Salutem | Page 7

    The mechanism as to how humans smell is not the focus in this article rather the deep connection scents have with memory and emotion is the underlying theme. Scents have the ability to be symbolic in nature and carry contextual meanings in which they can be used to describe metaphors and stereotypical smells particular to cultures (Almagor 253274). Scents can be explained by private interpretations but also they can be collective depending on the cultural bias. To identify a scent one must first have knowledge of the scent and then give the scent value based on culture and personal experience (Almagor 253-274). The smells of aromatherapy are different from just plain scents and everyday smells. The varying scents of are a blend of essential oils. These essential oils are extracted from plants in areas such as the roots, stems, leaves and other various parts (Perez 595596). These essential oils can be applied in varying methods. They can be diffused through a diffuser and inhaled, added to a bath and allowed to diffuse into the skin or directly applied to the body (Perez 595-596). These essential oils are usually mixed with another substance when they are applied to the skin as the oils can be harmful. Many times aromatherapy is used in conjunction with massage therapy which is an alternative medical practice. The composition of essential oils and the ways in which the aromatherapy is applied can differ from one culture to another. Certain herbs and plants may be more abundant in one region causing them to be of greater use and maybe greater healing importance. Also the application of aromatherapy can be very different from culture to culture. In Western society it is very common to mix the essential oils with additional oils and use them during massage.   Aromatherapy is considered by many to be a complimentary alternative medicine in which it is accompanied by other practices. Culturally aromatherapy has origins in ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Europe. In ancient Egypt aromatherapy was used for culturally different reasons than we use it today. Unlike in Western society Egyptians mostly used essential oils for embalming (Basker and Negbi 228-236). Then they discovered the fragrances and began using them for perfumes and later for rituals (Basker and Negbi 228-236).The Chinese used the essential oils in medicinal practices and were the first culture to expand aromatherapy from ritualistic to medicinal (Frost 851-873). The ancient Greeks however were the first culture to use aromatherapy as a full medical practice (Frost 851-873).The Chinese used it is healing but the Greeks used it in surgery therefore fully incorporating it into their medical practices (Frost 851873). Ancient Greeks were famous for their aromatic bath houses in which essential oils were the main component (Frost 851-873). In Europe aromatherapy really became abundant during the Renaissance period (Frost 851-873). Scholars began studying the ancient texts and learned of essential oils. From their findings they began using the essential oils as healing aids (Frost 851-873). Many of the practices of the ancient cultures are still relevant today. Aromatherapy however has gained more ground as a complimentary medicine in modern times and is often used as a therapeutic healing agent. It can be accompanied by massages such as in the Western culture or used in conjunction with other alternative medicines such as acupuncture in the Chinese culture. Whatever the culture or the use aromatherapy is seen as a medicinal therapeutic agent and the essential …ancients Greeks were the first 4   culture to use aromatherapy as a full medical practice…