patient care with a comprehensive understanding of public health principles . 20 Qualified accredited health practitioners play a crucial role in ensuring that clinical practices adhere to established standards of care while simultaneously ensuring that public health initiatives are guided by clinical data , and that the relationship between the two is reciprocal . 20 Patients need effective prevention strategies to cope with the environmental influences that make achieving health a challenge . 12 It is essential to empower patients with the knowledge and skills necessary for self-care , enabling them to engage actively in their own healing journey . 12
There are several characteristics that contribute to the alignment of preventive natural medicine with good public health . These encompass : 21
• patient-centred , humanistic , and compassionate
• focused on self-healing and homeostasis
• creating healing environments
• ability to empower patients
• thinking from a prevention standpoint
• skill in using high technology
• evidence-informed ( scientific and traditional ), outcome-focused practices
• being part of a multidisciplinary team
• being grounded in the community
Numerous modalities are enhancing our understanding of the intricate interactions and interplay between biological , environmental , behavioural , and socioeconomic elements that influence and shape health and wellbeing . 22 Some of the preventive natural medicine modalities include aromatherapy , bodywork , counselling , herbal medicine , homeopathy , lifestyle medicine , massage and myotherapy , naturopathy , nutrition , reflexology , shiatsu , yoga , and various mind-body practices . Following is a brief overview of some of these modalities .
The absorption of essential oils through the skin can alleviate perceived stress in patients , promote healing , and facilitate improved communication .
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice utilising the aromatic essences of plant-derived essential oils . 23 The Papyrus Ebers included knowledge referring to the use of aromatic substances in medicine ( aromatic medicine ). 24 Aromatherapy massage , which incorporates essential oils , is acknowledged as a form of mind-body therapy . 25 Aromatherapy massage integrates the principles of aromatherapy with the techniques of massage , providing the therapeutic advantages associated with both modalities . 26 Essential oils are derived from various plant parts , including flowers , 24 , 27 seeds , stems , leaves , needles , petals , rinds , fruits , woods , resins , roots , rhizomes , and grasses . 24 Aromatherapy works alongside conventional medicine treatment . 24
Aromatherapy can be utilised via massage and via inhalation . 24 It is believed to exert its effects by the physiological and pharmacological actions of the chemical constituents present in essential oils . 28 Aromatherapy utilises the skin pathway to stimulate olfactory senses , while the application of scented oils to the skin elicits both mental and physiological reactions . The absorption of essential oils through the skin can alleviate perceived stress in patients , promote healing , and facilitate improved communication . 24 Aromatherapy engages the olfactory system , with scents entering through the nostrils and reaching the olfactory bulb . 24 , 25 This sensory input is subsequently transmitted to the brain for interpretation , where the amygdala elicits an emotional reaction , and the hippocampus is involved in the retrieval and formation of memories . Furthermore , the limbic system collaborates with the cerebral cortex , thereby stimulating cognitive processes and emotional experiences . 24
Aromatherapy can be beneficial for symptom management for anxiety , 23-25 , 27 , 29 24 , 26 , 30
depression , stress , 24 , 26 mood , 23 , 30 psychological distress , 31 pain , 23-25 24 , 25
nausea , vomiting , 24 preoperative anxiety , 24 sleep and insomnia , 23-25 sleep quality , 30 overall health , 25 comfort , 23 emotional wellbeing , 25 and wellbeing . 23-26 Aromatherapy influences the nervous system and has the potential to enhance immune function . 25
Aromatherapy involves several important considerations , such as the potential for inflammability ( combustion ), safety for children and the elderly , dermatitis risk , phototoxicity reactions , oral toxicity , and ocular safety . 24
Counselling
Effective counselling is a fundamental element in the prevention and management of various conditions , such as depression , 32 , 33 anxiety , 32 social anxiety , 32 thoughts of being a failure , 34 apprehension , 34 hostility , 32 and cardiovascular events . 35 Counselling can encourage a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle , mitigating the effects of risk factors . 35
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