Chapter 6 Health, disease and therapy
Having now discussed the characteristics and chemistry of the essential oils and before we move on to their applications in the treatment of clients or patients, we should pause to put aromatherapy into the context of conventional, complementary and alternative medicine.
HEALTH
Stress and anxiety conditions affect both physical and mental health and are also associated with a modern lifestyle and its demands. Everyone experiences stress – some is normal and essential. But to be subject to stress over a long period can be very harmful. Stress is thought to exacerbate all other clinical conditions as it acts on the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ reactions in the body. It may cause changes to normal digestion, respiratory and cardiovascular system, poor immunity and exhaustion. Mentally it may be implicated with irritability, restlessness, mood swings, inefficiency, withdrawal and aggression. An estimated 60% of visits to GPs are thought to be due to stress related problems. It is responsible for a considerable loss of working days.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
We live in a world of information overload from which the field of essential oils and aromatherapy has not escaped. In addition to printed materials – such as textbooks, periodicals, research papers, magazines, general interest and hobby books – there is the internet and word of mouth. This information can range from the objective and reliable through to the subjective of dubious opinion. The internet is particularly prone to these contrasting styles with inputs from those who have vested interested and commercial motives. However, information from bona fide sources and organizations can be a useful tool. The plethora of information combined with our interest in our health has led to a recognizable group of people known as the ‘worried well’.