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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Patricia Ann Mc Partland, EdD, CHES, Director, Southeastern Massachusetts Area Health Education Center, Inc, P.O. Box 69, Marion, MA 02738, (508) 748-0837, smahec@tiac.net
This presentation examines the research regarding Aromatherapy's effectiveness in helping women with such concerns as PMS, menopause, stress, skin, immune system and insomnia. Aromatherapy is a caring hands on natural therapy employing essential oils and massage for treating a wide range of disorders. Holistic Aromatherapy utilize natural organic sources for essentials oils as opposed to synthetic essential oils because synthetic oils do not contain any “life force.” Organic substances are found in nature and have a life force. How it works and/or if it works is the subject of much research. The theoretical basis of Aromatherapy is that there is some olfactory-neural connection between the nose and brain that promotes relaxation, increases energy and restores lost balance to mind, body and soul. Considerable research is now being conducted with some promising results. In research conducted by Shirley Price regarding Aromatherapy’s effectiveness to treating Parkinson suggest that 80% of the sample felt that the essential oils and massage have helped their movement and reduced their side effects of constipation and insomnia. Cooksley (1996, p.239) found that aromatherapy was effective in treating mild forms of depression. However, for severe depression additional therapy will be necessary. Aromatherapy can be useful when combined with other forms of therapy including cognitive behavior, anti-depressant drugs, group therapy, exercise, flower essence therapy and light therapy.Aromatherapy has much potential in the field of health. More research is needed to determine exactly what contribution essential oils can play in protecting our health.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participants in this session will be able to
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement: