Aromatherapy and Epilepsy
- Complete Essay
Extracts or copies of the essay for commercial use are strictly forbidden.
Section One:What Epilepsy Is - and Some Medication
The term 'epilepsy' is from the Greek 'to take hold of, to seize, or to possess'. Many centuries ago, it was believed that a person suffering from epilepsy was possessed by the gods. Only a couple of centuries ago, the individual was considered to be possessed by the Devil. One hundred years ago it was realised that it was a 'recurrent, episodic, uncontrolled discharge of nerve tissue' (Hughlings Jackson, neurologist). Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that occurs when many thousands of nerve cells discharge chemicals (neurotransmitters) at the same time - a pattern which is not regarded as 'normal' by other nerve cells, which function via a pattern much more varied and complex.
Personal experience
I have suffered from epilepsy since the age of 6. None of the doctors I have consulted have been definitely able to state why I have epilepsy although, since I do not seem to be genetically predisposed to the condition, nor have I suffered any trauma to the head, it is quite possible that my epilepsy is due to stress/psychological factors. I have been prescribed varying medication throughout this time (including folic acid to supplement certain drugs), and my seizures worsened, then were controlled, then seemed to have disappeared, only to resurface recently in a milder form. Side effects have included weight gain, inability to tan, shrinking gums (causing tooth problems), nausea, bruising, and dizziness.
Medication
The main types of medication prescribed for patients vary according to the type of epileptic seizure they experience. Those prescribed include carbamazepine, clonazepam, diazepam, ethosuximide, phenytoin, and valproate. Some of these drugs do not combine well with other anti-convulsants, some reduce the efficacy of the contraceptive pill, some make 'absence seizures' worse, and a certain combination of three of them 'may precipitate intoxication'! (Chadwick & Usiskin, 1987).
Section Two:Epilepsy and Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is known to reduce the tension and anxiety created by modern day-to-day living, and its uses in connection with epilepsy that is caused/aggravated by stress have been studied by the Neuropsychiatry & Seizure Clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK in a team headed by Dr Tim Betts. He described some of his findings in an article in 'Aromatherapy Quarterly' of 1994; since then, the use of essential oils has found its way into other clinics devoted to epilepsy. Dr Betts has stated that: "Some epileptics can develop control mechanisms for their seizures, and if they can impose a counter-measure at the time they feel a seizure coming on, the seizure will often stop or they can, at least, delay the onset until a safer time.' This is where essential oils come in, with aromatherapy massages combining with clinical training to provide patients with the appropriate 'counter-measure'.
Stage I of the technique:
The particular counter-measure that is appropriate for an individual will be determined often by the patient concerned. The initial stage of the technique of using aromatherapy is for a patient to choose an oil (not necessarily a blend) that is particularly liked from a selection of oils that promote relaxation.
The range of oils to choose from includes lavender, Roman chamomile, bergamot, and ylang ylang, with this last being the one most frequently chosen. Only occasionally is lemongrass used, this being for patients who need a stimulating oil rather than a relaxing one. Rosemary is to be avoided, as demonstrated by an increase in the frequency of seizures in some patients. Others to avoid would be the ones known to be convulsants, such as sage. In some individuals, use of essential oils as a controlling factor in their epilepsy management has meant that they either became free of seizures altogether, came off their medication, or both.
Stage II of the technique:
Fortnightly massages using the individual's chosen oil produce a conditioned response to the aroma of that particular oil. This 'conditioned response' is usually the change from emotional upheaval to calmness; in some (more rare) cases the change is from lethargy to alertness. The patient then proceeds to:
Stage III of the technique:
Auto-hypnotic technique (known as the hand elevation method) used to reinforce this, then post-hypnotic conditioning for association of the smell with the prevention of seizure. Dr Betts notes that the entire procedure is 'labour-intensive and also requires commitment on the part of the patient'.
Section Three:Main Oils Used
Bergamot[citrus bergamia]: used for anxious and depressed states.
