Aromatherapy and the medicine of the soul Essential oil myths Aroma care and support in Japan ...

40 Pages·2015·16.6 MB·English

In Essence
Journal of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
Aromatherapy and the
medicine of the soul

Essential oil myths

Aroma care and
support in Japan

IFPA looks to the future
Volume 14 Number 1 Summer 2015
International Journal of
Clinical Aromatherapy
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2 In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015
Editor’s letter
Editor
Pat Herbert
Editorial Board Summer 2015
Judith Howie, Sue Jenkins
Scientific Adviser
Bob Harris
O
n a hazy summer’s day in a scented garden you
Guidance for authors can almost see the fragrance. That’s a thought ex-
pressed more lyrically by the poet Robert Bridges
In Essence welcomes editorial
who wrote: “I know that if odour were visible as
contributions which can be short items
(news, letters, reviews) of 100–300 colour is, I'd see the summer garden aureoled in rainbow
words or feature articles or case studies
clouds.” Whatever you’re doing this holiday season we wish
of 1000–3000 words.
you rest, relaxation and restoration for both body and spirit.
Contributions can be sent by email to Our opening article in this edition (page 9) focuses on
the following address:
harnessing the power of essential oils to bring wholeness
[email protected] or typed clearly
on A4 paper, double–spaced, and sent to people stressed beyond endurance. It’s a report by Gill Hawkins on what she
to the IFPA office (address below).
learnt at an inspiring study day Aromatherapy and the Medicine of the Soul led
by the American healer-psychiatrist Dr Florian Birkmayer who uses aromatherapy
Technical details
to treat individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Advertisement artwork: Please ensure Healing souls is also relevant to Takiko Ando’s article on page 15. In her latest
that all display advertisement artwork
report from the Cocoro charity she explains why, five years on from the Japanese
is supplied as CMYK PDFs or JPEGS at
300dpi. If you are unable to supply tsunami and earthquake, aromatherapy care for the disaster victims is still impor-
artwork in these formats please note tant. She also highlights a new Cocoro project in which local people are being
that the IFPA offers a design and layout
service (fee payable) – please contact taught aromatherapy massage within a new mental health care model “local
the IFPA office for details. people heal local people.”
On page 19 the theme of well-being is taken up by Hannah Boot as she
Illustrations and Photographs: If
illustrations are to be used from reports on a study she carried out to discover whether aromatherapy can have
previously published material, the a positive effect on people with rheumatoid arthritis. In our last edition Hannah
author must seek permission to
reproduce from the original publishers described a literature search she had carried out with the same aims and in the
and authors. Photographs to small-scale study described in her article she set out to find her own evidence.
accompany an article should be sent by
The new IFPA Council, elected at the 2015 Annual General Meeting, is now
email as a colour JPEG or TIFF file. If
scanning from an original image or hard at work planning immediate and long-term priorities for the Federation.
photograph, please use the following
If you could not attend the AGM you can find a report on the day and all the
settings: 300dpi, colour, 100% size.
Chairs’ reports on page 24.
The contents of this journal are the On page 22 Sue Jenkins provides practical advice on how to distinguish
copyright of the International
between the benefits and the potential hazards of various essential oils. She ex-
Federation of Professional
Aromatherapists (IFPA) but do not plores some traditional myths and highlights the importance of knowing your oils
necessarily represent its views.
and having a comprehensive understanding of their chemical components.
The information provided by advertisers If you like to make and sell your own aromatherapy products make sure you
or included in inserts in In Essence is the read Ray Gransby’s advice (page 30) about regulations you need to comply with.
sole responsibility of the advertisers
and, while accepted in good faith by In this third article in his ‘regulations’ series Ray focuses on the General Product
IFPA and the Editorial Board, is not Safety Regulation.
endorsed by, and does not necessarily
represent, IFPA opinion.
