Complementary Therapies such as Massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy are all holistic in that they treat the individual on all levels of being – mind – body – spirit. When a treatment is given alongside receiving conventional medicine it is called complementary as it works in conjunction with the former.
Aromatherapy is, like the others a very ancient practice. The Chinese, Egyptians, Greek and Roman Empire all have records of use in some form of aromatics. The Chinese burned incense to create balance and harmony and likewise the Egyptians would also use incense made from aromatic herbs and spices and used oils to anoint their bodies to rejuvenate their skin. Aroma was infused into the cultures and was found to have not only medicinal and spiritual benefits, but also as a form of cosmetic use which grew to become what we now know as perfume.
Later on, Hippocrates The Father of Medicine circa 460 – 377 BC treated individuals by using baths and massage with scented infusions.
The term Aromatherapy was first used in the 20th Century by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. His interest in the medicinal use of essential oils was discovered by accident when he burned his arm and to relieve the pain by placing his arm into the nearest liquid to him. This liquid was lavender essential oil and it was with this he discovered that the burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar upon him.
Reflexology has its roots in very ancient times, where images in the Physicians Tomb at Saqqara, Egypt are painted upon the wall and point to foot therapy. In the West reflexology was developed by Dr William H Fitzgerald M.D who created Zone Therapy. He discovered that when he applied pressure to the zones on the feet and hands relief of pain and the cause of the pain was relieved from the patient. This was further explored and refined by Dr. Shelby Riley M.D who added horizontal zones to the hands and feet. From here Eunice D Ingham, a professional physical therapist recognised through extensive treatment of patients that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs in the body and mapped these into reflex points on the foot.
Massage is another ancient practice dating back to 3000 BC China where the first known recorded writings of the practice are to be found in the Cong-Fu of the Toa-Tse. India, Egypt, Greece and Rome all practiced this form of therapeutic healing and there is evidence that athletes’ as far back as 776 BC used massage before commencing the games. Sigmund Freud used massage to treat his patients in the 18th Century to help treat hysteria. Massage has a very long and fruitful history which is still being used today in a myriad of ways to help relieve stress, pamper the self and treat pain and discomfort.
In today’s fast paced and ever changing climate the interest and participation in receiving complementary therapy is hugely popular. With more information and choice available to us than ever before we are now able to make informed decisions about our general wellbeing. There is a definite need to return to more natural products and practices which are in alignment and harmony with the rhythm of life which helps contribute to a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Contact Susan McMaster of AromaFlex Dundee for more information.
