A Holistic Look At Autism

Like any other dis-ease, malady, or disorder a person may experience, mental and emotional health challenges must be addressed with a holistic approach to truly begin a journey toward healing. The whole person is affected by mental and emotional disorders, so it isn't just a matter of modifying behavior or pharmaceutically "fixing" up the brain to discontinue inappropriate behaviors or improve function.

Because essential oils have the innate intelligence to bring the body into balance, they can be a priceless tool for addressing autism and many other neurological disorders on a holistic level. I am very excited about the potential of integrating aromatherapy into educational programs and biomedical treatments to help those suffering from these illnesses. Like the motto for Jenny McCarthy's autism awareness organization, Generation Rescue, states--"Autism is reversible". I wholeheartedly believe that!

Let's look at some of the known contributing factors in persons experiencing autism.

Gastrointestinal disorders: Some researchers believe that gastrointestinal disorders may be linked to the brain dysfunctions that cause autism in children (Hovath et al.,1998) In fact, there have been several cases of successful treatment of autism using pancreatic enzymes.In the human body, essential oils stimulate the secretion of antibodies, neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones, and enzymes.

Heavy metals: Ingredients like mercury and aluminum are especially concentrated in vaccinations and antibiotics, but also other environmental sources such as high fructose corn syrup, soda cans, cookware, antiperspirants, baking powder, aluminum foil, etc. Read a comprehensive list of heavy metal sources here, pretty shocking! These metals can build up in the body over time and be transferred to the developing fetus by the mother. These chemicals lodge in the fatty tissues of the body, which in turn, give off toxic gases that may cause allergic symptoms.

European scientists have studied the ability of essential oils to work as natural chelators, binding with heavy metals and petrochemicals and expelling them out of the body. Some success in reversing autism has resulted through heavy metal detoxification along with nutritional supplements.

Yeast overgrowth and parasites: In her book, He's Not Autistic, But...,Tenna Merchent describes how yeast and parasites are a byproduct of heavy metals in the body. Aluminum kills the body's natural bacteria, which allows yeast and parasites to flourish and as a result wreak havoc on digestion and mental function. Essential oils have powerful yeast, fungus, and parasite fighting properties as well as the ability to break down mucus plaque where these things like to multiply.

In the following posts, we will look at specific essential oils that are helpful for autism and the ways they can be used to achieve increased balance and well-being.