Contacts
Editorial
Pat Herbert Editor
Tel: [phone]
[email protected]
Advertising
Tel: [phone] Aromatherapist Takiko Ando is Ray Gransby is a
[email protected] Gill Hawkins has the founder of regular
been involved the Cocoro contributor to In
Design and online edition with elderly care charity, set up in Essence, advising
Riverhead Publishing and supporting 2011 after the on legislative
[email protected] carers and has tsunami and developments
www.riverhead.co.uk also worked as a volunteer earthquake in Japan. The affecting the essential oil
therapist both at St charity offers mental trade and the aromatherapy
In Essence is published by the Christopher's Hospice and for healthcare and support to profession. In this edition he
International Federation of Professional
Marie Curie Cancer carers. In disaster victims by providing focuses on the implications of
Aromatherapists (IFPA), IFPA House,
this issue she shares what she aromatherapy and massage the General Safety Product
82 Ashby Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire
learnt at an inspiring seminar treatments. In this issue Regulation for aromatherapy
LE10 1SN, United Kingdom.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] focusing on the use of Takiko reports on the practitioners who make
[email protected] aromatherapy for post- continuing need for and market their own
www.ifparoma.org traumatic stress disorder. aromacare and support. products.
In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015 3
3 Editor’s letter
s
In Essence Welcome to our Summer issue
t
Journal of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
n 5 Message from IFPA Council Chair and News
e 8 Meeting members
Aromatherapy and the
medicine of the soul

Essential oil myths Karen Sherwood highlights regional group activities

Aroma care and t
support in Japan

IFPA looks to the future
n
Volume 14 Number 1 Summer 2015 9 Aromatherapy and the medicine of the soul
Cover photograph: Lime blossom in
June. Miriam Guterland. http://commons.
wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duftende_Linden_ o Gill Hawkins reports on a stimulating and enlightening seminar
Berlin_Mitte.JPG
15 Aroma care and support in Japan
C
Ongoing aromatherapy stress relief for disaster victims. Takiko Ando reports
19 Rheumatoid arthritis: can aromatherapy help?
Hannah Boot describes how she set up a small case study
22 Essential oil myths
To practise safely, know your oils and their components, advises Sue Jenkins
24 IFPA looks to the future
Healer-psychiatrist Dr Florian
Pat Herbert reports on an upbeat IFPA 2015 Annual General Meeting
Birkmayer leads an inspiring seminar
– see page 9
28 News from the CNHC
Topical issues from the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
29 Bookshelf
Anita James finds much to admire in a landmark new book
Successful Aroma Care Worker project 30 Getting to grips with regulations
in Japan – see page 15
Ray Gransby explains why the General Product Safety Regulation is important
31 News in brief
32 List of IFPA–accredited schools
34 Continuing Professional Development
The IFPA’s 2015 Annual General
37 Events
Meeting on 9 May – see page 24

4 In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015
NEWS
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR IFPA Council
Chair - Sue Charles
I
t was a great Newcastle in June. We are very sorry [email protected]
pleasure to meet to have disappointed members who
members, some planned to attend, especially those Secretary - Jeni Broughton
of whom had who had already booked accom- [email protected]
travelled long dis- modation and travel, and would like
tances, at the IFPA’s to assure you that this decision was Treasurer - Emily Song
2015 Annual Gen- not made lightly. However, the event [email protected]
eral Meeting (AGM) did not attract sufficient bookings to
held on 9 May. It was a relaxed, make it a viable proposition this year. Education and Accreditation - Anita
enjoyable event with members raising The new Council plans to review James: [email protected]
lively questions and demonstrating a the kind of events that members
real affection for the IFPA. would support in future and would International and Accreditation - Louise
Members’ contributions also high- be grateful for your feedback for Carta: [email protected]
lighted interesting points for discus- future planning. If you usually go to
sion and imaginative ideas on how we conference but did not book this year, Regional Groups and CPD - Karen
might take the Federation forward, we would be pleased to hear why Sherwood: [email protected]
especially with regard to raising the that was (see list opposite for Council
IFPA’s profile and increasing member- members’ contact details). Membership - Sarah Cushing
ship. (For AGM reports see page 24.) As you may know, we have had [email protected]
Those attending the AGM were some recent changes in the IFPA of-
very understanding of the difficulties fice. Our new Customer Care Officer Public Relations - Judith Howie
the Council has experienced over the Debbie Moore is a qualified aroma- [email protected]
past few months and very supportive therapist who, before joining us,
of its plans for the future. One plan was Vice Principal of the Penny Price Research - Christine Stacey
that, unfortunately, encountered a Academy for many years. Debbie and [email protected]
number of unforeseen problems, is her part-time team of two Customer
our new website which, by the time Care assistants, Kerry Trundle and Conference - Emily Song
you read this edition, we hope to Sophie Bonnin Ward, have settled in [email protected]
have successfully launched. to the office very well.
