Friday, April 11, 2008

Providing Support

We've recently heard from several old friends and clients who are dealing with advanced cancer diagnoses among family or close friends, and are looking for ways that they can provide support to their loved ones. When I answer the same basic question six times in two weeks, it's time to put my thoughts together.

First, although certain essential oils have shown anti-tumor effects in a laboratory, to make any claims that ANY essential oil can provide a cure for cancer is at the very least irresponsible and cruel.

What the oils CAN do, however, is strengthen the spirit, and provide both emotional and spiritual support, both for the patient and for family members and care-givers.

I'm remembering the "hospice blend" that we recently put together and sent to a hospice in Montana, for their newly approved aromatherapy program. Basically we used 10 drops each of our Somalian distilled Frankincense, and our Frankincense CO2 extracted, with just 5 drops of Rose Otto 10% dilution. (This would be the equivalent of 40 drops of Frankincense to 1 drop of undiluted Rose Otto.) This may be either diffused, or diluted WAY down (a 1% dilution, 6 drops of the blend to one fluid ounce of carrier oil or lotion) for hand or foot massages.

The nurse aromatherapist who commissioned the blend recommended using it with the ‘m’ technique® (a very simple to learn, structured method of hand massage that is wonderfully gentle and relaxing.)

Other thoughts, besides our Hospice blend, have been, of course, Frankincense by itself, Rose to support the spirit of any female patient.

Atlas or Himalayan Cedarwood oils, or our Valour synergy, for spiritual strength.

We have had reports of people using our Sacred synergy, designed to create a sacred space, as an anointing oil, to create a sacred space within the body.

I find Sandalwood oil, perhaps blended with either Cedarwood or Rose, emotionally supportive and comforting.

All of the above are designed to provide comfort and support on an emotional and spiritual level.

On a physical level, we have heard of wonderful results in dealing with post radiation pain and burning with a blend of Jojoba oil and Aloe vera gel, with Helichrysum, Lavender, German Chamomile and Geranium oils added. (I would mix equal parts of the jojoba and aloe, blend equal amounts of the four essential oils and add the synergy at a 2.5% dilution. 15 drops of the essential oil blend to one ounce of blended jojoba and aloe gel.)Since the Aloe and the Jojoba will not blend, this will need to be shaken well before each use.

These are some things that immediately come to mind that might be helpful and supportive. If you have other ideas to share, please add them on to this post.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

We sometimes confuse facts and tell ourselves that physical symptoms out-way the emotional response from a disease or a distressing situation.

I often see many people look to essential oils on a physical basis first, whether it is a sad last resort, or part of their healing process.

Both physical and emotional results we are provided with from essential oils, in my opinion, are static in nature. In other words, the body and mind need to work together to treat a disease.

I have been using aromatherapy for several years. I -might- be an odd-ball out of the aromatherapists ring, as I look at chemical composition, research the components, ask doctors, before I settle or make an approach to use oils as a treatment.

On the other hand, I personally have a better harmonization with my brain and emotional triggers, and diffuse oils, or apply them, to relieve symptoms of the overall goal of seeking aromatherapy as a treatment for anything that may be effecting me.

I don't buy into the hype "this oil, so and so, works because it lifts the left brain cell toward the back of the head" type of reasoning. Again, hard research, and always asking for help.

On the emotional level I would be whom I am right now throughout the last couple years without some very special oils. So I do know how powerful they can be, and the rewards that they can give.