Aromatherapy An Ancient Practice

Transcription

1 Jacqueline L. Mouton Aromatherapy Certification Program Aromahead Institute Andrea Butje 13 January 2017

2 If man knew, if he had not lost his primordial wisdom, he would find that he has not been expelled from Eden. He still lives in Paradise, but he does not know it because the knowledge has been expelled from his spirit (Rohde, 1993). Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years to ancient origins, however, the term aromatherapy was not created until the 20 th Century by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist and perfumer, whose dedicated research in the therapeutic effects of essential oils earned him the title Father of Aromatherapy (Aromatherapy Articles and Guides, 2016). Today, the combination of aroma and therapy is gaining energy as an effective alternative medicine for self-health (Babar, 2015). Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years to ancient origins. Many ancient cultures recognized the physical and psychological benefits of scented ointments and oils (Brief History of Aromatherapy, 2016). Essential oils were mankind s first medicine. From Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, we recognize that priests and physicians have been using essential oils for thousands of years. In addition, there are 188 references to essential oils in the Bible (AromaTools, 2013). Priests were the first people to dispense aromatics; the first perfumers and the first aromatherapists. Physicians also employed priests as the use of aromatics became more common (Tisserand R. B., From Ancient Times, 1977). Aromatic oils were used in China and India during the same period as ancient Egypt. One of the principal characteristics of Ayurvedic medicine is massage with aromatic oils. Jasmine, Jasminum grandiflorum, was used as a general tonic for the entire body. Rose, Rosa damascena, was used as an antidepressant and to strengthen the liver. Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, was given for headaches, dizziness, and colds. Many of the properties attributed to herbs and aromatic oils by the ancients are viewed as valid today (Brief History of Aromatherapy, 2016). The ancient 1 P a g e

3 Chinese are believed to have been masters in the use of aromatic plants for healing. One of the oldest books in the world, The Yellow Emperor s Classic of Internal Medicine written by Huang Ti, focuses primarily on the causes and treatment of disease (Tisserand R. B., From Ancient Times, 1977). The Chinese upper classes used fragrances extravagantly, scenting their homes, clothing, temples, ink, paper, and cosmetics with aromatics. Enormous statues of Buddha were often carved from fragrant camphor wood, Cinnamomum camphora. Chinese Aromatherapists believe that extracting a plant s essence represented freeing the plant s soul (AromaTools, 2013). The Ebers Papyrus (an ancient Egyptian medical reference), is one of the oldest books in the world, and the most important, considering the physiological and medical knowledge it exposes. The Ebers Papyrus contains 108 pages and is dated in the 9th year of the reign of Amenophis I, 1550 BC (Ghalioungui, 1963). The Ebers Papyrus reveals that Egyptian physicians had extensive knowledge of the properties of many herbs. It has been widely recorded that Egyptians used Cedarwood, Juniperus virginiana in their mummification process. A clay table or order for imported oil of Cedarwood, Juniperus virginiana, Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha and Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens, dating back approximately 1800 BC, suggests that knowledge of cedarwood oil extraction and an international trade in aromatics date back as far as 4,000 years (Tisserand R. B., From Ancient Times, 1977). The ancient Greeks gained a vast amount of knowledge from the Egyptians, however believed that all aromatic plants were of divine origin (AromaTools, 2013). Ancient Greek culture also recognized the medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, a Greek physician, known as the father of modern medicine practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit and maintained 2,500 years ago, that the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage. In addition, a Greek perfumer by the name of Megallus 2 P a g e

4 created a perfume called Megaleion. Megaleion included myrrh in a fatty-oil base and served several purposes: (1) for its aroma, (2) for its anti-inflammatory properties towards the skin and (3) for its ability to heal wounds. Materia Medica 100 AD, a book written by Pedanius Dioscorides, also a Greek physician, include many of the herbs and essential oils we use today including Cardamon, Elettaria cardamomum, Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha, Basil, Ocimum basilicum, Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, Frankincense, Boswellia carterii, Juniper, Juniperus communis, Pine, Pinus palustris, Rose, Rosa damascena, Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis and Thyme, Thymus vulgaris. (Aromatherapy Articles and Guides, 2016). Scented ointments and oils were recognized as having great benefit on both the physical and spiritual level. Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis, was used to produce a trance-like state; Rose, Rosa damascena, Myrtle, Myrtus communis and Coriander, Coriandrum sativum, were respected for their aphrodisiac properties, while Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha and Marjoram, Origanum marjorana, were used as sedatives (Brief History of Aromatherapy, 2016). The Roman Empire expanded upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks in the use of aromatics. The Romans were thought to embrace aromatherapy and were renowned for their obsession with public health and their public baths. Roman soldiers were also known to carry pouches filled with the seeds of aromatic plants on their military campaigns (AromaTools, 2013). Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, was one of the favorite aromatics used by the Romans in their bathing activities. The word Lavender comes from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash. Romans probably introduced the plant to England (Tisserand R. B., The Essential Oils, 1977). The use of aromatic essential oils in perfumes quickly migrated to Europe with the invention of distillation. By the end of the twelfth century, Europeans were distilling their own essential oils and manufacturing their own perfumes. With the onset of the Great Plague, also 3 P a g e

