Aromatherapy
The reduction of stress and anxiety for patients stricken with mesothelioma or any other terminal disease can be important to the well-being of the patient and can improve quality of life for those facing an uncertain future. In the past decade, aromatherapy has become an increasingly popular form of treatment to address these situations.
What is It?
Aromatherapy involves the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants, flowers, herbs, and trees in hopes of improving an individual's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For cancer patients, it is considered to be a palliative procedure, offering supportive care to combat the anxiety of dealing with such a disease. Aromatherapy in no way offers a cure for any type of cancer.
These oils may be administered topically or can be inhaled by the patient. It is believed that the odorant molecules from the oils have an affect on the brain's emotional center, known as the limbic system. When oils are applied topically, they may also have an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or analgesic effect.
Does it Work?
Clinical studies have shown that the most consistently found effect of aromatherapy or aromatherapy massage was on anxiety. A few of the trial participants reported minor improvements in depression, nausea, and pain as well. Since many cancer patients involved in the trials did not notice any marked improvement in symptoms, more than half of them did not complete the studies.
Is it Safe?
Aromatherapy causes few adverse reactions. Some patients experience a contact dermatitis-type side effect from the oils. Other skin irritations are possible as well, depending on one's reaction to any topically applied oils. Allergic reactions are possible with both types of aromatherapy and some patients reported light-headedness upon inhaling particular oils.
Last modified: December 12 2007.
