Aromatherapy is believed to be at least 6,000 years old, originating with the early civilizations of Egypt and China. Later, Greeks and Romans used aromatic oils medicinally and cosmetically. Ancient texts containing treatments and methods of application are similar to those used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine today.

However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that a French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, began his research into essential oils and their effects, terming it aroma- therapy.

A French doctor, Jean Valnet, discovered Gattefosse’s research and began to experiment with essential oils. During that time, Margaret Maury, a French biochemist, developed a unique procedure of applying these oils to the skin through massage. Micheline Arcier studied and worked with Maury and Valnet and created the modern form of aromatherapy presently practiced.