Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Greetings all! I’ve been exploring the issue of the safe use of essential oils for clients who are in later life stages. After years of interacting with massage therapists who wish to serve this special population, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is a need for guideance. I’ve heard many bodywork practitioners refer to using essential oils for frail persons but have little actual training or a sound foundation of knowledge from which to act. Now, I’m not an expert in aromatherapy but as a leader in the field of massage for this special population I feel it my responsibilty to base the guideance I give on evidence-based findings and from our peers who are experts in this issue. So the question is this: Under what circumstances should the use of essential oils be used with elders or those in end of life care? And what would you consider to be “best practice” for use of oils? Should we encourage a minimum standard of skills for the use of essential oils for this special population? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Enjoy the moment!
Ann
Audre Gutierrez on 15 Jan 2010 at 2:27 pm #
Some of the most wonderful support to both those in the later stage of life and those who care for them is offered by the plants and trees via essential oils. Pure, therapeutic/medicinal grade essences are always best.
Because many of these people are on pharmaceutical medications, or may be sensitive to powerful chemistries because of their age, I think it best to use essences conservatively, especially if you are not a trained aromatherapist.
We have had so many of our students write heart-warming accounts of how the essences soothed an anxious person, or made their transition to the other side peaceful and gentle, or how pain was eased and spirits lifted.
Let me suggest some readily available, very safe essences (of course, that assumes you know the quality…know your supplier!) for this purpose:
Lavender – calming, soothing, pain-reducing
Orange (Blood Red, or Sweet) or Mexican Lime – ONLY for use on the soles of the feet, as they may be skin-sensitive . Uplifts the spirit, very comforting.
Frankincense – Calms the spirit; wonderful for transitioning
Violet – Calms fear, frees the spirit from doubt, worry. Usually quite strong…1 drop will usually do.
Cedarwood, Pine or Spruce (any variety) – Helps to center or ground an anxious soul; helps support the immune system.
Balsam Fir – Great for respiratory congestion, helps strengthen a weak constitution.
These are just a few…for this type of use, I generally recommend limiting application to the soles of the feet, unless you know the person’s condition thoroughly or are a trained aromatherapist. Two or three drops of on the sole of each foot, gently massaged in usually puts the person in a very peaceful, balanced state.
Ann Catlin on 15 Jan 2010 at 5:19 pm #
Audre,
Thank you for your informative comments! Ann
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Theresa May on 18 Jan 2010 at 12:31 pm #
Great discussion! In addition to Audre’s recommendations, I would suggest using 1-2% dilutions of essential oil to carrier oil or lotion for this population. That equals 6-12 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. of carrier. This is for use directly on the skin. Lotioning the arms and hands can be so nurturing and readily acceptable for this population. It’s great to be able to increase effectiveness to this practice with the healing powers of essential oils – layering the modalities. I also add essential oils directly to the pillow case for inhalation, while I am holding points on the soles of the feet with oils, or doing other massage techniques.
Remember that less is more especially when working with the elderly or frail. Sensitivity can be heightened and drug interaction is more likely using undiluted essential oils. And use the “best medicine for the worse wounds.” Only pure therapeutic grade essential oils.
I work with the attitudes of peace and ease with my clients, so use lavender & frankincense frequently. I also use blends to ease anxiety & agitation. I’m more…thoughtful about using oils to ground or strengthen as these qualities may not be to my clients highest good in the moment. Not that I wouldn’t use then at all, just that I am mindful about my intent…..with the essential oils and the quality of touch.
Thanks for this opportunity to discuss & learn Ann!
Theresa May, NCTMB
Patricia Huff on 19 Jan 2010 at 6:00 pm #
In terminally ill clients I personally use oils as aromatherapy. I also use it on the big toe, thumb and ear lobe to enter the aura.
Frankinscence alters the conscious for comfort. I never use oils for massage it just gets swished around in the diseased bioplasma.
The feet are a safe area for massage as they encompass the rest of the body.
Ravensara Travillian on 19 Jan 2010 at 8:03 pm #
I have found aromatherapy to be a significant addition to what I can offer my clients in long-term care facilities, including clients in hospice. However, some of my patients have lung disease, including emphysema and COPD, meaning that they have difficulty exhaling and clearing air from the lungs. Since I have not found any relevant information in the literature, I have hesitated to use aromatherapy with these clients.
Does anyone have any experience, positive or negative, with using aromatherapy with clients with emphysema or COPD?
Missi on 29 Jun 2011 at 9:06 pm #
In awe of that asnewr! Really cool!