Aromatherapy and Acupunture may be used as complementary treatments that enhance the health care received from a physician or hospital.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a noninvasive method of healing based on the therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential oils are highly-concentrated, non-oily, subtle, volatile liquid steam distilled from various parts of aromatic plants. A variety of methods of application can be used to achieve the desired effect: inhalation, compress, ointment mixture, or dilution in a carrier oil, which is applied to the body using a systematic, light touch. Aromatherapy can complement other treatments, help to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain and nausea, and restore energy, health, and a sense of well-being.
History
Aromatherapy has been around for 6000 years or more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The Egyptian physician Imhotep recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massage, and for embalming their dead nearly 6000 years ago. Imhotep is the Egyptian god of medicine and healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used aromatherapy baths and scented massage. He used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague.
The modern era of aromatherapy is dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burned hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits.
During world war II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
Any decision you make about your health care is important--including deciding whether to use acupuncture and should be discussed fully with your doctor.
Additional information on Acupuncture:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed a fact sheet to provide information on acupuncture. It includes frequently asked questions, issues to consider, and a list of sources for further information.
You can find the NCCAM fact sheet at the following link:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/#acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a noninvasive method of healing based on the therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential oils are highly-concentrated, non-oily, subtle, volatile liquid steam distilled from various parts of aromatic plants. A variety of methods of application can be used to achieve the desired effect: inhalation, compress, ointment mixture, or dilution in a carrier oil, which is applied to the body using a systematic, light touch. Aromatherapy can complement other treatments, help to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain and nausea, and restore energy, health, and a sense of well-being.
History
Aromatherapy has been around for 6000 years or more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The Egyptian physician Imhotep recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massage, and for embalming their dead nearly 6000 years ago. Imhotep is the Egyptian god of medicine and healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used aromatherapy baths and scented massage. He used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague.
The modern era of aromatherapy is dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burned hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits.
During world war II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
Any decision you make about your health care is important--including deciding whether to use acupuncture and should be discussed fully with your doctor.
Additional information on Acupuncture:
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed a fact sheet to provide information on acupuncture. It includes frequently asked questions, issues to consider, and a list of sources for further information.
You can find the NCCAM fact sheet at the following link:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/#acupuncture
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