5 known as the Black Death, fumigations with aromatics were often used to try to expel the disease from the cities. In London, houses and workplaces were fumigated daily to help eradicate the plague. Frankincense Boswellia carterii was among the aromatics used (AromaTools, 2013). Artifacts were discovered in 1922, when the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened. Various scent pots and cases were found that had been placed in the tomb in 1350 BC, over 3,000 years earlier. The hardened contents of the calcite pots had the presence of Frankincense, boswelli carterii and something like Indian Spikenard, Nardostachys jatamansi. The contents had been made in a base mixture of animal fat forming 90% of the mixture. The scent was faint, but still detectable. In addition, several vessels, mostly made of alabaster date that back to approximately 3000 and 2000 BC, can be viewed in Egyptian rooms at the British Museum. Some of these vessels resemble ointment pots and the vertically-shaped were possibly used for scented oils (Tisserand R. B., From Ancient Times, 1977). It is impossible to identify a specific date when plants were first used medicinally. However, during thousands of years, the healing qualities of plants must have progressively been revealed. Through burning aromatic plants, ancients would have discovered other properties; sometimes it would have a drowsy or invigorated effect. Smoking a patient is one of the earliest recorded forms of treatment with herbs. During the Neolithic period of the Eastern world, between 6,000 and 9,000 years ago, man discovered that plants such as Olive, Olea europaea, Castor, Ricinus communis and Sesame, Sesamum indicum contained fatty oil, which could be extracted by pressing. The Flax, Linum usitatissimum plant which was also used to make clothes, yielded Linseed oil, Linum usitatissimum. If, at this period, man could bake bread and use herbs in cooking and medicine, it is quite plausible to presume that he could make scented oils (Tisserand R. B., From Ancient Times, 1977). 4 P a g e

6 Rene-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist and perfumer, born in 1881 is known as the Father of Aromatherapy because of his extensive research of essential oils. In 1928, Gattefossé is outwardly credited with creating the term aromatherapy within an article where he supports the use of using essential oils in their whole without breaking them down into their primary constituents. In 1937, Gattefossé wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales that was later translated into English, edited by Robert Tisserand, and named Gattefossé's Aromatherapy. In 1910, Rene-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the healing properties of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia after severely burning his hands in a laboratory explosion (Aromatherapy Articles and Guides, 2016). Subsequently, Gattefossé became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal use. Previously, he focused on the aromatic use of essential oils, but his interest in their medicinal use grew further upon using Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil after an accident (Aromatherapy Articles and Guides, 2016). Gattefossé s account of the incident: The external application of small quantities of essences rapidly stops the spread of gangrenous sores. In my personal experience, after a laboratory explosion covered me with burning substances which I extinguished by rolling on a grassy lawn, both my hands were covered with a rapidly developing gas gangrene. Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped the gasification of the tissue. This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day (July 1910). (Tisserand R. B., Gattefossé s burn, 2011). Gattefossé s use of Lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oil was obviously deliberate, and he was significantly impressed with the results which perhaps saved his life. Although he was not the first to study aromatherapy, the Lavender Lavandula angustifolia incident proved momentous, for him, and for aromatherapy. Gas gangrene is a potentially fatal infection, and was the cause of 5 P a g e

