Massage and spa-like treatments have been enjoyed for thousands of years, and it is indeed difficult to pinpoint precisely when massage therapies and treatments like aromatherapy, reflexology, and others became popular. We do, however, have many fascinating historical examples of these therapies being brought to prominence.
The Ancient Egyptians: Aromatherapy Pioneers
Perhaps more than any other culture in antiquity, the ancient Egyptians truly had an infatuation with pampering healing massage, and they are thought by many to be the first to organize, categorize, and delineate a full system of aromatherapy. Very specific combinations and applications of many well-known essential oils can be found inscribed in the walls of ancient tombs and temples, or written on ancient preserved papyrus documents, throughout the Nile River delta.
The Pyramids at Giza: some of the earliest examples of aromatherapy practice can be found here (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
