1. Considering
Aromatherapy

2. Aromatherapy Defined

Aromatherapy is the practice of
using the natural oils extracted from
flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or
other parts of a plant to enhance
psychological and physical wellbeing.

The inhaled aroma from these
"essential" oils is widely believed to
stimulate brain function. Essential
oils can also be absorbed through
the skin, where they travel through
the bloodstream and can promote
whole-body healing. A form of
alternative medicine,
aromatherapy is gaining
momentum. It is used for a variety
of applications, including pain relief,
mood enhancement and
increased cognitive function.

3. Looking back…..

4. Back to basics

5. Aromatherapy explained:



According to Jane Sorensen, PhD, OTR, ND, there is a distinct
difference between using straight aromatic scents for therapy and
using fragrances to embellish products such as lotions and soaps.
Sorensen, who uses aromatherapy as a natural alternative in her
private practice, explained that pure, distilled essential oils are
necessary for aromatic therapy, and that mixing the oils with other
products can make the fragrance "linger too long" for it to be
effective.
"This doesn't mean you can't put [the oils] in things," she assured
crafters who enjoy adding essential oils to homemade soaps and
candles. "But you are just making things smell good; it's not true
aromatic therapy, and isn't necessarily going to change a mood."
Sorensen explained that when fragrances are used therapeutically,
the smell goes straight to the emotional center of the brain through
the olfactory system. "It goes to a sensory area and runs into the
limbic system, which is your emotional core," she said. "It's a double
whammy–you are smelling something and at the same time also
hitting off of a really primitive part of your nervous system."

6. Effects and ways oils are used




1) stimulating: to
invigorate the body
and raise the spirits
2) sedative: to relax
and calm the body
and mind
3) regulating: to
regulate the main
bodily functions
4) euphoric: to uplift
emotions

• massage: Oils penetrate the skin
and are absorbed into the body
fluids and bloodstream to work
internally

• aroma alone: Believed to have
the quickest beneficial effect, as
smell has been shown to have an
immediate effect on the brain,
almost instantly releasing desired
hormones

• inhalation: Helps clear the head,
again working on the brain

• adding to baths: Working at two
levels, by inhalation and by
absorption into the skin by use of
skin products, compresses etc

7. Studies in using
AROMATHERAPY
Nurses – have piloted the use of aromatherapy in numerous
hospitals in the US to promote relaxation and
stress reduction
> aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for chronic
pain
> management of acute pain – more research will be needed
since only a small sample size showed favourable result.
 Midwives - mothers in labor. aromatherapy can be
effective in reducing maternal anxiety, fear and/or pain
during labor.
 older adults with physical health problems and sitters
said they benefited from the aromatherapy and felt more
relaxed after a session.


8.  Smokers
- sniffing
either a pleasant or
unpleasant odor
reduced the urge
to smoke.
Coronary care unit
patients - effects of
aromatherapy on
the patient
outcomes of anxiety
and sleep quality
(hypothesis though
was not proven).
 Severely demented
patients - essential
aromatherapy oils can
promote sleep, reduce
dependence on
hypnotic medication in
demented patients
and promote a restful
night.


9.  Young
adults and
professionals –
helpful in stress
reduction

10. IN Occupational therapy

Nicole Knoll, OTS;
and Brynn Borer, OTS
of the Minessota
Occupational
Therapy Association
believes in
Aromatherapy as an
Effective Therapeutic
Modality Used in
Collaboration with
Occupational
Therapy Intervention

- Occupational therapists
frequently encounter
clients who experience
adverse psychosocial
symptoms secondary to
diagnoses or injury.
Adverse psychosocial
symptoms such as
depression and anxiety
negatively affect
occupational
performance, as
occupational therapy
works to maximize a client’s
optimal level of
independent function.

12. 
Data indicated there were several essential
oils that can be used through multiple modes
of administration, in a variety of contexts as a
means to reduce adverse psychosocial
symptoms. Evidence supports that inhalation
or diffusion of essential oils may be an
effective preparatory method to be used in
accordance with occupational therapy as a
means to reduce adverse psychosocial
symptoms and increase occupational
performance.

13. Aromatherapy in
Occupational Therapy
 the
application of
essential oils to
promote health
and well-being
through massage,
inhalation, baths,
compresses,
creams, and
lotions.






(1) reduce stress
(2) invigorate and
promote activity and
alertness
(3) stimulate sensory
awareness
(4) facilitate interaction
and communication
(5) treat medical
problems
(6) provide pain relief.

14. Researches made by
Occupational therapists


Learning disabilities provide sensory
stimulation and to
help develop
communication by
providing an
environment of trust.
ADHD – calming
effect and helps in
relaxation.



Autism
effects on sleep ( study
showed no beneficial
effects on sleep).
to increase shared
attention behaviours
(increased during
aromatherapy and
that other aspects of
their behaviour also
changed over the
course of the
research.)

15. Aromatherapy used:
Peppermint essential
oil is a neurostimulator, and helps
with concentration

Roman chamomile essential oil
has a calming effect and
works well with hypersensitivity
and aggression. It is particularly
useful in preventing tantrums
and in easing transitions.

Sandalwood essential oil is
another oil that can be used
for obsessive and aggressive
behaviors but it is also known
for helping with emotional
traumas. For tactile defensive
patients massaging lotion with
this aroma will be beneficial

16.  Eucalyptus:
Stimula
ting and clears
nasal & bronchial
passages allowing
for deeper
respiration.
 Neroli
essential oil is
known to be a very
calming oil and is
recommended for
obsessive
behaviors.

17. 
Aromatherapy is one of the
fastest growing yet one of the
most misunderstood
complementary therapies
used today. Thus causing
debates in most professionals some professionals are
convinced with the effects
and are willing to accept the
modality as a part of a holistic
approach to their practice
however some are
apprehensive and thinks that it
is an issue that needs further
studies and research.


For occupational
therapists or other
health care
professionals interested
in becoming certified it
is necessary to attend a
certification course.
The course complies
with the guidelines laid
down by NAHA (The
National Association for
Holistic Aromatherapy)

18. Thank You for Listening and
Smelling!