential oil extraction. Yemeni traders carried fragrances, which were believed to purify and protect from diseases, to Europe for centuries. Avicenna furthered the distillation technique to obtain essential oils and fragrant hydrolates. Aromatic oils have become indispensable components of French women's perfumes. Alfheim was born for you to witness this story of aromatherapy that has been going on for tens of thousands of years and to discover the most beautiful scents in the world. Now is the time to explore this magical story together.
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