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Aromatherapy Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about aromatherapy

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Is aromatherapy massage beneficial for people with cancer?

In the UK, up to a third of people with cancer use a complementary therapy, such as aromatherapy massage, at some time during their illness. There is no evidence to suggest that aromatherapy massage helps to treat or prevent cancer but some reports suggest that it may help control the side-effects and symptoms of the disease.

Explanation

Aromatherapy can make you feel relaxed. Some studies suggest it may help you cope with stress and the side-effects of cancer treatment. However, there isn't enough evidence to recommend that all cancer patients have aromatherapy massage.

Some cancer patients decide to use aromatherapy massage to help cope with cancer treatment. Aromatherapy massage can help you feel in control and have an active role in your recovery. A skilled aromatherapist can provide support during and after your cancer treatment. Studies of massage, with or without aromatherapy, in cancer patients found that they felt less anxiety and had more restful sleep. However, there is mixed evidence about whether aromatherapy itself adds to the benefits of massage therapy or whether the massage alone was causing the effect.

Many cancer centres and hospitals offer aromatherapy massage to cancer patients. If you're interested in aromatherapy massage, speak to your doctor or nurse. He or she can give you more information about services in your centre or hospital and whether it's suitable for you.

Further information

Sources

  • Why people use complementary or alternative therapies. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 20 January 2009
  • Aromatherapy. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 20 January 2009
  • Questions and answers about aromatherapy. National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov, 23 May 2008
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How much does aromatherapy cost?

Aromatherapy treatments usually cost between £30 and £60 for a 60 to 90 minute session. The cost of essential oils will vary depending on what plants the oils are extracted from and the quality of the oil - some can be very expensive.

Explanation

It's important that you choose a qualified therapist who is insured and registered with a professional body. Confirm the cost of the treatment before booking. The price can vary depending on how many treatment sessions you have and the location of the practice.

Essential oils vary in price depending on their quality. High-quality essential oils can be costly. Some essential oils are diluted and blended with other products such as vegetable oils. These are often labelled as aromatherapy oil. If you're using aromatherapy at home, always choose a product that is labelled as being pure essential oil. It's important that you only buy products from a trusted supplier - the Aromatherapy Trade Council website has a list of these.

Keep your oils in a cool, dark place and away from sunlight. The oils will last for around two years once opened. Citrus oils have a shorter shelf life so store them in a fridge. Make sure you buy the oils in small quantities and always replace the caps.

Further information

Sources

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Can aromatherapy help with pain management in labour?

Some women decide to try complementary therapies such as aromatherapy to assist with pain relief in labour instead of medical methods such as strong painkillers or an epidural. However, there is no evidence to suggest that aromatherapy is helpful beyond relaxation.

Explanation

There are a number of options for pain relief in labour including gas and air, a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine, an epidural and strong painkillers such as morphine. Some women decide to use alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, for pain relief. However, there is little scientific research to prove its effectiveness. Some research does suggest that it can help to reduce anxiety so it may be of benefit in this way. Essential oils are also thought to help reduce tension and enhance relaxation.

Conventional pain relief options have been shown to be definitely effective, whereas the effects of aromatherapy are uncertain.

If you're considering using aromatherapy oils to help with labour and birth, it's important that you consult a qualified aromatherapist. He or she can advise you on the most suitable oils. You should also discuss aromatherapy with your doctor and midwife so that the necessary arrangements can be made for your labour. Some midwives are qualified to carry out aromatherapy during labour.

Further information

Sources

  • Smith C, Collins C, Cyna A, et al. Complementary and alternative therapies for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003521. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003521.pub2. www.cochrane.org
  • Position statement: complementary and alternative therapies. The Royal College of Midwives. www.rcm.org.uk, April 2007
  • Cooke B, Ernst E. Aromatherapy: a systematic review. British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50(455):493-96
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

Aromatherapy factsheet

 

 

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