7 many amputations and deaths in the First World War. Though distressing gas gangrene is rare today, but 25% of those who contract it still die. Infection of a wound is most commonly caused by Clostridium perfringens. Onset is rapid and dramatic, but usually takes 1-4 days from the time of infection, with bacterial toxins causing tissue death and subcutaneous swelling and gas. Sweating is one of the early symptoms of infection. Since the bacterium is most commonly found in soil, Gattefossé s rolling in the grass might have accelerated the infection (Tisserand R. B., Gattefossé s burn, 2011). Gattefossé s Lavender Lavandula angustifolia incident did not initiate his study of aromatherapy, but propelled him toward his dedicated study of essential oils and their therapeutic effects (Tisserand R. B., Gattefossé s burn, 2011). Gattefossé s interest-based research was primarily confined to the cosmetic use of essences and he had soon gathered enough information to convince himself that essential oils had greater antiseptic properties than some of the antiseptic chemicals used in that period. Gattefossé had discovered from his experiments, that individual components of oils were not as effective as the whole essence: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, an unusual viewpoint for a chemist (Tisserand R. B., From Ancient Times, 1977). Gattefossé later used the wound healing and antiseptic properties of essential oils in the care of soldiers in military hospitals during World War I. Dr. Jean Valnet, a French army surgeon, intrigued by Gattefossé s work, would continue his use of essential oils in the treatment of war wounds during the French Indochina War (Brief History of Aromatherapy, 2016). Although we use essential oils to satisfy our sense of smell, we also unwittingly use them for our health and it is important to acquire a deeper knowledge of them. Researchers are now better equipped with the information we have provided and are moving forward. The momentum is there and we are pleased to promote our initial findings which contain the awareness of new applications. We and our 6 P a g e

8 contemporaries are exploring new ground and are under no illusions about the level of accuracy in our steps so far (Gattefossé, 1993). Today, the combined effect of aroma & therapy is gaining energy as an effective alternative medicine for self-health. More people recognize the therapeutic effects of plants and flowers alongside traditional therapy as practiced in aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy is one of the most actively growing forms of alternative medicine combining massage together with therapy and a pleasant fragrance. Most clients suffer from stress-related disorders and aromatherapy encourages the healing process largely through relaxation and the relief of stress. Stress is also a major problem in hospitals, hospices, and homes for the aged and physically or mentallychallenged. Aromatherapy is welcomed by nurses who want to be closer to their patient and doctors who can refer patients with stress-related disorders who do not respond to conventional medicines. The actual mode of action of essential oils is still largely unknown, although there is strong evidence, outside the living body and in an artificial environment, that essential oils can act as an antimicrobial or antioxidant agent or have a therapeutic effect on various tissues. Studies have shown that essential oils influence brainwaves and can also alter behavior. It is possible that most of the effect of the oils is probably transmitted through the brain via the olfactory system. Used professionally and safely, aromatherapy can be of great benefit as an assistant to conventional medicine or used as an alternative (Lis-Balchin, 1997). One example of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is aromatherapy massage. Massage plays an extremely important role in aromatherapy and is also an ancient therapy. It is an extension of the innate urge to touch a painful part of the body. The word anoint is almost tantamount with massage, and the historic connotations of the word show how old massage is. The ancients almost always used oils when giving a massage, and nearly all were scented. The earliest 7 P a g e

9 and principle form of aromatherapy is massage. Aromatherapy massage is a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu and Neuromuscular massage. Professor Ling developed Swedish or soft-tissue massage in the nineteenth century. Shiatsu or finger-pressure massage is a branch of Chinese medicine and comes from the Japanese shi meaning finger, and atsu meaning pressure. Neuromuscular or nerve-muscle massage, developed by Western osteopaths and masseurs mostly in the United States, is a form of deep massage intended to reach nerves, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue not normally reached by soft-tissue massage (Tisserand R. B., Massage, 1977). Methods of use and application of essential oils in modern aromatherapy include, indirect inhalation where the patient breathes in essential oils using a room diffuser or placing drops nearby. With direct steam inhalation, the patient breathes in essential oils by using a bowl of hot water with drops floated on top to treat a sinus headache or respiratory conditions. Aromatherapy massage is applied by massaging essential oils, diluted in a carrier oil into the skin. Essential oils may also be absorbed by the skin by combining them with bath salts, lotions, or dressings. Essential oils are seldom ingested orally. Some essential oils are chosen to treat specific conditions. However, the types of oils used and the ways they are combined may vary, depending on the experience and training of the aromatherapist. This lack of standard methods has led to some conflicting research on the effects of aromatherapy (PDQ Integrative, 2014). Many studies of essential oils have found that they have antibacterial effects when applied to the skin. Some essential oils have antiviral activity while others have antifungal activity. Furthermore, studies in rats have shown that different essential oils can be calming or energizing. When rats were exposed to certain fragrances under stressful conditions, their behavior and immune responses were improved. One study showed that after essential oils were inhaled, 8 P a g e

