The Benefits Of Aromatherapy: M. D. Teaches How To To Soothe And Heal

[Guest guest]

The Benefits Of Aromatherapy: M. D. Teaches How To To Soothe

And Heal

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=50591

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 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 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 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.