Module 7

Question 1

What is the function of the immune system?

Answer 1

The functions of the immune system: 1) is to act as a defence mechanism to protect our bodies from disease-causing microorganisms that invade our bodies 2) to destroy and remove our own cells that are diseased or malignant, no longer functioning normally 3) to identify “non-self” cells and tissues, and also remove them from the body (as in the case of tissue or organ transplants)

Question 2

What is nonspecific immunity? List four specific examples.

Answer 2

It is the system of structures and mechanisms in the body that intercept and attack any irritant or abnormal substance that threatens the internal environment. E.g. skin, mucous membranes, tears, and cilia.

Question 3

What is an inflammatory response? What are characteristics signs of inflammation?

Answer 3

It is a cascade of events that happens in the immune system in response to injury or invasion by microorganisms or foreign proteins. Characteristics signs of inflammation or swelling, redness, heat, and pain.

Question 4

What is specific immunity?

Answer 4

‘Specific immunity’ is the term for the highly specialized response of the immune system to invading microbes or foreign proteins.

Question 5

What is”inherited immunity”?

Answer 5

Inherited immunity is the immunity that is inborn from birth, such as immunity to distemper (humans are unaffected by this canine virus because of inherited immunity to it).

Question 6

What is “acquired immunity”?

Answer 6

Acquired immunity is immunity that is developed from exposure to invading microorganisms, together with a proper immune response (can be either natural or artificial exposure i.e. vaccinations)

Question 7

What is “passive immunity”?

Answer 7

Passive immunity is immunity to disease that has developed in another individual and is transferred to an individual who is not previously immune e.g. anti-bodies in mother’s milk provides passive immunity for her infant.

Question 8

Explain the difference between ‘Natural Immunity’ and ‘Artificial Immunity’?

Answer 8

‘Natural Immunity’ occurs when the body is exposed randomly and naturally to a foreign agent. ‘Artificial Immunity’ results from deliberate, artificial exposure i.e. immunization

Question 9

What are antibodies?

Answer 9

Antibodies, a.k.a. immunoglobulins,are Y-shaped proteins which help to identify and remove foreign agents (antigens) from the body. Specific antibodies are produced to respond to specific antigens. The Y-like structure is such that it can bind to multiple antigens at one time, forming antibody-antigen clusters that are easily eliminated by killer cells. Antibodies also “tag” foreign proteins by attaching to them, which then makes them more easily detectible by phagocytes that are on a mission to ‘consume’ them.

Question 10

What is complement fixation?

Answer 10

Complement fixation is a process whereby the binding of an antibody to an antigen exposes secondary binding sites on the antibody itself, called complement-binding sites. At the same time, specific proteins in the blood called “complement” proteins are activated by the antibody-antigen binding, and secondarily bind to the newly exposed complement-binding sites. This antibody-antigen-complement complex has a special ability to “puncture” the foreign (or malignant) cell membrane, causing sodium influx into the cell, and subsequent lysis or cell death, due to the resultant movement of water into the cell by osmosis.

Question 11

What are phagocytes?

Answer 11

Phagocytes are white blood cells derived from bone marrow that ingest and eliminate foreign agents. Neutrophils and monocytes are two different kinds of phagocytic cells. Neutrophils are short-lived, but monocytes migrate into tissues where they are changed by chemical influences into giant phagocytic cells called macrophages. Macrophages secrete substances that attract other white blood cells to the infection site. Some macrophage cells are permanent in tissues, such as Kupffer cells in the liver and dust cells in the lungs.

Question 12

What are lymphocytes?

Answer 12

Lymphocytes are The most prolific cells of the immune system, originating from the bone marrow, they are ultimately responsible for antibody production. They “patrol” the body continually, searching out any possible “enemies”. Dense populations are found in lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissue as well, such as the thymus gland and spleen and liver.

Question 13

What is the function of B cells?

Answer 13

B cells are a type of lymphocyte that are responsible for producing massive amounts of antibodies. Initially formed in the bone marrow, B cells migrate to and inhabit lymph nodes where they are on constant monitoring duty. Immature B cells already have preset antibody proteins in them and are “primed” to produce those antibody proteins when they encounter their “matching” antigens. When they are “activated”, B cells differentiate into two different kinds of cells – plasma cells and memory cells. Plasma cells produce copious amounts of antibodies – 2000 per second – during their short lifespan. Memory cells, on the other hand, are “potentiated” and ready to produce the same antibody proteins, but they remain in reserve in the lymph nodes until a point in the future when the same triggering antigen is encountered, and the memory cells jump into action and immediately begin producing copious amount of the required antibodies. Hence why it is called “acquired immunity”.

Question 14

What is the function of T cells?

