Aromatherapy is a healing art which utilizes essential oils extracted from aromatic plant materials to treat many conditions holistically. This includes physical, mental and emotional conditions. There are many uses for aromatherapy including: headache and migraine relief, muscle tension/pain release, immune stimulant, hormone balancing, dealing with grief and loss, stress relief, regulating digestion, treating infections/wounds and enhancing sensuality.
The word “aromatherapy” originates from the Greek word “aroma” meaning fragrance, and “therapy” meaning treatment; as such, aromatherapy is literally a treatment method using fragrance or scent, a practice which dates back to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians greatly appreciated fragrance. Records explaining perfumed oils, scented barks, resins, spices and aromatic vinegars have been found dating back to 4500 BC. Egypt emerged as the birthplace of medicine, perfumery, and pharmacy more than six thousand years ago. Cleopatra is said to have seduced Mark Antony by covering the floor with a carpet of rose petals. The Egyptians were also well aware of the antiseptic properties of aromatic plants and oils, and used them to embalm the dead.
Bandages removed from embalmed mummies have been found to contain traces of galbanum, resins, and spices like clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Ointments found in Tutankhamen’s tomb, dating from around 1320 BC, were found to contain frankincense, gum resins and spikenard. These precious substances came from all parts of the world by caravan or boat … cedar from Lebanon; roses from Syria; spikenard, myrrh, frankincense, labdanum and cinnamon from Babylon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Persia and India. The priests oversaw the preparations in the temples for ceremonial use. The Egyptians were well acquainted with the effects of perfumes and aromatic substances on the body and the psyche. Many of the preparations were used not only for their fragrant quality but also for their healing power. Today, these aromatic substances are called essential oils.
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances having a complex chemical structure containing anywhere between 50 – 500 different chemicals (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, oxides and terpenes). They are extracted by a number of different methods. These include: enfleurage, cold expression, the use of solvents, carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam distillation. As essential oils are extremely concentrated, they should not be applied directly to the skin or taken internally. They are usually blended with a carrier oil (vegetable oil) when used in massage, or diluted with water when used in baths or vaporizers. All essential oils are anti-bacterial and many of them are anti-viral or possess anti-fungal properties.
With the assistance and knowledge of a certified or registered aromatherapy practitioner, aromatherapy can be used successfully to achieve restoration and balance of the entire body and is complementary to any other health care service(s) such as reflexology, massage, meditation, yoga or energy healing. Aromatherapy sessions (massage or blending) can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
Casey Mulcaster
Amarna Holistic Centre
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Casey Mulcaster is a Registered Aromatherapist ®, Essential Oil Therapist ®, Certified Aromatherapy Instructor, Certified Foot Reflexologist and Advanced Sekhem Practitioner. Most of her treatment offerings originate from ancient Egypt which has held a lifelong fascination for her.
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