CAM

Natural therapy
Includes diet, exercise, naturopathy, herbalism, natural hygiene, homeopathy, massage therapy, relaxation techniques (eg. Yoga, Tai Chi), acupuncture, sauna, aromatherapy, and ayurveda medicine.

Head injuries:
Deficit in memory –siberian ginseng, rosemary leaf, peppermint leaf
Learning and memory – tyrosine, pyridoxine, phosphatidylserine
Anger management, anxiety, frustration or depression – St. Johnswort, passionflower, Siberian ginseng, Calamun Root, Prickly Ash Bark
Muscle contraction – acetylcholine (give choline and Vitamin B5)

Acupuncture – pain impulses are blocked from reaching spinal cord or brain
Massage – restoration of proper joint function and strengthening supporting muscles and soft tissues. Stretches and loosens muscle and connective tissue and improves blood flow. Reduces pain by blocking pain impulses from reaching brain.
Cranio-sacral therapy – gentle soft touch no greater than 5 grams to release constrictions in the craniosacral system which improves function of CNS. Used in traumatic brain injuries, motor-coordination impairment
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Aromatherapy
- use of aromatic plant oils for psychological and physical wellbeing.
- may be used as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion.
- different aromas and chemical constituents of the oils can produce different emotional
and physiological reactions.
- used to alleviate symptoms of digestive problems, eczema, headaches, insomnia, stress,
relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue, promote relaxation, affects
mood
- little evidence that it effectively prevents or cures illness.

People respond to the sense of smell on an emotional level more strongly than any other sense. For example, a single aroma can trigger a whole string of forgotten memories. The area of the brain associated with smell is the same area as that associated with memory. The olfactory nerves are located within the nasal cavity and respond to particular aromas. They send the information to the part of the brain where memory and emotions lie. This area connects with another part of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) which governs our hormonal systems. These aromas trigger a variety of chemical actions within the body, including the release of specific chemicals. Enkephalin reduces pain and creates a feeling of well-being. Endorphins also reduce pain and induce sexual feelings. Serotonin helps relax and calm. Because the olfactory nerves are a direct extension of the brain's limbic system, reaction to smell is relayed immediately.

After brain injury, patients need to regain strength. Aromatherapy found to help regain strength, improve joint mobility, decrease physical tension.

In the plant, the essence molecules act as regulators and messengers, protect from parasites and disease, role in fertilization, assist adaptation to environment

Things to keep in mind:
Some oils are toxic eg. camphor, wintergreen
Some are very potent and should not be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin.
Most should not be consumed
Some oils can be dangerous during pregnancy or to certain people with certain conditions eg. epilepsy and high blood pressure
Some people may be sensitive to aromatic plant oils. May have allergic reaction such as skin rashes. Eg. eucalyptus, ginger etc.

Sources:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Aromatherapy?OpenDocument
http://www.aromatherapy.com/aromatherapyoverview.html
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=600962006
http://healing.about.com/od/diseasesandhealthissues/a/tbi_5.htm
http://www.tbirecovery.org/Overview.html

(Posted by: Vivian)