At the AGM we had a sneak I would also like to take this op- The Council members listed were
preview of the new-look website and portunity to express my thanks to the elected at the IFPA Annual General
were impressed with its attractive new Council for all their help and sup- Meeting held on 9 May 2015. You can
design and enhanced features. We port. I am very pleased to report that contact the IFPA Council via the office
are very grateful to Council member we now have a strong, dedicated team (details on page 3).
Judith Howie who has worked hard to take the IFPA forward. We have also
with the designers to create exactly been pleased to welcome back Sandra
Can you help
the kind of site the IFPA now needs to Quinn Smith on a one-day per week
raise its profile, both with potential basis to manage the IFPA’s accounts. promote the IFPA?
members and the general public. All the Council members wish you
As you will note from the Confer- a very enjoyable summer. At the IFPA’s 2015 Annual General
ence Chair’s report (page 26), the Meeting members discussed ways to
Council reluctantly took the decision Sue Charles promote the Federation and increase
to cancel the conference planned for Chair, IFPA Council membership. One suggestion was that
IFPA members (individuals or regional
groups) might contact their local Col-
Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden this summer leges of Further Education offering to
talk to aromatherapy students about
If you’re planning summer days out Garden of World Medicine. their own work and that of the IFPA.
why not visit the Chelsea Physic Gar- This summer’s learning programme It was also suggested that estab-
den in SW London? at Chelsea Physic includes Plant Reme- lished IFPA members might be willing
Established as the Apothecaries’ dies for Summer on 24 June, with prac- to mentor new, less-experienced mem-
Garden in 1673, it is London’s oldest tical demonstrations and the chance bers. If you would like to help raise the
botanical garden, featuring among to make some remedies, and Perfumes IFPA’s profile in either of these ways
its collections a Garden of Medicinal from Plants on 16 July. Full details at please let Debbie Moore in the IFPA
Plants, a Pharmaceutical Garden and a www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk office know (contact details on p3).
In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015 5
NEWS
Beneficial effects of bergamot Aromasticks for
stress relief
Forty-one women participated in a levels showed
study carried out at the Kyoto Prefec- those of R, RW,
tural University of Medicine, Japan and RWB to be sig- In a study carried out by RECON - Research
to find evidence for the benefits of nificantly distinct. and Consulting in Freiburg, Germany,
bergamot essential oil inhalation (en- In the subsequent aromasticks were shown to outperform
docrinological, physiological and psy- multiple com- other stress management techniques such
chological). Volunteers were exposed parison test, the CS as progressive muscle relaxation, Bach
to three experimental setups - rest (R), value of RWB was flowers or passive resting periods.
rest + water vapour (RW), rest + water significantly lower The researchers used a series of
vapour + bergamot essential oil (RWB)) when compared to the R setup. When five experiments to investigate “a new
- for 15 minutes each. After each setup, comparing the HF values of the RWB mode of aromatherapeutic application
saliva samples were collected and the setup during the rest period to those (inhaler) … specifically designed to
volunteers rested for 10 minutes. of RW, this parameter was signifi- directly stimulate the olfactory system
Subsequently, the women com- cantly increased in the RWB setup for and to reduce the activity of the sym-
pleted the Profile of Mood States, which scores for negative emotions pathetic nervous system.” They found
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Fa- and fatigue were also improved. that use of the inhaler showed consis-
tigue Self-Check List. High-frequency The results, say the researchers, tent and significant psychological and
(HF) heart rate values, an indicator for showed that bergamot essential oil physiological effects. These occurred
parasympathetic nervous system activ- inhaled with water vapour exerts psy- shortly after very few inhalations,
ity, were calculated from heart rate chological and physiological effects drastically reduced stress-related bio-
variability values measured during in a relatively short time. Free access markers (blood pressure, heart rate and
both the experiment and rest periods. to full report at www.ncbi.nlm.nih. cortisol) and considerably enhanced
Analysis of salivary cortisol (CS) gov/pmc/articles/PMC25824404 well-being. See www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pubmed/25787105.
