“Naturopathy” is the method of healing whereby only the best “Nature” has to offer is used. There are no prescriptions, narcotics or surgeries. These allopathic applications are keep as the emergency services truly needed to preserve a life. Aromatherapy, in its most therapeutic applications, becomes one the of the most valued modalities of healing possible.

When we think of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine), we turn to nutrition, exercise, supplements and healing therapies such as Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure and various water therapies. To often Aromatherapy is left out of the list, when in fact it can be used in conjunction with all of these therapies quite simply while accelerating the healing processes.

It has been, until the last few years here in the U.S., unfortunate that many people have had little or no information on the CAM’s available. Those individuals that have explored CAM for personal health issues, until a few years ago, were usually the cases left unresolved by regular medicine. It came from an inner desire to simply survive that CAM was either mentioned by a health care professional, concerned family member or friend. Many have chosen to travel to other countries seeking therapies such as Aromatherapy.

As health care professionals and professional Aromatherapist, we are left with a challenge to educate and assist those people looking for CAM—those wishing to take the responsibility of their own well being back. Aromatherapy can be one of the most pleasant and productive tools of well being we can present . It does come with a responsibility, however, just like any other healing modality.

Let’s follow a simplified case study. “Ed” is a gentleman in his early seventies. He has been in poor health for at least two years when he consults with you. He is in the care of medical physicians and undergoing extensive tests to determine what the cause of his symptoms may be. The symptoms according to Ed are:

Extensive lung congestion ( he smoked for many years )

Decreased appetite

Loss of sleep

General overall discomfort

 

There is no diagnosis at the time Ed starts his search for CAM. His request is just for “something” to help him rest at night and possibly something to help him breath easier. Ed’s wife is worried and she fears he is going to die. She pleads for something to make him more comfortable. With little medical information available, Ed completes his information and health history sheets. (Keeping records and documentation of are an important step for all health care, but in CAM it is critical because it will lay the evidence of the future and give data to base other case studies upon. )

Aromatherapy would present a gentle, soothing approach to use. A very simple blend for aiding the respiratory system could be a simple way to help Ed rest and thus possibly to sleep. Ed’s medical tests are completed, so nothing could adversely effect a test results. Ed has spoken with his physician and expressed his desire to utilize CAM. The physician reluctantly gives approval. A simple respiratory blend was made using a very light vegetal massage oil base to be applied to the chest and back after his bath just before bedtime. His wife lovingly applied small amounts with a gentle hand every evening. Within the first two days, Ed was sleeping comfortably at night. His appetite improved and his body’s healing processes began to kick in. Congestion was clearing—even the physician commented how much better the lungs sounded.

Several months went by ( Ed used several more bottles of the blend) and at last his medical diagnosis came though. Ed had lung and stomach cancer along with liver complications. These problems had existed for many years, according to the physician, but it was only recently that Ed’s body began losing its fight against these diseases. The physician felt that it would only be a matter of months for Ed: the diseases would win. Ed was given the choice to take very aggressive cancer medicines, but when these pills made him very sick to his stomach for weeks and weeks, Ed chose to return to his Aromatherapy schedule and returned the pills to his physician. Ed chose to follow his established ritual with his Aromatherapy. He got the benefits of the blend and the loving touch of his wife at least once a day.

Years past, Ed made the most out of every day! He never missed his Aromatherapy treatments—even when he traveled! He squeezed every drop out of his blends and every minute of life out of time. He amazed all his physicians! Until he made his transition to Heaven just recently, he gave credit to Aromatherapy—Nature’s gift from God - for giving him his extended life.

Aromatherapy can be simple, effective and vital! You may never know the entire diagnosis or case you are called to work on.

Know the quality of the oils you use therapeutically without any doubt. Call your supplier and ask questions !

Analyze your blend, using all the precautions and knowledge available to you.

Exert caution in the recommended uses of your blend.

Consider any medications that may have an effect on the blend—or that the blend may have an effect on (such as some types of homeopathic preparations)

Simple - in many cases- is best

Never leave room for doubts about your blend—investigate other case studies

Never leave room for worry by compromising your integrity or blend

Do not forget the “heart and soul “ of your blend—your intent!