AROMATHERAPY FOR PARKINSON’S

Aromatherapy is a useful, natural alternative to help reduce the many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The long list includes tremors, rigidity, muscle or joint pain, cramps, low energy, weakness in the limbs, high blood pressure, memory loss, insomnia, constipation, headache, nausea, nightmares, anxiety and or depression. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils applied to the body for the benefit of their therapeutic properties. Essential oils are chemicals that are extracted from the leaves, bark, fruit, stems, seeds, berries, flowers, trees, and roots of plants. These chemicals are ones very familiar to us such as alcohol molecules known for their disinfectant properties or terpenes which have anti-inflammatory properties. Each essential oil has its own unique set of therapeutic properties. Some essential oils are able to influence the central nervous system so the Parkinson’s symptoms of muscle stiffness and/or rigidity are decreased to allow for continued mobility.

The history of the use of essential oils dates back to ancient times. The Chinese are credited with the earliest method of releasing aromas via burning oils or incense.  The Egyptians found that the oils cedarwood, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg were good preservatives so they used them in bandaging their mummies. The Greeks and Romans found that by burning aromatic plants they could reduce odors and purify the air. It was the Roman army that spread the use of aromatic plants and essential oils to England and Europe not only for air cleansing purposes, but for medicinal uses. Around 1000 A.D. it was determined how to separate some essential oils from their plant material. Over the next few centuries especially in Europe there was growing interest in perfumery and pharmaceuticals. Leading the push was European royalty looking for new oils and improved distillation methods. The 1930s saw the investigation of the dermatological benefits of essential oils which gave rise to the beauty, cosmetic, and skin care industries. Today, essential oils can be used on a daily basis in the home, at all stages of life, or when needed for health reasons. An aromatherapist has the knowledge to know which essential oils are beneficial for which symptoms or combination of symptoms as well as the method of administration (via skin absorption- hand or foot soak, bath, massage or through the respiratory system- diffuser, room spray, direct inhalation, or steam inhalation) and appropriate dosages. An aromatherapist can create oil blends that are specific for individual needs and considers any precautions or contraindications that are unique to the client.

Renee Gauthier, RPT, MPH is the creator and President of Innergy Therapy Systems and can be found in the Parkinson’s Resource Org. WELLNESS VILLAGE at http://www.parkinsonsresource.org/spotlight/renee-gauthier-rpt-mph/ Renee has been a member of the Wellness Village since March of 2015 and we get only positive feedback from clients we send to her. What makes it so wonderful for the PD Patients is that Renee will go to their home.