Guest post by Jack Bleeker

Acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga and aromatherapy are all known forms of alternative therapies. For mesothelioma patients, such complementary therapies can ease their pain and bring them peace. Specifically, aromatherapy is known to boost physical and psychological well-being. The distilled and highly concentrated plant-based oils are blended by professional aromatherapists to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of cancer patients.

The use of perfumed oils dates back thousands of years to ancient times. René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, originated the term “aromatherapy” and discovered the healing effects of Lavender oil when he burnt his hand and subsequently used the extracted plant oil to ease the pain.

Although there is no available scientific evidence that aromatherapy cures or prevents diseases such as mesothelioma, studies and physicians at mesothelioma clinics have discovered that the alternative treatment, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, can be an asset to a cancer patient’s treatment plan.

In Britain, there have been reports of reduced anxiety, depression, tension and pain in cancer patients who receive aromatherapy massages. Studies have also shown that breathing the vapors of peppermint, ginger and cardamom oil, among others, relieves nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation. The use of essential oils has even been known to alter the psyche of an individual and relieve depression. Studies have also shown that the effect in which essential oils play on the mind can ease depression, stress and anxiety. Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Lemon are specifically known to relax the body.

Aromatherapy may be administered in several ways. The oils may be inhaled indirectly via a room diffuser, inhaled directly through an individual inhaler, or by an aromatherapy massage, where diluted oils are rubbed onto the body.

Many patients who face incurable cancers, reach a place where they lose hope. Unfortunately, for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is no cure and patients are left with a bleak mesothelioma prognosis. In order to fight their condition, mesothelioma patients must keep their hopes high, and the proper incorporation of aromatherapy may allow them to do so.

Jack Bleeker, Mesothelioma.com