All righty, now we will get to the uplifting side of Aromatherapy, just imagine smelling a fresh, juicy orange- inhaling the sweet citrusy aroma into the nose, down the throat and into the lungs. How does that feel? By the simple act of imagining an aroma- we have deepened our breath and activated our senses. Yep- it can be that easy!  Imagining the scent can be as effective as actually inhaling the essential oil sometimes.

Rhiannon’s talk included her experiences of working in a hospital setting using Clinical Aromatherapy to reduce her cancer patient’s symptoms. She talked specifically about 10 essential oils and how she might blend them for pain reduction, controlling infections and wound dressing, CIPN (chemo induced peripheral neuropathy), itch, fatigue, malodor and nausea. These are certainly some of the issues I see with my own cancer clients, so it was very interesting. I am not a Clinical Aromatherapist, however. My use of essential oils is very broad and to increase relaxation.

Let’s look at infections first. Rhiannon says that it is so important to identify the exact infectious organism so that the correct essential oils can target it specifically. Some people may not understand the basis for aromatherapy is Organic Chemistry. How carbon chains form and link together is what gives each eo it’s unique properties. Some examples are ketones, esters, and alcohols. Each essential oil also has many constituents that make up the whole- and each part contributes to the balance and healing properties of the eo. So each eo blend that Rhiannon creates is chosen to precisely act as a multisite toxicant to the infectious organism by affecting the cell membrane function. (For a really good peek at cell biology, cell function and the role of membranes, check out “The Biology of Belief” by Bruce Lipton, I couldn’t put it down!).

Rhiannon also suggested eo vaporizing diffusers to help keep air born infectious organisms from spreading. She said that it is best to use them on a cycle rather than continuously; for example 10 minutes every hour. Rhiannon says that when the diffuser is on all the time, it may lead to a build up of eo’s in the walls, rugs and such that can be irritating to the mucus membranes and that defeats the purpose of the benefits.

Pain: Rhiannon also talked about pain relief through the use the eo’s. Many cancer patients are in pain- from the disease and treatments. She said talks to her patients to understand how they are feeling. Do they have physical pain? Are they unable to sleep? Are they feeling anxious or depressed? And she keeps in mind that cancer pain can vary  in intensity, quality and location for each client, the pain is not static such as other chronic pain conditions. And, a change in pain sometimes indicates metastasis; so many people living with cancer are very sensitive to changes in pain. Finding out all of these things allows Rhiannon to craft an eo blend especially for that person. In the world of allopathic medicine, most people get the same stuff, the eo’s are tailored to the individual. So depending on her patient, the eo blend may (or not) contain eo’s that reduce pain, induce relaxation, calm the mind, deepen the breath, or change the emotions.

For local skin and muscular pain, applying the eo blend provides comfort touch and distraction. There is evidence that the eo’s are absorbed at least as far as the underlying muscles and that is why there are positive results. It has also been shown that eo’s actually cause the underlying moisture in the skin to release into the upper layers; thus hydrating the skin.

The somatic effects of eo’s on the pain response include: establish analgesia and/or a local anesthetic effect, reduces inflammation and spasm, increases blood flow and counters irritant stimulus.

The emotional effects of eo’s on the pain response include: inducing relaxation, improving sleep patterns, increasing motivation, improving moods, restoring confidence and coping strategies, engaging social skills, encourages a sense of control over pain, acknowledges anxiety and fear.

That is a huge list of benefits for those who are living with cancer. All by combining natural, powerful plant substances with loving touch; non-invasive, holistic, and healing to the body, mind and spirit.

Thank you, Rhiannon, for presenting your wonderful work and sharing your extensive knowledge with us! And thanks to the s4om and Northwestern Health Science University for putting the 2013 Oncology Massage Healing Summit together. It was an amazing experience.

I am celebrating 10 wonderful years as a massage therapist. Enjoy a 75 minute massage for only $65 during the month of May. Call 831-227-5335 to set up your wellness appointment today.

 Enhance your health; it’s a precious gift and thanks for checking in!

Jane Ann, Massage Pro   NCH    CHt