 |
Aromatherapy and EpilepsyThis essay was written by Ros Haywood BSDipA for the Diploma exam in 1996 and is protected under copyright. Extracts or copies of the essay for commercial use are strictly forbidden. It should not be regarded as medical advice. 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 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'.
 To return to the page you were just visiting, click the 'BACK' button on your browser.
Aromatherapy | Family History (Names) | Family History (Places) | Epilepsy | Spiritual Matters | Star Trek |