10 indicators of the fragrance composites were found in the bloodstream, suggesting that aromatherapy affects the body directly like a drug, as well as indirectly via the central nervous system (PDQ Integrative, 2014). 20 th century English aromatherapist, Robert B. Tisserand, considered the Father of Modern Aromatherapy, is responsible for being one of the first individuals to bring the almost forgotten practice of aromatherapy, knowledge, and education to English speaking nations. He has written books and articles including the vastly respected 1977 publication The Art of Aromatherapy, the first aromatherapy book published in English (Aromatherapy Articles and Guides, 2016). Tisserand is also responsible for editing the first book on aromatherapy originally published in French, Gattefossé s Aromatherapy, written by René-Maurice Gattefossé, and Essential Oil Safety, A Guide for Health Care Professionals, 2 nd Edition, that guides the safe and effective use of essential oils. Robert Tisserand believes that: With the increasing demand for holistic health care and the green revolution, the demand for aromatherapy will increase, and hopefully we will reach the point where medical doctors incorporate it into their repertoire. It will become routine for doctors to send culture samples to the pharmacist for testing, and identify the relevant aromatherapy for the patient. The stress-relieving properties associated with aromatherapy make it an indispensable part of health care (Tisserand R. B., Robert Tisserand Quote Citation, 2016). In conclusion, the specific use of essential oils dates back approximately one thousand years. In the early 20 th century, Rene-Maurice Gattefossé continued this ancient practice with his dedicated study of essential oils and their healing benefits. Gattefossé believed in the therapeutic properties of essential oils in their entirety, and not as individual compounds. Now, aromatherapy is one of the most dynamically growing forms of complementary alternative medicine, combining massage 9 P a g e

11 therapy and a pleasant aroma. Another highly-respected 20 th century aromatherapist, Robert B. Tisserand continues to educate on the modern application, therapeutic benefits, and safe use of essential oils. However, separating fact from fiction is a huge responsibility, as modern societies are not entirely aware of the therapeutic effects of essential oils and frequently use them primarily for their fragrance. Today, with the stresses of contemporary living and our quest to live a healthier lifestyle, the practice of aromatherapy has gained popularity and is a work in progress. Gattefossé reminds us that, We may make errors and omissions but this is only natural: today s truth is but the embryo of tomorrow s (Gattefossé, 1993). 10 P a g e

12 References Aromatherapy Articles and Guides. (2016, December 18). Retrieved from AromaWeb: AromaTools. (2013). Science and Application of Essential Oils. In AromaTools, Modern Essentials Usage Guide, Fifth Edition (pp. 9-12). Orem: AromaTools. Babar, A. (2015, July 10). Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy: A Systemic Review. Asi Pac J of Trop Biomed, Retrieved from ScienceDirect: Brief History of Aromatherapy. (2016, December 18). Retrieved from Alliance of International Aromatherapists: &catid=20:site-content&itemid=127 Gattefossé, R.-M. (1993). Foreword. In R.-M. Gattefossé, & R. B. Tisserand (Ed.), Gattefossé's Aromatherapy (p. xii). Great Britain: The C.W. Daniel Company Ltd. Ghalioungui, P. (1963). The Oldest Medical Books in the World. (P. Ghalioungui, Editor) Retrieved from WRF Your Global Source for Health Information: Lis-Balchin, M. (1997, October). Essential Oils and Therapy: Their Modern Role in Healing. Retrieved from NCBI: PDQ Integrative, A. a. (2014, December 17). How is Aromatherapy Administered? Retrieved from PubMed Health: Rohde, E. S. (1993). Human, Animal and Plant Smells. In R.-M. Gattefossé, & R. B. Tisserand (Ed.), Gattefossé's Aromatherapy (p. 1). Great Britain: The C.W. Daniel Company Ltd. Tisserand, R. B. (1977). From Ancient Times. In R. B. Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy, New Revised Edition (pp , 41-42). Rochester: Healing Arts Press. Tisserand, R. B. (1977). Massage. In R. B. Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy,, New Revised Edition (pp , 121, 125). Rochester: Healing Arts Press. Tisserand, R. B. (1977). The Essential Oils. In R. B. Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy, New Revised Edition (p. 245). Rochester: Healing Arts Press. Tisserand, R. B. (2011, April 22). Gattefossé s burn. Retrieved from Robert Tisserand: Tisserand, R. B. (2016, December 17). Robert Tisserand Quote Citation. Retrieved from AZQuotes.com: