Aroma therapy has been applied in medical treatment in various illnesses. It refers to use of essential oils to bring a soothing, muscle relaxation, improve blood flow and reverse malfunction of nerves. The most common essential oil is menthol and methyl salicylate. These are often volatile plant parts that are able to evaporate and create a cooling effect.

The history of use of aromatic compounds has been poorly recorded and therefore not much is available from the old civilizations. The first proper documentation of its use is in an French publication of 1907 and later translated in English in 1993.

Use of aroma therapy for sexual dysfunction treatment is one that has been lauded as very effective. The plant extracts used are considered the best because of their ability to increase the energy levels, improve erection, enhance sexual desire and improve production of seminal fluids and vaginal lubricants.

Aroma therapy is also known to improve the sexual energy through improving the spiritual connection. The desire for sex is improved through the rising of the chakra. These are energy levels that are associated with the spinal cord.

The aroma from the essential oils also create a feel good condition in the individual which sets in the mood for sex. This raises the libido and the ability to get to orgasm even among those who have lost the desire.

The effect of these essential oils in management of the blood circulation is another way in which the aroma therapy improves sexual performance. The need for freely flowing blood and the increased energy demand in sex demands that the blood circulation be uninhibited.

Hormones especially among women are sensitive to the moods of the individual. Sex hormones such as testosterone would be increased when the person is in a better mood. The relaxed and sensational moods that are with aromatic oils is due to the increased production of oxytocin hormone.

There are various essential oils that have been shown to improve the sexual function. Some of these include the use of mustard oil and jasmine. In all cases of use of aroma therapy for sexual dysfunction, the involvement of the sex partner is key to improvement of the sexuality. This involves the use of the essential oils in massage. This has the effect of improving the communication between the sex partners and thereby increasing the sexual satisfaction.

The fact that aroma therapy uses oils that aid in improving the environment through better smell and improved blood circulation, it has several other benefits other than sexual performance. It is therefore cost effective.

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The previous research mostly focused on prevention or subsequent interventions. Now let’s turn to the alternative and complementary side of the holistic equation. Acupuncture is a widely utilized Eastern therapy that can sometimes replace conventional care – this represents the truest sense of an alternative. However in many instances it’s also used as a complementary treatment that may improve outcomes and minimize side effects typically associated with standard care.

Three new studies have examined the potential of acupuncture with regard to women’s health. One of the trials followed 92 young women (14-25 years old) suffering from menstrual pain over the course of one year. During that time, half of the women received 3 months of acupuncture – a total of 9 treatments. At the 3 month mark, those receiving acupuncture reported lower pain scores and “a small reduction in mood changes”. After 6 months, the acupuncture group noted “a significant reduction in the duration of menstrual pain” and required fewer pain relievers to cope with said symptoms. In addition, there were no safety issues documented in relation to the acupuncture treatment and it was deemed “acceptable” by those receiving it. (8)

Minimizing the use of synthetic medications during pregnancy is generally considered desirable by both allopathic and holistically-minded physicians. A Swedish investigation postulates that acupuncture may be a viable alternative to conventional analgesic drugs in pregnant women suffering from low back and pelvic pain. This suggestion is based on a study that was conducted on 40 expectant mothers who received 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment – 8 thirty-minutes sessions in all. It’s interesting to note that half of the participants began treatment at the 20th week of gestation and the remainder started at week 26. Both groups demonstrated significant pain relief and an improvement in quality of life. (9)

Finally, the January 25th edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology provides an example of using acupuncture in a complementary fashion. 38 women undergoing breast cancer treatment were assigned to “true acupuncture” or sham acupuncture to determine whether either modality might reduce treatment-related joint pain. The true form of acupuncture involved site-specific treatment whereas the sham variety placed needles in “nonacupoint locations”. All of the women received twice-weekly acupuncture for 6 weeks. The participants receiving the true form of acupuncture reported reduced “pain-related interference” and pain severity as quantified by an index known as the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. Both forms of acupuncture were well tolerated. The researchers concluded that the women treated with true acupuncture “had significant improvement in joint pain and stiffness, which was not seen with sham acupuncture”. This finding indicates that acupuncture may facilitate a more tolerable experience for breast cancer patients and possibly reduce the number of women who would normally discontinue conventional treatment. (10)

There is a hierarchy by which many holistic practitioners view alternative, complementary and preventive medicine. Prevention is the undisputed king. Historically or scientifically proven alternatives are a distant second and complementary practices are the final resort. The reason for this order is that prevention provides a foundational, long-term approach to wellness. It’s proactive not reactive. The need for alternative remedies often arises because a dedicated and personalized approach to wellness isn’t fully in place. But none of us is perfect and we live in a world that’s littered with plenty of pitfalls. Therefore, there is a real need for alternative “medicines” at times. However, they should be employed much like conventional medications: a) try not to depend on them; b) use them judiciously and only as needed. Finally, in the event that one absolutely requires an allopathic/conventional intervention (prescription medications, surgery, etc.), they should also look into the possibility of supporting that treatment with complementary therapies from the natural side of the healing spectrum.

Be well!

JP

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