Australian back pain review
CNHC joins call for
An international literature review for back pain internationally, with
new health model
(from 2000 to 2014 in MEDLINE, acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopa-
CINHAL, AMED, DARE, EMBASE, thy and massage therapy the most
ExceptaMedica, psycINFO and SCOPUS commonly-used treatments. There The Complementary & Natural Health-
databases) by the Australian Re- was also evidence of self-prescribed care Council (CNHC) welcomes the
search Centre in Complementary and CAM. The review showed that people Accredited Registers Report to Ministers
Integrative Medicine at the University who use CAM for back pain tend to published recently by the Professional
of Technology Sydney focused on the report it as beneficial but do not talk Standards Authority for Health and
use of complementary and alterna- to their health care providers about it. Social Care and featuring the work of
tive medicine (CAM) for back pain. It The researchers suggest that further CNHC registrants. It announced that
looked at prevalence of use, common- research is needed on the use of CAM the CNHC joins with the Professional
ly-used CAM, characteristics of users, treatments for back pain, particularly Standards Authority Chief Executive
factors influencing decision-making, self-prescribed, and that doctors and Harry Cayton in calling for a new model
self-perceived effectiveness and com- CAM practitioners should communi- of health and care for the 21st century.
munication with healthcare providers. cate with their patients on safe, effec- He said: “We all know we need
Considerable variations were tive CAM treatments. See www.ncbi. to deliver new, innovative ways to
found in prevalences of CAM use nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25962340 improve people’s health. The NHS is re-
examining the way it delivers services
and is exploring new models of inte-
Volunteering opportunities
grated care better-suited to today. That
means looking beyond the traditional
Paul’s Cancer Support Centre in SW volunteers. Find out more at Infor- confines of our health and care system
London (www.paulscancersupport- mation Evenings (6.00-7.30pm) on 24 and the traditional health professions.
centre.org.uk) is seeking volunteer June and 3 September. To apply to The 63,000 practitioners on 17 Accred-
CNHC-registered massage therapists join the HVS volunteer team, con- ited Registers covering 25 occupations
and reflexologists for the Centre and tact Jessica Mitchell/Clare Unwin at must be part of that, offering different
the Home Visiting Service. [email protected] approaches to care which commission-
Initial training and monthly or phone [phone]. The closing ers can choose with the confidence that
group supervision is provided for date for applications is 21 September. they are competent and safe.”
6 In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015
NEWS
Antibacterial Sad loss to the world of aromatherapy
properties of
At the time of to start teaching and it was through
going to press Veronica that I visited the Far East as a
essential oils
with this issue teacher and examiner.
we heard with “Veronica was diagnosed with
A recent research study at the Medical great sadness Mesothelioma in 2008 and given six
University of Lodz in Poland aimed to of the death months to live. But, in true Veronica
determine the antibacterial properties of Veronica style, she decided that she was go-
of cinnamon, lavender and geranium Sibley, known ing to live far longer than that! She
essential oils against bacteria of the ge- to many of you through her work on retired with her husband to France to
nus Acinetobacter isolated from several Council and as a wonderful teacher concentrate on enjoying life.
clinical materials and from the hospital who inspired students with her pas- “Veronica’s roles on the IFPA
environment. sion for aromatherapy. Council included work as the Public Re-
Researchers carried out an evalu- Anita James remembers Veronica lations Chair, and as the International
ation of the susceptibility of Acineto- with great affection: “I have lost a Chair, a post that she loved. She wrote
bacter sp. clinical strains to recom- wonderful friend, colleague and men- the excellent book Aromatherapy
mended antibiotics. The constituents tor. Veronica was one of my tutors at Solutions which I still recommend to
of cinnamon, lavender and geranium Shirley Price Aromatherapy in 2000 anyone starting their journey into the
essential oils were identified by GC-FID- when I first began my aromatic jour- wonderful world of aromatherapy.”
MS analysis and their Minimal Inhibito- ney. She was an inspiring teacher with In our autumn edition we will be
ry Concentrations (MICs) against tested an infectious love of aromatherapy. featuring memories of Veronica from
clinical strains were determined by the We stayed in touch and became good her colleagues and friends in the aro-
micro-dilution broth method. In addi- friends. She soon became the Principal matherapy profession. If you would
tion, the effects of essential oils on the Tutor at Fleur Aromatherapy, open- like to contribute to this special article
viability of human microvascular en- ing schools in Hong Kong, Taiwan please email Debbie Moore in the
dothelial cells (HMEC-1) and glioblas- and South Korea. She encouraged me IFPA office (contact details on page 3).
toma cell line (T98G) were evaluated.
Cinnamon bark oil was found to
Olfactory stimulation can affect the
be the most active against clinical and
environmental strains of Acinetobacter
balance ability of stroke patients
baumannii with MIC values ranging
from 0.5 to 2.5 µL/mL. The MIC values
for geranium oil were between 7.5 Can olfactory stimulation affect the test (eyes openw 1 min/eyes closed
and 9.5 µL/mL, and between 10.5 and balance ability of stroke patients? 1 min) were conducted on a force
13.0 µL/mL for lavender oil. The study That’s what researchers at Namseoul platform to measure the data for the
concludes that these essential oils can University, Republic of Korea aimed centre of pressure. Olfactory stimula-
be best employed in the fight against to discover in a study with 33 male tion was provided as a stimulus.
infections caused by bacteria from stroke patients. The findings indicate that the
Acinetobacter genus as components of The patients were divided into interaction of brain areas activated
formulations for hygiene and disinfec- a black pepper oil (BPO) group by the olfactory stimulation exerts
tion of hospital environment. Free (n=11); a lavender oil (LVO) group an influence on the balance ability
access to the full paper at www.mdpi. (n=11); and a distilled water (DW) of stroke patients. Free access to the
com/1420-3049/19/12/20929/htm group (n=11). Two sessions (control full paper at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
trial/stimulus trial) of Romberg's pubmed/25642050
Debating the value of integrative medicine
What are the benefits of integrat- Dr Peter Mackereth (The Chris-
ing complementary approaches tie NHS Foundation Trust), Dr
into conventional western medi- Amai Lokugamage (Whittington
cine? That's the question to be Hospital, London) and Professor
debated at the Research Council for Fan Qu (Kings College London).
Complementary Medicine’s con- Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/
ference on 10 September 2015 at rccm-conference-demonstrating-
London’s Middlesex University. the-value-of-integrative-medicine-
Keynote speakers include tickets-16856777074
In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015 7
MEETING MEMBERS
Around the regions
Regional Groups Chair Karen Sherwood highlights plans to
encourage more groups and hears about group activities
A
s you will read in my report At this year’s AGM in May a major from her Cayman Islands trip, and also
to the IFPA Annual General focus of discussion, and key to the shared information about aloe vera
Meeting (AGM - page 27), IFPA’s successful development, was that she had learned in Mexico.
I have recently received a how to increase membership. It was She showed several interesting
number of enquiries about setting proposed that IFPA members might try items related to the aloe vera plant
up new regional groups so we hope to establish links with local Colleges of including a thin sheet of aloe vera
to see an increase in groups over the Further Education and perhaps offer to plant material that can be used as
coming months. talk to aromatherapy students about paper, and an aloe spike which can be
The IFPA Council is keen to see professional aromatherapy practice used as a needle and thread. She also
the establishment of more groups and the work of the IFPA. shared a range of further information
around the country and to support and One member suggested that this on the versatility of the aloe plant,
encourage existing groups. Its future might be a promotional activity that including its use as a hair wash and as
plans include the development of a re- regional groups could get involved in. medicine.
gional groups’ handbook to include all For more information on this pro- Group members also learnt about
the information you would need to set posal and how to register your interest Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
up a new group and get it established please turn to page 5. in a talk from Wendy Steer of Wendy-
successfully. Alchemy. EFT is often referred to as
This publication would also include Group activities ‘psychological acupressure’ or 'tapping'
suggestions for keeping groups chal- I have recently received news from technique, and is increasingly used to
lenging and stimulating, ideas for a the very active Central Region group improve emotional well-being and
programme of activities, talks and about their 2015 programme. So far mental health problems.
visits, and items such as pro formas this year they have enjoyed two stimu- This busy group also has visits lined
for reporting activity and attendance lating talks. The first, by group mem- up to the Crystal Barn in Kettering,
certificate templates. We would be ber Trudy Birkmyre, focused on her Northamptonshire for a talk on crystal
pleased to hear from you if there is any recent visits to the Cayman Islands and therapy and energy healing, and a
other information that you would find Mexico. She led a discussion on ylang summer trip to explore the University
helpful in such a handbook. ylang and senna, sharing photographs of Leicester Botanic Gardens.