Answer 14

T cells are another type of lymphocyte that originates in the bone marrow, but goes on to mature in the thymus. As we mature, T cells leave the thymus and migrate chiefly into blood circulation and also to the lymph nodes where they reside permanently. T cells, like B cells, are “primed” with a membrane protein called a T-cell receptor that has potential specificity for a particular antigen. When it encounters its “counterpart antigen”, it becomes “activated” and can either kill its target cell directly by producing chemicals (in the role of a Killer or NK T-cell) or by secreting messenger chemicals that “call in” macrophages to destroy the enemy cells and also stimulate B cells to produce antibodies (in the role of a Helper T-cell)

Question 15

What is an allergy?

Answer 15

An allergy is a hypersensitivity of the immune system to relatively harmless environmental antigens (a.k.a. allergens). Long-term exposure to an offending allergen stimulates the production of antibodies to that foreign protein. Thus sensitized, whenever exposed to that particular allergen, the antibody arsenal creates antibody-allergen complexes, which in turn trigger enmasse production of histamines and kinines (chemical messengers), resulting in the symptoms of allergies – itching, swelling, inflammation, mucus production, hives, and breathing difficulties.

Question 16

What are three common groups or types of allergies?

Answer 16

1) food 2) chemicals 3) inhaled allergens

Question 17

What essential oils would you use for asthma (base, middle, top notes) and what modes of use would you choose?

Answer 17

Question 18

How would you treat a client with hayfever? (oils & modes of use)

Answer 18

Modes of use:

• Topical on localized area (chest, neck, reflexology points)
• Bath/shower
• Compress
• Diffusion/Aromatic

Question 19

How would you treat a client with hives? (oils & modes of use)?

Answer 19

Question 20

What is autoimmunity?

Answer 20

Autoimmunity is an inappropriate and excessive response to one’s own tissues (ie. self- antigens). Disorders that result from autoimmune responses are called autoimmune diseases. Some examples of autoimmune diseases are: Crohn’s, Graves’ disease, Lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease.

Question 21

What is Crohn’s disease? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this disease?

Answer 21

Crohn’s disease is a form of ulcerative colitis that causes ongoing chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s may occur in any parts along the G.I. tract – it can affect the large intestine, the small intestine, the rectum, or the mouth. The inflammation causes intestinal walls to thicken. Symptoms include:

• crampy abdominal pain
• fever
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• pain with passing stool (tenesmus)
• persistent, watery diarrhea
• unintentional weight loss
• constipation
• eye inflammation
• fistulas (usually around the rectal area, may cause draining of pus, mucus or stools)
• joint pain
• liver inflammation
• mouth ulcers
• rectal bleeding and bloody stools
• skin lumps or sores (ulcers)
• swollen gums
• Aromatherapy considerations: treatment of the individual symptoms includes but is not limited to essential oils are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, and calming.*
• Modes of use:*
• light massage
• bath
• compress
• diffusion

Question 22

What is Graves’ disease? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this disease?

Answer 22

• Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system, which is located just below the larynx in the neck. This gland secretes the hormone thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which control body metabolism. This is critical for regulating mood, weight, mental and physical energy levels. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune response that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormones. It is most common in women over the age of 20 but can occur at any age and in both sexes.*
• The main symptoms of Graves’ disease are:*
• anxiety/nervousness
• breast enlargement in men
• difficulty concentrating
• double vision
• eyeballs that stick out (exophthalmos)
• eye irritation and tearing
• fatigue
• frequent bowel movements
• goiter
• heat intolerance
• increased appetite
• increased sweating
• insomnia/restlessness and difficulty sleeping
• menstrual irregularities in women
• muscle weakness
• rapid or irregular heart beat (palpitations or arrhythmia)
• shortness of breath with exertion
• tremors
• weight loss (rarely, weight gain)
• Aromatherapy considerations: treatment of individual symptom including but not limited to stress, insomnia, fatigue, depression, concentration, inflammation, emmenagogue, and slowing the autonomic nervous system.*
• Modes of use:*
• light massage
• bath
• compress
  
  • diffusion

Question 23

What is Lupus? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this disease?

Answer 23

• Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many tissues in the body, joints, blood vessels, organs, nervous system and skin. The name lupus erythematosus refers to the red rash that often develops on the face of those affected. The “systemic” part but the name refers to the fact that the disease affects many systems throughout the body, as a result of production of antibodies against many different self-antigens.*
• Aromatherapy Considerations: rather than treating the disease as a whole, essential oils should be chosen that will help with specific symptoms of the autoimmune disease. For instance, essential oils that are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, soothing to the skin and circulatory stimulants should be used.*
• Modes of Use:*
• Light massge
• Foot baths
• baths
• compress
• diffusion

Question 24

What is multiple sclerosis? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this disease?

