Essential Oils and Cancer: How an Aromatherapist Can Help You

Essential Oils and Cancer: How an Aromatherapist Can Help You
By Susan Dekker

I try not to focus on statistics, but the reality is that an estimated 2 out of 5 Canadians is expected to develop cancer during their lifetimes (40% of Canadian women and 45% of men). However if we increase our awareness of the causes of this disease and focus on prevention strategies, we can help protect ourselves and future generations and lower the incidence of cancer with empowerment of knowledge and wellness strategies.

There is a lot that can be done in terms of lifestyle, including regular exercise, healthy diet and ensuring our bodies have proper detoxification and nutrition. We should be aware of environmental toxins and try to avoid them - those which mimic estrogens and stay stored in our bodies, such as chemical substances in plastics, cosmetics, and cleaning products. As well, we are warned to minimize our exposure to radiation from electrical devices such as cell phones, computers, etc and to protect ourselves from the harmful electromagnetic pollution they emit. It is helpful to buy a Salt Crystal Lamp for your office to place beside the computer, and also one for your bedroom to harmonize the atmosphere with negative ions while you are resting. I personally wear a lotus shield necklace ( formulated from a homeopathic remedy) to harmonize my body frequency with earth and water, to counteract the effects of constant wi-fi and wireless frequencies. I find these work quite well and they are well worth the investment. If you are interested, look up "buy radiation protection" on the web for these and more products.

I recently took a workshop to learn more about the use of therapeutic essential oils for the prevention of cancer, whether the person has never had cancer, is currently in remission or a cancer survivor. A prevention blend could also be effective during cancer treatment, but not 2 days before chemo nor 5 days after as to not overtax the liver. The action of a cancer prevention blend is multi-faceted. Contained in the blend would be oils that contain perillyl alcohol, which helps to protect against cancers of the reproductive system (such as breast, ovarian, and prostate). There would be citrus oils that contain limonene, shown to be highly effective in the detoxification of excess estrogens and inhibition of tumor growth. Also included could be certain oils with an affinity to support the liver in its detoxification process. And finally, oils which are known to improve the functioning of the immune system. This blend of essential oils in a carrier oil can be formulated by a qualified aromatherapist (to find one in Canada, look up Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists) and massaged into the body after a warm bath or shower when the skin is still a bit damp and the pores open. A sea salt is recommended for use the tub for detoxification. By the way, I also learned that the ideal time in a hot bath is 17 minutes or less - because after this time your body will start to re-absorb the toxins in the water! If you stay in the tub longer than 17 minutes, it is best to take a cold shower to stimulate the lymphatic system and avoid toxin build up. The massage blend may also be applied after the cold shower.

For anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, there are complimentary essential oil treatments available for every stage of cancer treatment and recovery. For example, a patient who has undergone surgery would require a blend to help address pain and inflammation, healing of the incision, prevent infection, and repair tissue. This blend would be applied by a soft compress with a water or aloe base. It is important not to apply oil to, or massage the surgical area, or even to touch it directly, until the wound has closed completely.

A patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment would require a blend perhaps to address nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, low immunity and maybe depression. A low dose (1%) essential oil blend could be administered by inhalation, foot bath or reflexology, or in very gentle massage at least 5 days post treatment and continued 3 times weekly until the next chemotherapy.

For those having radiation treatments, it is important to protect tissue integrity and minimize burn. A protective aloe based gel with essential oils may be given to the patient to apply to their skin, 1 hour before the treatment, in the area where the radiation will be administered. We learned that this gel is very effective to prevent burns. If any skin suffered burn post-radiation, a cream may be formulated to repair tissue damage and alleviate pain.

Not only do essential oils address physical concerns related to cancer treatment, but they can also address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient. There are many emotions underlying the disease of cancer such as anger, denial, grief, fear and loss, which may or may not be conscious feelings. In Homeopathic thought, the "cancer" miasm describes the emotional and mental characteristics of the person who is susceptible to the disease. A miasm is a bio-energetic footprint passed on from generations; a kind of soul archetype. Not all people who are cancer miasm develop cancer, but those in this miasm share similar soul characteristics, both positive and negative. In this light, an essential oil blend may be created for nurturing the spiritual needs of the cancer individual. In the workshop us aromatherapists came up with a blend containing Petitgrain, Rose, Neroli, Bergamot and Benzoin (or Sandalwood).

As you likely know, there are many complimentary holistic practices which help to prevent cancer and that may ease the transition throughout cancer treatment. Aromatherapy, in particular, offers much in the way of providing peace and a feeling of wellness even the patient is faced with tough challenges. I encourage you to consult with a qualified aromatherapist for any range of needs related to physical and emotional wellness.

I hope this article has been of value and interest to you. I feel it is important that people take charge of their own health care and become aware of the available holistic treatments for both prevention and treatment of disease. Please contact me for further information on my therapeutic treatments and products, and to schedule a session. Be well.

Blessings,
Susan

bearessentials@live.ca
http://www.facebook.com/SeaTherapyforHealthandBeauty

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