Chamomile, Roman[anthemis nobilis]: this is used especially for tension, anxiety and all stressful emotional states. Known as a calming oil.
Lavender[lavandula angustifolia, L.vera, L.officinalis]: calming, hypotensive, good for high blood pressure, for unbalanced emotional states (including anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, depression, and fluctuating moods). Known as an anticonvulsive oil.
Ylang ylang[cananga odorata]: deeply soothing and relaxing, it can slow over-rapid breathing (hyperpnoea) and over-rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). Will reduce high blood pressure.
It is noticeable that all the above oils are especially soothing and relaxing. Epilepsy is closely linked with emotional reactions, and this is an important factor in the use of aromatherapy in epilepsy seizure management. Massage (employed in Stage II) helps patients dramatically reduce their panicky or angry responses to given situations - responses which could trigger a seizure - via the olfactory memory of the oil used.
Aromatherapists who are supporting a client with epilepsy should work in close liaison with the client's Consultant. Even if the individual turns out to be one of those whose epilepsy will not respond totally to current techniques using aromatherapy, it cannot do any harm (and, indeed, may well do some good) for the therapist to massage using any of the oils just mentioned, either singly or in a blend of two of them, or any other oils which the client has a decided preference for and which are known to be calming. Suggestions are:
Geranium[pelargonium graveolis]: this oil is also a tonic for the liver and kidneys, organs which are frequently over-taxed by chemical medication.
Marjoram[origanum majorana]: used in treating high blood pressure, it is a sedative oil.
Orange[citrus aurantia]: an antidepressant oil which blends well with ylang ylang.
Tangerine[citrus reticulata]: calms excitation and cardiovascular erethism.
All of these oils can be used in the bath, as inhalations, or as room fragrances, as well as in massage. They are to be considered as complementing chemical medications rather than replacing them.
Clary sage [salvia sclarea], although excellent as a sedative oil, is perhaps a little strong, and is related to sage [salvia officinalis], a known convulsant.
Frankincense [boswellia carterii]: although this oil helps shortness of breath (even to encouraging deep breathing) it is to be used very carefully, as deep breathing can exacerbate some epilepsies.
Section Four:Conclusion
Aromatherapy can clearly play an enormous part in the management of epileptic seizures. However, more research needs to be done into this tantalising opportunity for the relief of misery for a considerable number of individuals. Epilepsy is more widespread than a lot of people realise; something which offers true release from the crushing routine of medication-taking and its undenied risks and side-effects should undoubtedly be explored.
In the original study - and over a two year period - the team followed up the patients involved. Six out of ten became free of seizures altogether. Three were able to withdraw from anti-convulsant medication. Other encouraging results include a marked reduction in the number of seizures for several weeks after a massage. Dr Betts noted that 'the technique must be practiced regularly if it is to have a lasting effect.' However, I am sure that most epileptics would infinitely prefer frequent and regular contact with essential oils to having to take chemical medication, with all its potential risks and side-effects. Aromatherapy is used at the Burden Neurological Institute, with an aromatherapist as part of their full-time staff. The techniques employed are those described by Dr Betts, and Dr Jonathan Bird of the Burden Institute, UK has described these techniques as 'quite effective'.
It should be noted that the British Epilepsy Association, when contacted, will send out a copy of the article 'Sniffing the Breeze' by Dr Betts as their standard information regarding aromatherapy and epilepsy.
Suggested methods of application:
Section Five:References and Further Reading
Betts, Dr T: Sniffing the Breeze, Aromatherapy Quarterly 40, pp19-22, 1994
Bird, Dr J: personal interview, Burden Neurological Institute, 1995
British Epilepsy Association 1996
Chadwick & Usiskin: Living with Epilepsy, Macdonald Optima 1987
Davis, P: An A-Z of Aromatherapy, C W Daniel Co Ltd 1993
Harris, C: Course Notes, Bath School of Aromatherapy 1995/6
Kusmirek, J: Aromatherapy for the Family, Institute of Classical Aromatherapy 1993
 |
 |
 |