Teaching the Art of Aromatherapy to Soothe and Heal

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Teaching the Art of Aromatherapy to Soothe and Heal

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/523028/?sc=dwtn

A bubble bath that improves memory. A kitchen cleaner that wards off nausea

and energizes. A scented handkerchief that calms a patient entering the MRI.

The benefits of aromatherapy are real. Below, learn the uses, healing

properties and how-tos of using aromatherapy to heal and de-stress from The

University of Texas M. D. Cancer Center in Houston.

Scan the shelves of the local bath and body stores and one is sure to find

products labeled for aromatherapy. Many might be surprised to learn the

science behind it. So what is aromatherapy, how is it used and will those

products actually work?

Cherie , a supervising research nurse in the Department of

Genitourinary Medical Oncology, teaches a monthly aromatherapy class to

answer those questions for cancer patients and caregivers undergoing

treatment at M. D. Cancer Center. 's classes are offered free

of charge through M. D. 's Place... of wellness, a center within the

institution that focuses on helping patients and caregivers deal with the

non-medical issues of living with cancer, and is the first complementary

therapy facility to be built on the campus of a comprehensive cancer center.

, who first became involved with aromatherapy to help relieve the

physical pain and discomfort caused by fibromyalgia, shares her professional

knowledge of the basics of aromatherapy, safety precautions and interactive

demonstrations in each hour-long class.

Oils and healing

While essential oils may not directly stimulate the immune system, they can

complement cancer treatment by boosting the system's ability to fight off

infections, says .

Certain oils can also stimulate lymphatic drainage or have antibacterial

properties. Since it has many potential uses ranging from managing anxiety

and nausea to helping with sleep, general relaxation, memory and attention,

many individuals, including cancer patients, can benefit from aromatherapy

[see Sidebar 1: Five Oils to Reduce Stress and Relieve Ailments.]

There are a variety of different products and methods of diffusion to obtain

the healing benefits of oils. Some oils - like lavender, ylang ylang and

sandalwood can be applied directly to the skin - while others are too

concentrated and need to be diluted into carriers such as massage oils, bath

soaps and lotions [see Sidebar 2: Everyday Uses for Aromatherapy.]

Most typically, advises patients to put a few drops of an oil, or a

combination of oils onto a handkerchief and " fan themselves like Scarlett

O'Hara. " Burning oils or incense is not recommended because most are poorly

constructed and give off unhealthy fumes and soot.

Who should, or shouldn't, use oils?

Widely sold in health food stores and beauty chain stores, essential oils do

have chemical properties that can affect the brain and enter the

bloodstream, and for some patients may be toxic when combined with common

cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. says

essential oils, like many medicines, can increase a person's sensitivity to

the sun and should be used with caution. Patients should always inform and

discuss with their physicians before using aromatherapy oils to complement a

medical condition.

People with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage and

thyme, while diabetics should avoid angelica oil. Women who are pregnant or

nursing should avoid a number of oils that stimulate the uterus including

star anise, basil and juniper to name a few and should use with caution

peppermint, rose and rosemary in the first trimester. According to ,

pediatric patients can use aromatherapy essential oils in very low

concentrations. [see Sidebar 3: Tips for Buying Oils.]

Aromatherapy's role in cancer treatment

" The nature of aromatherapy makes it challenging to study due to the fact

that it is difficult to create a placebo and every person is different in

their nasal sensitivities and skin absorption rates, " says . In the

future, however, she would be interested in designing research to examine

how aromatherapy can be used to treat/heal burns caused from radiation

treatment safely and effectively, soothe pre-treatment anxiety and manage

loss-of-memory issues in cancer survivors.

M. D. is located in Houston and was designated by the National

Cancer Institute as one of the first three Comprehensive Cancer Centers in

the United States. For 4 of the last 7 years, M. D. Cancer Center

has ranked number one in cancer care in " America's Best Hospitals, " a survey

published annually in U.S. News & World Report. M. D. has provided

care for more than 600,000 cancer patients since 1944.

SIDEBAR 1: FIVE OILS TO REDUCE STRESS AND RELIEVE AILMENTS

* Lavender - First used as perfume by ancient Egyptians 2,500 years ago,

lavender is now used to treat insomnia, migraines and provide stress relief.

* Rosemary - This fragrant plant relieves muscle pain, low blood pressure

and cold feet and hands.

* Spearmint - The oil from spearmint aids digestion and eases nausea and

vomiting.

* Masculine scents - Scents such as bay laurel and ylang-ylang appeal to men

for their deep scent. They also treat skin rashes, rheumatism and stomach

ailments.

Source: M. D. Cancer Center

SIDEBAR 2: EVERYDAY AROMATHERAPY USES

* Muscle Relaxation Bath Salts - 2 cups of Epsom salts, 5 drops of each

oil - lavender, lemon grass, tea tree & orange. Use 1/2 cup mixture per

bath.

* Room Spray Diffusion - Use any oil 5-20 drops along with 2 to 4 ounces of

distilled or spring water. Common sense precaution - don't spray in your

eyes.

* Energizing Carpet Cleaner - Combine pink grapefruit oil with baking soda

and sprinkle before vacuuming.

* Natural House Cleaner - Blend lemon and ravensara leaf oils with distilled

water and non-sudsing soap.

Source: M. D. Cancer Center

SIDEBAR 3: TIPS FOR BUYING OILS

When purchasing oils for themselves, gives the following guidelines:

* Essential oils from a bath or general store may be of questionable

quality; shop for oils in a specialty store, staffed by salespeople with

aromatherapy training.

* Quality oils, which are light and heat sensitive, will be in a blue or

brown light protective glass.

* Labeling on the bottle should provide should provide both the common and

botanical name for the oil.

* Steer clear of concentrated oils with rubber eyedroppers since the oils

react with the rubber causing it to break down and contaminate the oil.

Source: M. D. Cancer Center