INTEGRATED AROMATIC MEDICINE [I.A.M.]

Aromatic Medicine, also known as Scientific Aromatherapy or Aromatology, refers primarily to the use of essential oils, administered via a range of clinical applications, to affect physiological health. Practitioners of integrated aromatic medicine however interface two complementary paradigms, namely holistic aromatherapy and aromatic science, which spans both methodologies, embracing the best of both approaches in order to initiate healing.

MODERN ORIGINS

The term “Aromathérapie” was coined in 1928 by René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, to describe the therapeutic use of essential oils. Although modern aromatherapy practice initially encompassed human pathology and the use of essential oils in the treatment of various physical and emotional conditions, it has subsequently developed into a more holistic practice, which embraces all aspects of being - body, mind and spirit – to facilitate physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Fundamentally, aromatic medicine is underpinned by science. However, the very nature of essential oil molecules, with their complex chemical structure, achieves both the subtle effects - profusely described in modern aromatherapy literature, concurrent with clinical effects validated by current scientific research.

Initially aromatherapy gained popularity in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia and South Africa, primarily as “feel good”, anti-stress, or beauty/cosmetic treatments. These “soft” methods of delivery usually refer to massage application of essential oils that have been significantly diluted in vegetable oils, creams etc., as well as ambient fragrancing via vapourizing lamps and air sprays. However, the increasing recognition by orthodox and integrated medicine practitioners, of the therapeutic potential of essential oils, is slowly changing the perception that this is the norm. This evolution is attributed to the influence of the European approach, which highlights clinical application of essential oils, underpinned by scientific rigour. There are a number of erudite health professionals and academics from countries such as France, Germany, Belgium and Turkey, amongst others, who have pioneered this development. Aromatherapy therefore means different things to different people. Whichever method of practise is preferred; good quality essential oils are imperative.

EFFECTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

The oils, which work by either stimulating or depressing biochemical/physiological functions, as well as suppressing or destroying pathogens, are the volatile, odiferous elements of vegetable matter that are stored within specialized structures of aromatic plants. They are classified as phytochemical components that arise via the secondary metabolism of plants, which have numerous properties e.g. antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, neurotonic, hepatostimulant, immunomodulant, etc.

One of the major advantages when using essential oils clinically is the fact that they are not only effective in treating microbial and other pathologies, but also highly effective at stimulating the body’s own inherent immune defenses. When it comes to infections, for example, homeopathy is excellent medicine for treating the terrain, but it is not always the most effective option for acute infections. In some respects various essential oils may be compared to the polycrests of homeopathy. Conversely, allopathy [conventional medicine], while usually powerful on the microbial front, often has many side-effects. Aromatic medicine however delivers the same power as allopathy, without the side-effects, plus they actively sustain immune integrity.

HOW ESSENTIAL OILS ARE PRODUCED

Essential oils are predominantly extracted/produced by steam or hydro-distillation. Citrus oils are however the exception, being mainly produced via mechanical cold pressing of the fruit rinds. Some citrus oils that are potentially photosensitizing are however also produced via distillation. Important points to observe for optimal distillation of oils to be used medicinally include: time of harvesting – to ensure optimal chemistry and yield; regulation of distillation temperature and pressure – to avoid oxidation phenomena; and sufficient distillation time – to obtain all the different aromatic molecules, including those that appear only at the end of the distillation process. There are several other methods of production, but the bulk of essential oils available for clinical use are produced via steam or hydro-distillation.

IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

The following critical factors need to be taken into account when essential oils are used clinically:
100% purity
freshness
botanical family, and it must be wholly derived from the named botanical species
part of plant from which oil is distilled
chemotyping – main chemical constituents [with analysis to prove it]
and production by purely physical means is required

METHODS OF APPLICATION

Some of the broad methods of essential oil application are via the following interfaces:

Topical / external [transcutaneous / transdermal]
Inhalation [transpulmonary / respiratory]
Internal / oral ingestion [transdigestive / gastrointestinal]
Rectal and vaginal [transmucosal]

TOPICAL
When applied topically the tiny essential oil molecules readily penetrate the skin, migrating into hair follicles and pores and the associated micro-capillary blood system, for transportation to all parts of the body. Standard methods of topical application vary. They include either massage, with the essential oils diluted to various degrees in organic carrier bases such as vegetable oils; direct application of undiluted oils or oils diluted in gels or other specific excipients such as transcutol; baths and sitz-baths in which essential oils are dispersed in the water, or compresses and poultices. Since many oils are potent most are not applied undiluted, except to skin that is tough, such as soles of feet and palms of hands. Application of undiluted oils to various acupuncture points on meridians, and/or body reflexology points, is part of more specialized administration, which requires diligent professional application. Additional methods of topical application, with reference to intensive aromatic medicine treatment, should however be reserved for persons qualified to administer oils via these techniques e.g. treatments for trauma [including dressings] such as cuts and puncture wounds, infections, excoriations and abrasions, ulcerations, torn muscles, and lavage for severe burns etc.

