Aromatherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

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Aromatherapy in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils derived from aromatic plants and citrus fruits, is receiving increasing attention as part of a complementary or alternative approach to pain management.

Proponents of aromatherapy believe that essential oils can enhance the parasympathetic response through the effects of touch and smell, encouraging relaxation and altering perceptions of pain.

This paper presents a background on aromatherapy and common delivery techniques. The author then presents a discussion of clinical trials supporting aromatherapy and its influence on pain, including:

lavender for managing arthritis pain;

chamomile and rose for reducing pain in cancer patients;

peppermint for relieving headaches;

marigold for reducing plantar lesions (corns, calluses); and

the analgesic properties of other essential oils, including ginger, clove, coriander, lemongrass and mint.

The study also mentions potential contraindications to the use of aromatherapy in certain situations; however, the author concludes that aromatherapy offers a compassionate approach to health care which can be effective in relieving patients' pain and enhancing the relationship between patient and clinician.

This article suggests some useful and interesting issues regarding aromatherapy. However, the article may have been written more to justify the author's own aromatherapy approach rather than to present objective research: The author advocates the use of "m" technique, an aromatherapy registered by the author through the Patent and Trademark Office.

Buckle J. Use of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for chronic pain. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, Sept. 1999:5(5), pp42-51.
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