GROUP NAME / LOCATION ORGANISER TELEPHONE EMAIL ADDRESS
Aberdeen Group Beverley Skinner 01779 821051 / 07726531498 [email protected]
AromaForum, Stockport, Cheshire Justine Jackson 0161 439 7453 / 07974 207033 [email protected]
Aroma Network, Watford, Herts Jayashree Kothari – [email protected]
Birmingham Group, Birmingham, W. Mids. Jane Cummins 0121 224 736 –
Bucks, Beds & Northants Regional Group Helen Nagle-Smith 01908 312221 / 07966 248859 [email protected],
Complementary Therapies Network, Northern Ireland Helen McIntyre 02838 38310065 [email protected]
Central Regional IFPA group, Midlands Cheryl Smith 0121 378 4487 cs.pht.btinternet.com
Chinese Aromatherapists in UK X Song 07738704701 [email protected]
Fragrant Grapevine, Edinburgh Carolyn Hood 0131 447 4862 [email protected]
Glosaroma Group, Gloucester Lynn Latham 01989 566101 [email protected]
Hebden Bridge / Calderdale Group, West Yorkshire Clare Whitworth 07790761702 [email protected]
Hong Kong Group, Hong Kong Jenny Tsang [phone] [email protected]
Hong Kong Regional Group, Hong Kong Annie Lee [phone] [email protected]
Japan Group, Japan Miki Hayashi – [email protected]
One Tree, Buckinghamshire Liz O’Neill 07946 638151 [email protected]
Sakura Kai, Tokyo Miki Hayashi [phone] 5128 [email protected]
Saturday Aromatherapy Club, Hinckley, Leicestershire Penny Price 01455 251020 [email protected]
Shanghai Group, Shanghai Jia Lui [phone] [email protected]
South London Aromatherapy Network Louise Abbott-Little 07957 192265 [email protected]
Sussex Regional Group, Burgess Hill Wendy McCallum 01444 443876 [email protected]
West London Aromatherapy Network, Twickenham Yvonne Humphries 07719 096314 [email protected]
West Yorkshire Aromatherapy Group, Bradford Lianne Sara-Gray 07766 655279 [email protected]
TBA, Ballyhearne, Eire Noelene Cashin Cafolla (0353) 0949030950 –
8 In Essence Vol.1 3 No. 4 — Spring 2015
Aromatherapy and the
medicine of the soul
Gill Hawkins reports on an inspiring study day led by
a healer-psychiatrist who uses aromatherapy to treat
individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder
A
ttracted by the topic, I re-
cently attended a stimulating
one-day seminar on the theme
Aromatherapy and the Medi-
cine of the Soul held at the University of
Westminster, London.
The event, which was organised by
Gabriel Mojay of the Institute of Tradi-
tional and Herbal Medicine (ITHMA), featured Dr Florian
Birkmayer, a qualified and experienced American psychia-
trist who also holds a qualification in aromatherapy.
In his introduction to the day Gabriel said of Dr Birk-
mayer that “He can speak the language of psychiatrists, he
shares his soul and brings to bear great healing and wisdom
in using essential oils in psychological healing”. This was
certainly borne out during the seminar and in this article I
have tried to distil some of the essence of that inspiring day.
Dr Birkmayer has lived for many years in Albuquerque,
New Mexico, USA and founded the Birkmayer Institute
there in 2009 (http://thebirkmayerinstitute.com). In his
work he combines psychiatry, psychotherapy, aromathera-
py and equine therapy to treat clients with post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and he has built bridges between
ns.
allopathic, complementary and native traditions. mo
m
Some of his inspiration has come from the New Mexico p://co
desert which, he said “strips everything back to a stark htt
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Top: Florian Birkmayer shares his knowledge and
related realm has its own intelligence eg Spirit - ecosystem
experience; bottom: ariocarpus fissuratus cactus – for Dr
– species - organism - neural network - synapse - molecule
Birkmayer, an expression of the soul in a harsh environment
- vibration – Spirit. ➤
In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015 9
Spirit exists at either end of inter-relatedness, he exaggerated startle response; or poor concentration or
explained, and even plants use the quantum-energy-field sleep problems.
to photosynthesise more efficiently. I reflected that instead F: Duration – Symptoms persisted one month/more.
of ‘Spirit’ some preferred the term ‘Energy’ and spiritual G: Functional significance Symptom-related stress or
energy as pure energy. functional impairment (social or occupational).
