ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE

by Cynthia Loving, Clinical Aromatherapist, LMBT (NC 1397) May 2007

Aromatherapy is the use of all natural, plant produced essential oils to maintain or regain well being and vitality of body, mind and spirit.  Its primary tools are pure, volatile concentrates of plant essences that can prevent or treat infections, improve comfort level, reduce pain, encourage relaxation, calm emotional upsets, assist in inducing sleep and stimulating memory.  This commonly misunderstood science is being globally researched and proven to be safe, effective, cost effective and more enjoyable than orthodox drug therapy.

Essential oils, the primary tool in Aromatherapy, usually consist of one hundred or more chemicals made by nature.  The combination and levels of these chemicals dictate the unique beneficial effects of a particular oil.  Most of these chemicals are made up of small molecules...

so small that they can cross the blood brain barrier and have an almost immediate impact on the brain and the rest of the nervous system.  In addition to the mental/emotional impact, essential oils enter the blood stream through the respiratory system and circulate through the body.  Just by inhaling an essential oil, powerful changes can begin to take place.

As baby boomers age, there has been increased concern about Alzheimer's which has spurred a great deal of research.  Due to the impact of smells on the brain, Aromatherapy is one of the areas getting attention.  Since the beginning of this century, studies have shown that utilizing essential oils can influence many of the symptoms of Alzheimer's such as fear, agitation, depression, insomnia, confusion, hostility, memory loss, pain and weight loss.

One of my favorite studies demonstrated that five major concerns expressed by staff members of an Alzheimer's unit could be favorably impacted by using essential oils.  The year long study showed a substantial decrease in 'sun downing' behaviors and insomnia.  There was a decrease in the use of physical and chemical restraints.  The use of psychotropic medications decreased thereby lowering costs substantially.  The study also showed the use essential oils did not increase the rate of falls as do some medications.  Weight loss was slowed and the majority of residents began to gain weight.  While not specifically noted, instances of alertness and focus increased.  Staff members reported a lessening of stress and anxiety and an increase in job satisfaction.

Because of the simplicity of using essential oils, Aromatherapy is perfect to use in any setting including private homes.  Essential oils are not taken internally but delivered via inhalation - a drop on a tissue, a small towel to be placed on the shoulder or kept in the lap, a room misting spray, a drop on an Aroma Disk (small clay disk placed nearby), diffused in the air via a diffuser or humidifier.  After dilution, some of them can also be used on the skin - a single drop of an essential oil can be added to a basin of water in which a wash cloth can be soaked, wrung out and used to wash the face and hands.  Two to three drops of an appropriate essential oil can be put in 1/4 cup whole milk and poured into a bathtub of warm water for a nice soak.  A hand massage with a few drops of essential oil in jojoba is good for the skin and at the same time raises the spirits. 

There is another benefit of using aromatherapy.  The job of providing care to someone with dementia can frazzle even those with nerves of steel.  Aromatherapy has a wonderful ability to affect everyone exposed to it by lowering stress, calming and elevation of mood and joy.

Cynthia Loving is the owner of LovingScents Aromatherapy, a Clinical Aromatherapist who has been studying and practicing since the mid-1980's and has been an international teacher of Aromatherapy for 12 years.  She is a lecturer in the Complementary Alternative Medical program at UNC and serves as a consultant to individuals, businesses, health care providers, hospitals, educators and spiritual leaders.  She can be contacted through her website: www.LovingScents.com.