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How can aromatherapy help people in mental health crises? Many psychiatric institutions in Switzerland offer aromatherapy and/or aromatherapy. Regula Rudolf von Rohr, a specialist in aromatherapy and psychiatric aromatherapy at the University Psychiatric Clinics of Basel in an interview.
Regula Rudolf von Rohr
Regula Rudolf von Rohr is a specialist in aromatherapy and psychiatric aromatherapy at the University Psychiatric Clinics of Basel. She introduced aromatherapy there many years ago and established psychiatric aromatherapy in the medical-therapeutic services. She is president of the Psycharoma Association and appears a speaker, also at the farfalla Academy.
A scent has direct access to our emotions. This makes it possible to influence emotions very quickly and easily, triggering immediate positive feelings, regulating tension, or helping us focus. Aromatherapy is a simple means of influencing our psychological well-being.
On the skin and, above all, inhalation, meaning by smelling a scent strip or fragrance stick, or a nearby scented stone. Skin treatments (such as embrocation) are primarily offered as guided self-applications. There are also foot baths and full baths, but these must be incorporated into the daily routine. We also focus on mobile applications such as roll-ons, which are quickly at hand and can be experienced through the skin and nose.
Do the applications differ for different mental illnesses?
Yes, there are indeed differences. People with depressive disorders respond better to lower dosages, while overly strong scents tend to overwhelm them. For clients with high levels of tension, skin applications with higher dosages of up to three percent are recommended.
Which essential oils are most commonly used in psychiatric aromatherapy?
Citrus scents are very important, although not everyone likes them equally. However, soothing scents are also needed. Sweet components like tonka bean or benzoin are important, as are herbs like lavender and marjoram. As for tree oils, we start with spruce needle; Atlas cedar is an important follow-up scent in this category.
How important are personal fragrance preferences in aromatherapy?
It's the main thing! As a professional, I preselect scents based on my expertise, and the client chooses which scent they want to use based on their olfactory perception.
What feedback do you receive from clients about aromatherapy?
A lot of positive feedback. People who can relate to scents are very grateful for this opportunity, as it is very personal and individual. For some people, a door opens to self-care, which is very difficult in this situation. Of course, there are also clients who say they don't experience any effect. In that case, it's about learning to give a pleasant feeling space and, above all, to value it. If they succeed in doing that, they notice how wonderful it can be to do something good for themselves during the hospitalization situation – and even later on. The focus of aromatherapy work is on self-awareness and self-efficacy.
How does aromatherapy in a psychiatric hospital differ from other hospitals?
Somatic hospitals are focused on clear symptoms. Often, the effect can be measured or assessed. Blood pressure can be measured, or wound care can be assessed. In a psychiatric setting, the results are not measurable. It's about perception in crisis and the experience of self-efficacy. The assessment is done by the clients themselves.
What does self-efficacy mean in aromatherapy?
It's about consciously perceiving what's good for you and then applying it specifically. This can be strengthened and practiced. Essential oils are ideal for this because the effect is rapid and clients can work independently. This allows them to discover and strengthen their self-efficacy.
We are grateful to Regula Rudolf von Rohr for the interview.
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