This sense of interconnectedness, Florian observed, H: Exclusion – Disturbance that is not due to medication,
contrasts sharply with the severe sense of disconnection substance abuse or other illness.
or extreme isolation which many people with PTSD suf- Dissociative Symptoms may be specified, such as:
fer. He reported that his clients have been stigmatised, • De-personalisation – feeling like an outside observer,
labelled as ‘a difficult patient’; or misdiagnosed (eg detached from oneself or dreamlike
with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or • De-realisation – a sense of unreality, distance or distor-
schizophrenia). tion eg ‘things are not real‘
Or they have been treated with drugs that suppress • Delayed expression – diagnosis six months after
symptoms and have adverse side effects. All this increases trauma but immediate symptom onset
their disease burden, resulting in a loss of enjoyment, feel- Florian explained that diagnostic and scientific knowl-
ing disempowered or suffering double-abuse. They have edge about PTSD is still evolving. An individual could have:
become “a prisoner of their own diagnosis, disease or life • Simple PTSD - due to a single situation trauma
history”. Or
In his work Florian has found that clients rarely reveal • Complex PTSD - due to prolonged repeated trauma eg
everything straightaway. Over time, he assesses the trauma survivors of child abuse/hostages, or involving totali-
in a safe way, with a strategy to strengthen the person tarian control, physical violence or exploitative abuse.
before doing any deeper work. He asked “What is the Alterations (Herman 1997) could occur in:
locus of the suffering?” A person may need symptom Affect regulation - inappropriately expressed feelings;
relief, guidance and support, or a self-based, spiritual ap- self-injury, suicidal; or alternating inhibited or explosive
proach. In Florian’s view, the limited evidence that current or compulsive behaviour
medications work, and a lack of research, means that new • Consciousness - ruminating, amnesia, re-living events,
approaches are needed. depersonalisation, or derealisation
He feels that aromatherapy has a role to play here: • Self-perception - feel helpless, stigmatised, alone,
“Essential oils are molecules of connectedness. Using es- blamed, different, special, or ‘no one understands’
sential oils helps people with PTSD to re-connect to them- • Perception of the perpetrator - pre-occupation with
selves. The essential oils remind us of our connectedness their relationship, or paradoxical gratitude
- that we are all part of this world”, he said. • Relations with others - withdrawal, isolation, distrust,
self-protection, or ‘search for a rescuer’.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disor- Why use aromatherapy?
ders (DSM-5) (APA 2013), used by clinicians and research- Florian outlined a range of reasons why aromatherapy
ers to diagnose mental disorders, PTSD is defined under a may have a role to play in the treatment of PTSD:
range of criteria: 1. Research has been limited, with only a few randomised
A: Stressor – The person was exposed to: double–blind drug trials for PTSD (APA 2004).
• Death, or threat of it; actual or serious injury or sexual 2. Allopathic treatments have aimed to correct the levels of
violence; by direct exposure, witnessing or indirectly neuro-transmitters in the brain eg serotonin or dopamine.
learning that someone close was exposed However, a few studies have stated that serotonin levels
• Repeated or extreme indirect exposure eg during profes- are not involved in depression and that people suffer side-
sional duties or by electronic media effects. (Specific neurotransmitter receptors exist throughout
• Abuse or witnessing violence/trauma (child <6) the body eg the gut - so follow your gut feeling!)
B: Intrusion symptoms: Re-experiencing events by in- 3. Research results on Transient Receptor Potential Chan-
trusive memories; nightmares or dissociative reactions eg nels (TRPVs) have shown that:
flash-backs; intense distress after reminders; physiological • Drugs used for addiction, anxiety, and depression induce
reaction to related stimuli. changes associated with TRPVs eg TRP Vanilloid type 1
C: Avoidance – Persistent effortful avoidance of distress- in the central nervous system (CNS) and elsewhere in the
ing trauma-related stimuli eg reminders. body (Ho, Ward & Calkins 2012)
D: Negative alteration in cognition or mood: • Essential oils have been shown to act on TRPV’s eg Frank-
• Inability to recall key features of the trauma incense: incensole acetate activated TRP Vanilloid type 3:
• Negative beliefs; distorted blaming or emotions eg fear, anxiolytic, anti depressant effect (Moussaieff & Rimmer-
horror, anger, guilt, shame man 2008 & Moussaieff et al 2012)
• Having less interest in previous activities; feeling de- 4. Essential oils have been shown to act on the nervous
tached, estranged; or lacking positive emotions system effectively:
E: Alteration in arousal and reactivity – beginning or • Smell goes directly to the brain and not via the thalamus
worsening after the trauma eg aggressiveness or irritabil- as other senses. Minute smell particles are detected, the
ity; self-destructive or reckless behaviour; hyper-vigilance, shape of the molecules excites receptors, and a vibra-
10 In Essence Vol.1 4 No. 1 — Summer 2015