AROMATHERAPY ORIGINS
Aromatherapy is the art and science
of using oils extracted from
aromatic plants to enhance health
and beauty. The essential oils
distilled from plants and used in
aromatherapy have been described as
“the life force,” essential to the
plants’ biological processes, as
well as the substance which gives
them their scent.
In addition to
physical benefits, essential oils
can be used to relax the mind and to
soothe emotions.
Employed for the attainment of spiritual
enlightenment, and for their medicinal
properties, as well as burned in sacred
tribute to the gods, essential oils have
long played an essential role in
civilized societies. Evidence suggests
that essential oils have been used for
centuries by peoples around the world,
from the far east to the far west.
An
herbal book compiled by the herbalist,
Shen Nung, indicates that the Chinese
were using herbal therapies from as
early as 2700 b.c. In Egypt aromatic
oils were used in the embalming process,
for massage, and in religious
ceremonies. The ancient Minoan
Civilization on Crete made wide use of
the thousands of aromatic and medicinal
plants which flourish still on the
island. The Greeks of the mainland
continued the practice.
A book on herbal medicine by the Greek
physician Pedacius Dioscorides has
served for over 1200 years as a standard
medical reference for herbal remedies in
the West. The Romans found further uses
for aromatics in bathing and massage
regimes, and expanded their trade by
importing plants from East India and
Arabia. For over 3000 years the Indians
have used aroma therapies in their
traditional medicinal practice known as
Ayurveda.
The history of aroma therapy
is a long one, persisting to the present
day, and enjoying the support of
credible doctors and scientists
worldwide.
Epalladio Art Workshop offers you the
opportunity to benefit from aromatherapy
safely and conveniently in your home or
business through our collection of
aromatherapy lamps. Our collection
consists of seven designs inspired by
the early Cretan Neolithic vase forms.
These so-called lamps let off a lovely,
subtle light, while permeating the space
with the luxuriously sensual,
health-giving fragrances of your choice.
The lamps are small enough to be placed
inconspicuously in a corner, and
charming enough to claim a prominent
place in any room. Eitherway, an
aromatherapy lamp will do its job to
enhance the atmosphere. Longer-lasting
than a bouquet of fresh flowers, and
surely safer for the environment than
fragrance sprays, aromatherapy lamps are
practical, perhaps even necessary, items
for any home.
