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Preface
This
book is intended for health professionals in the
USA wanting to use aromatherapy in a clinical way
to enhance their practice. It draws from Clinical
Aromatherapy in Nursing (1997) but is a different
book as it is no longer written from a nursing
perspective and has been substantially expanded to
meet the needs of ALL health professionals. Things
have moved on since 1997. I have gained a Ph.D.
(which helped my thinking!) and much has improved
in the aromatherapy world. Several clinical studies
have appeared in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Aromatherapy is finding its way into wellness clinics,
hospices and hospitals, and courses are being
taught at leading universities. Aromatherapy has
become part of everyday language. Despite this,
popular misconceptions abound. This book was
written to try to correct those misconceptions and
to indicate the important role that essential oils
could play in future healthcare.
The
book is laid out in a similar way to the first book
but with several important differences:
1. The book is no longer written
from a nursing perspective, although there is a
section on aromatherapy as part of nursing
care.
2. The text has been reviewed and edited by experts
in the field (see acknowledgements).
3. The text includes many new tables to help the
reader assimilate the information.
4. The chemistry section has been expanded and
improved and includes molecular drawings.
5. There are several new sections: on psychology,
psychiatry and aromatic medicine (that covers
internal use). There are specific sections for the
physician, massage therapist, chiropractor and
naturopath.
6. The individual clinical sections have been
updated and expanded especially the part on
immunology.
7. The book is intended for USA residents and so
OSHA and JACHO requirements are covered and
education in the USA is addressed.
8. The number of references has almost doubled.
9. The reference system has been changed so it is
easy to identify the reference in the text.
10. There is an extensive index.
The
book is divided into three broad sections. These
are overview, clinical use and useful information.
The overview begins with a background section. The
background section covers the basics such as;
historical use, where essential oils come from, how
they are obtained, what they consist of; how they
work and how they are absorbed into the body. This
is immediately followed by contraindications,
toxicology and safety issues. Then there is a short
introduction to the psychology of smell. After this
broad introduction, the book begins to become more
specific with sections on how aromatherapy could be
used in by nurses, body workers or as part of
prescriptive medicine used by physicians,
chiropractors and naturopaths. The oral and
internal use of essential oils is covered. A
general hospital section follows addressing how the
generic problems of infection, pain, insomnia,
nausea and stress could be relieved by essential
oils. Finally the clinical section is divided into
departments found in a medical setting, and there
is a discussion of how aromatherapy could alleviate
some of the common problems found in each clinical
section with reference to published research, my
own clinical experience and that of my students. I
am greatly indebted to the input of many
physicians, nurses and other professionals who
edited and reviewed these sections. Towards the end
of the book there is a section on OSHA and JAHCO
requirements, training and education in the USA and
some recommended reading, websites and essential
oil companies. Included in this section are generic
protocols and policies. Finally at the end of the
book there is a list of hospitals that use
aromatherapy and a list of databases and websites
that could be useful.
This
book has been a labor of love. I hope you enjoy
reading it as much as I enjoyed the journey. If one
piece of good research is carried out because of
this book, all the hours will be have been well
spent.
This
book is dedicated to all those who walk the path
with me. Thank
you.
Dr. Jane Buckle RN
PhD
September, 2002
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