INHALATION
When inhaled the microscopic essential oil molecules are transported directly to the roof of the nasal cavity, where the receptor cells of the olfactory bulb are located. Molecules that are not absorbed in the olfactory region are carried into the lungs, where they are absorbed via alveolar diffusion, and subsequently transported throughout the body via systemic circulation. Inhalation therefore has a dual effect. The olfactory receptor cells cause electro-chemical messages to be transmitted directly to the brain, which are capable of stimulating the release of neurochemicals with stimulating, sedative, euphoric, or hypnotic effects. Since these molecules bypass the thalamus they have a direct effect on the limbic system of the brain, which can trigger profound emotions and memory. Oils can either be inhaled directly from a tissue [dry inhalation]; or environmentally via aerosols, humidifiers and/or cold-air diffusers; or via steam inhalations; or as a co-benefit of massage or bathing. Diffusers help to make essential oils more bio-available because they ionize and suspend the minute molecules in the atmosphere. Cold-air micro diffusion, which is preferable because the oils do not undergo heat degradation, provides concentrated delivery of aromatic molecules for aromatology and aromatherapy use. It can deliver dramatic results when appropriately applied, however distinct nebulizations, which form part of intensive aromatic medicine protocols, should be applied only by persons qualified to administer oils via these methods.

INTERNAL
There is probably no greater divide in aromatherapeutics than the debate that rages “for” or “against” oral use of essential oils. The concerns most often cited are philosophical differences, safety [toxicity myths abound!] and legislative restrictions. The former usually provides a great pontification platform, while the latter two present academic and legal considerations. Safety is significantly dependent on education, or the lack thereof. Therefore vital factors are how, and by whom, aromatherapy practitioners are taught science [particularly chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology], and scientific materia aromatica; besides the quality of oils to be used clinically. When used by appropriately trained practitioners, aromatic medicine is usually without toxic side-effects. Laws governing the internal use of essential oils are country-specific e.g. in South Africa only persons registered in diagnostic professions are permitted to legally prescribe substances for ingestion, according to defined scopes of practice.

The digestive interface, or internal use of organic and chemotyped essential oils, is indispensable when applied judiciously, since the complex phytochemical constituents can remedy numerous ailments e.g. digestive imbalances, spasms, inflammation, infections, toxicity, pain, and a host of other functions such as immune modulation, neuro-endocrine rebalancing, circulation improvement, etc. Ingested essential oils are absorbed by the portal blood circulation. The most common methods of delivery are either sublingual drops, diluted in liquid excipients such as Disper or Labrafil, or via oleo-capsules intended for specific gastrointestinal absorption. Sprays, gargles, and oral gels are also useful for various conditions.

RECTAL AND VAGINAL
The rectal and vaginal interfaces are important, especially when the digestive interface is not suitable. Suppositories and pessaries containing essential oils in nut butter bases are simple to administer and are very effective.

EFFICACY
Internal, and/or high-dose topical, applications are generally considered to be most effective for pathological conditions that affect physiological health, due to the pharmacologically active constituents and properties exhibited by many essential oils. Therefore, since aromatic medicine relies on science it requires sound knowledge of organic and aromatic chemistry, plus knowledge of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of essential oils, underpinned by clinical reasoning, understanding of dosage regimes, and appropriate application methods. However, since integrated medicine adopts an holistic approach to health and dis-ease, practitioners also consider the relationship between susceptibility and sensitivity of the organism/whole person relative to the manifestation of illness, irrespective of the treatment modality used. Therefore, since I.A.M is not reductionistic, essential oils are considered valuable not only for their chemical qualities, as has been intimated previously, but also for their “energetic” properties.

AROMACHOLOGY
Aromachology, a modality often referred to as psycho-somatic aromatherapy, is another specialized branch of aromatherapeutics, which uses the aromatic properties and subliminal effects of essential oil fragrances to alter perception and/or stimulate neuro-endocrine function. It is postulated that hormones are produced in response to perceptions, hence any alteration in perception is considered to bring about emotional responses, which in turn releases minute amounts of neuro-hormones, and vice versa. Therefore, by the judicious application of essential oil therapy, many conditions can be successfully treated without the potentially harmful side effects of conventional psychiatric drugs. Aromachology can facilitate healing of both the body physical and the body emotional, via the important neuro-endocrine interface.

SUBTLE AROMATHERAPY
Much has also been written about the spiritual properties of aromatic plants. For example, Sufism classifies plants and their aromas according to their spiritual qualities. This philosophy declares that plant aromas facilitate the development and purification of the soul on its journey through spiritual realms. Throughout time many other ideologies have, and do, advocate the use of aromatics for spiritual enrichment.

CONCLUSION
Integrated aromatic medicine does not purport to replace emergency medicine and conventional allopathic medicine, but rather to co-exist alongside these disciplines. It presents both curative and preventative competencies for acute and chronic conditions. I.A.M. can heal and bring relief, with minimal side-effects, combating both disease and discomfort, while supporting the inner terrain at all times.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM THE GREENHOUSE

*Premium quality organic and chemotyped essential oils
*Essential oil Synergies for diffusers and massage
*Essential oil Oleocapsules for internal usage - for a variety of conditions
*Cold-air diffusers [electrical]
*A wide range of aromatherapeutic face and body products for men, women and children by:

[i] Serendipity Quintessentials: for a full catalogue, or to have products formulated for your individual needs please contact info@serendipity1.co.za

[ii] AromAfrica: 2010 for Men and Natural Body for women are unique combinations of fynbos and other essential oils, plus indigenous vegetable oils. For full information visit www.aromafrica.co.za

[iii] Pranarôm: high quality, chemotyped essential oils, massage blends and Oleocapsules for internal use.
Contact pranaromcape@pranamonde.com for more information or to place orders.