Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

Data

Domain: Complimentary therapy

Element name: Aromatherapy

PlanBe endorsement level: 2

Personal Goals: compliance / completion

Headline

Aromatherapy *

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils for physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing.  It may help with relieving stress, anxiety, pain and tiredness.

Overview

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils for massage or use in other forms such as for bathing, compress, in oil burners or diffusers or aromasticks for physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing.

Approval score:

We gave this an approval rating of 1 stars.  This means that there is no evidence of benefit, no good rationale for benefit, but it is unlikely to be harmful and could enhance your sense of wellbeing.

How does aromatherapy work?

Essential oils are the concentrated essences taken from the flowers, fruit, seeds, leaves, root or bark of certain plants. Some of the most popular oils include lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, camomile, marjoram, jasmine, peppermint, lemon, ylang ylang and geranium.

The theory behind aromatherapy is that each essential oil has its own properties that may give health benefits. For example, it is suggested that lavender can help with sleeping problems, and it may relieve muscle tension and anxiety.

There are a couple of theories to explain how aromatherapy might work. One is that you directly absorb the oils through the skin into your body tissues. The second theory relates to sense of smell and how this connects to the brain.  Some essential oils are also thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect which may help with muscular pain.
Aromasticks are similar in design to nasal inhalers for cold relief. An aromatherapist adds essential oils chosen specifically for you.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy?

Aromatherapists believe that aromatherapy can boost wellbeing, relieve stress, and help to refresh your body. For patients with cancer, it is used primarily as supportive care for general well-being

What is the evidence for aromatherapy?

There is no scientific evidence to prove that aromatherapy can cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer.  Published studies regarding the uses of aromatherapy have generally focused on its psychological effects (used as a stress reliever or anxiolytic agent) or its use as a topical treatment for skin-related conditions.  There is some research evidence suggesting that aromatherapy massage can help with the following effects due to cancer or its treatment.

·      Anxiety

·      Pain

·      Depression

·      Stress

·      Tiredness

There is also some evidence that aromatherapy can help to lift people's mood and improve wellbeing.

Find out more about the body of evidence relating to aromatherapy at Cancer Research UK or the National Cancer Institute in the US.

Who would this be good for?

This therapy is potentially beneficial to patients suffering from emotional and physical side effects of cancer.

Who should be careful?

For most people, using aromatherapy is safe. But you need to use it with care if you have cancer. Always get advice from a qualified aromatherapist who is experienced in treating people with cancer.

Myth busting

Some people also claim that aromatherapy can help with physical problems through

·      Boosting the immune system

·      Fighting off colds and bacterial infections

·      Improving circulation

·      Relieving headaches and digestion problems

But there is currently no scientific evidence to prove any of these claims.

How to incorporate aromatherapy into your plan

If you choose to receive aromatherapy massage, it is very important that you have aromatherapy massage from a qualified therapist who is trained to work with people with cancer.

You can also use essential oils yourself at home. 

For help with finding an aromatherapist or on using essential oils at home, see the online self-help guides from Cancer Research UK or Macmillan.

Setting goals and monitoring your progress

If you have chosen to use aromatherapy alongside your cancer treatment, set yourself small, achievable weekly goals, such as using essential oils each day or seeing a qualified aromatherapist regularly.

Record your progress and how you feel in your personal PlanBe.

Summary

·      Aromatherapy may be useful in improving your sense of wellbeing

·      It is important to find a qualified therapist

·      Record your progress in your PlanBe diary.

Local resources

Most cancer therapy centres and local hospices offer aromatherapy services.  Contact your local organisation to find out more.  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust also has a complementary therapy service.

You can also try the Christie’s 3 breaths to calm technique using Aromasticks