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…