Pink October: Aromatherapy & Reduction of Symptoms and Discomfort During Breast Cancer Treatment

Pink October: How Aromatherapy Can Help Reduce Symptoms and Discomfort During Cancer Treatment

The Power of Integrative Care in Pink October

Pink October is a time of awareness and support for all women facing breast cancer, the second most common neoplasm in the world. During treatment, physical and emotional well-being are constantly challenged, with symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and even pain, which make daily life and emotional balance difficult. Fortunately, complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy, have shown promising results in reducing these symptoms, offering a humanized approach for relief and emotional support.

What is Aromatherapy and How Does It Work?

Aromatherapy, a practice recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a complementary therapy, uses essential oils derived from aromatic plants. The technique is based on the connection between smell and the limbic system (the part of the brain that regulates emotions and feelings). When we smell an aroma, aromatic molecules stimulate our nasal receptors, which send messages to the brain, activating reactions that can range from relaxation to stress relief.

Why Does Aromatherapy Help in Cancer Treatment?

Oncology patients undergoing treatment, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, frequently experience intense side effects, including nausea, burns, fatigue, and mood swings. Aromatherapy emerges as a technique to help cope with these discomforts, providing relief through the inhalation and topical use of essential oils.

The technique is adopted in hospitals and clinics worldwide, especially in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia. Experts, such as physiotherapist Michelle Sanz, emphasize that aromatherapy does not replace medical treatments but complements conventional care, helping to improve the patient's quality of life.

Benefits of Aromatherapy for Oncology Patients

1. Reduction of Treatment Side Effects

   • Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, skin irritation, and extreme fatigue. Essential oils like peppermint and ginger have been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and increasing caloric intake, contributing to the relief of discomfort after sessions.

2. Anxiety and Stress Relief

   • Cancer directly affects mental and emotional health, generating anxiety and stress due to uncertainties and changes in routine. Studies indicate that oils such as lavender, bergamot, and chamomile significantly reduce these feelings, providing a sense of calm and promoting emotional stability.

3. Improved Sleep and Reduced Insomnia

   • Sleep disturbances are common during cancer treatment. Research with leukemia patients showed that the use of lavender and peppermint oils improves sleep quality and duration, helping in the physical and mental recovery of patients.

4. Immune System Support

   • During oncological treatment, the immune system is often compromised. Essential oils with antiviral and antibacterial properties, such as tea tree and lemon, are used to strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent infections and protect the body.

How to Use Aromatherapy in Oncology Patients

To ensure the benefits of aromatherapy, it is important to know that essential oils can be used in two main ways:

• Olfactory Route: Through diffusers and inhalers, oil molecules are carried to the brain or bloodstream, promoting relaxation and anxiety relief.
• Cutaneous Route: Massages, footbaths, and immersion baths are methods where the oil penetrates the skin, reaching the bloodstream and promoting a deeper effect. This type of use requires supervision, as some oils are contraindicated for specific cases of cancer, such as estrogen-dependent ones (breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer).

Recommended Essential Oils and Their Benefits

1. Lavender: Known for its relaxing and anxiolytic properties. Relieves stress and contributes to improved sleep.
2. Chamomile and Bergamot: Act to relieve anxiety, being indicated for moments of nervousness and high stress.
3. Peppermint and Ginger: Excellent for relieving nausea and improving digestion. They can be used before or after chemotherapy sessions to reduce discomfort.
4. Frankincense and Sandalwood: Have antidepressant and calming properties, being indicated for moments of introspection and emotional support.
5. Rosemary: Used in cases of peripheral neuropathy, it helps reduce pain and inflammation in peripheral nerves.

Care and Contraindications

Although aromatherapy offers several benefits, it is essential to have the supervision of a specialized professional to ensure safe use. Patients with estrogen-dependent cancer, such as breast cancer, should avoid certain oils that may have a similar action to hormones. Furthermore, application must always follow specific recommendations to avoid

Complementary Therapies in Pink October

Throughout cancer treatment, every little bit of relief is valuable, and aromatherapy presents itself as an ally in controlling physical and emotional symptoms. During Pink October, it is an opportunity to recognize and value self-care and the embrace of complementary therapies, respecting the central role of medical treatments and highlighting the importance of each patient's integrity and well-being.