René-Maurice Gattefossé
Aromatherapy in France
The 1800s
During the 19th century, it began to become clear that microorganisms play a very large role in the origin of disease. By the late 1800s, it was realized especially in France that essential oils have very strong anti-microbial properties.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis was very common at that time, but someone noticed that very few people in the regions where flowers and herbs were grown in France, developed tuberculosis. In fact - the workers who were in this industry suffered almost no respiratory-related diseases.
First documented laboratory tests
In 1887, the first laboratory tests on the anti-bacterial properties of essential oils were documented.
Gattefossé
The French chemist Gattefossé discovered the healing value of essential oils when he himself suffered severe burns in a laboratory.
First-hand experience
Gattefossé began using essential oils in military hospitals, and documented that head wounds healed within 10 days, an open bone fracture within 15 days, and the wound of an amputated leg within 21 days, after no other medication could accomplish anything.
No side effects
He also documented that essential oils do not have the side effects of other medications.
Further French influence
In 1939, the Frenchman Albert Couvreur wrote a book about the medicinal value of essential oils.
Dr. Jean Valnet
Dr. Valnet was an army surgeon and used essential oils with great success during the Indo-China war (1948 – 1959). In 1964, he wrote a book titled‘ Aromathérapie’, which brought him international recognition.
Valnet writes as follows (as quoted by Battaglia)
"Essential oils are especially valuable as antiseptics because of their aggression towards microbial germs and their harmlessness towards tissues - one of the chief defects of chemical antiseptics is that they are likely to be as harmful to the cells of the organism as to the cause of the disease”.
Holistic aromatherapy
Austrian-born biochemist and esthetician Marguerite Maury had the following to say about essential oils (as cited by Battaglia).
"The greatest interest is the effect of fragrance on the psyche and mental state of the individual. Powers of perception become clearer and more accurate and there is a feeling of having, to a certain extent, outstripped events. They are seen more objectively, and therefore in truer perspective"
A fruitful meeting
At a beauty conference in 1959, Micheline Arcier met Marguerite Maury and as a result Micheline Arcier dedicated herself to aromatherapy for life. She received training from Marguerite Maury and from Jean Valnet and developed some of the most effective aromatherapy techniques that are still used today.
After 1980, Aromatherapy developed into four main branches, viz.
• Medical aromatherapy
• Popular and esoteric aromatherapy
• Holistic aromatherapy
• The scientific study of aroma
Current research
The research on aromatherapy has continued to increase, and currently some of the most well-known bodies are the following:
Association de l'Aromathérapie en France
Fondation Gattefossé
The Tisserand Institute
In South Africa we have, among others, 'The Southern African Essential Oil Producers' Association' (SAEOPA)
The future of aromatherapy
Although it is good that the oils are chemically analyzed and certain properties are clinically proven, this does not explain the living nature of the oils and their interaction with the whole person. Essential oils unlock a complex set of reactions in the individual who uses them.
It is as if body, mind and spirit are responding. Unlike when you take a tablet for a headache, you react with a whole set of sensations to the aroma of an oil mixture for a headache.
I quote Battaglia:
"Schnaubelt says there is also a need for new sciences which understand and allow the existence of psychosomatic networks of mind and body."
"A holistic approach acknowledges that aromatherapy connects to the phenomena of life much more closely and intimately than conventional medicine".
You are at the forefront
Aromatherapy is at the forefront of holistic medicine - and you are part of an exciting future in alternative healthcare!
Kind regards
Carina Falck
Contact: Carina Falck 060 526 1422
Disclaimer
The use of essential oils must be done responsibly and does not replace any medical treatment. It is used at your own risk.
Source:
Battaglia, S.
The complete guide to aromatherapy, 2nd edition.
The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2003
P11-20.
Kind regards
Carina Falck
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