Answer 24

• MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It affects more women than men it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that insulates and surrounds neurons. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses “short out” and are slowed down or stopped. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation, accompanied by the triggering of immune cells which attack the nervous system. Repeated episodes of inflammation can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, or spinal cord. Researchers are not sure what triggers the inflammation but the most common theories point to a virus or genetic defects, or a combination of both. Geographic studies indicate there may be environmental factors. Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack may be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks or months. Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks.*
• Muscle symptoms:*
• Loss of balance
• muscle spasms
• numbness or abnormal sensations in any area
• problems moving arms or legs
• problems walking
• problems with coordination and making small movements
• tremor in one or more arm or legs
• weakness in one or more limbs

Bowel and bladder symptoms:

• Constipation and stool leakage
• difficulty beginning to urinate
• frequent need to urinate
• strong urge to urinate
• urine leakage (incontinence)

Eye symptoms:

• Double vision
• Eye discomfort
• Uncontrollable rapid eye movements
• vision loss (usually affects one eye at a time)

Numbness, tingling or pain:

• Facial pain
• painful muscles spasms
• tingling, crawling, or burning sensation in the arms and legs

Other brain and nerve symptoms:

• decreased attention span, poor judgment, and memory loss
• difficulty reasoning and solving problems
• depression or feelings of sadness
• dizziness and balance problems
• hearing loss

sexual symptoms:

• problems with erections
• problems with vaginal lubrication

Speech and swallowing symptoms:

• Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech
• Trouble chewing and swallowing
• Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptom as MS progresses. It is often worse in the late afternoon.*
• Aromatherapy considerations: Shirley Price writes about three patients suffering from MS. Essential oils were chosen as that would help with persistent pain, balance the immune system, address muscle fatigue, and stimulate circulation and memory. Essential oil of Rosemary officinalis, sandalwood, lemongrass, and geranium were used. Because there are so many symptoms related to MS, the list of recommended essential oils would be too lengthy to list here. Aromatherapists should choose several of the most debilitating symptoms and their recommended essential oils. Research has shown that massage is very helpful in MS and so the optimal treatment would include the specific essential oil applied by massage.*

Question 25

What is rheumatoid arthritis? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this disease?

Answer 25

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and the surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs. As in other autoimmune diseases, the immune system confuses healthy tissue for foreign substances, as a result attacking itself. RA can occur at any age but is more common in women than in men.*
• Common symptoms:*
• Fatigue
• loss of appetite
• low fever
• swollen glands
• weakness

joint pain:

• morning stiffness, which lasts for more than one hour in joints
• warm, tender, and stiff joints
• often felt on both sides of the body
• fingers (but not fingertips), wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, jaw, and neck may all be affected
• joint often swollen and feel spongy to the touch
• over time, joints lose their range of motion and may become deformed

Other symptoms:

• chest pain when taking a breath (pleurisy)
• eyes burning, itching and discharge
• nodules under the skin (usually a sign of more severe disease)
• numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet
• Joint destruction may occur within one to two years after the disease appears.*
• Modes of use:*
• light massage
• compress
• bath
• inhalation

Question 26

What is celiac disease? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this disease?

Answer 26

• Celiac disease is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When individuals with celiac disease eat gluten, the villi in the G.I. tract are damaged. This is due to an immune reaction to gluten, which concurrently ‘attacks’ epithelial tissues in the GI tract. Damaged villi do not effectively absorb basic nutrients – protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and in some cases water and bile salts. If celiac disease is left untreated, damage to the small bowel can be chronic and life-threatening, causing an increased risk of associated disorders – both nutritional and immune related.*
• Celiac disease is unique in that a specific food component, has been identified as the trigger. Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin. The rash has a symmetrical distribution and is most frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks. DH patients can have intestinal damage without obvious gastrointestinal symptoms.*
• Symptoms May include:*
• Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas
• distention and bloating of the stomach
• chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
• Steatorrhea (fatty stools)
• Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)
• Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain

Other symptoms:

• Dental enamel defects
• osteopenia, osteoporosis
• bone or joint pain
• fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
• infertility – male/female
• depression
• mouth ulcers
• delayed puberty
• tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• migraine headaches

Some long term conditions that can result from untreated celiac disease:

• iron deficiency anemia
• early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
• vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging
• vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• central and peripheral nervous system disorders – usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies
• pancreatic insufficiency
• intestinal lymphoma and other G.I. cancers (malignancies)
• gallbladder malfunction
• neurological manifestations
• Aromatherapy considerations: treatment of specific conditions resulting from celiac disease is the best way to deal with this disease. Keep in mind that wheat germ carrier oil is contraindicated.*
• Modes of Use:*
• Massage
• Localized application i.e. abdominal area
• foot baths
• baths
• compress
• diffusion

Question 27

What is Isoimmunity?

Answer 27

Isoimmunity is a normal reaction of the immune system to antigens from a different individual of the same species. Instances occur in some cases of pregnancy and in transplant cases. During pregnancy, antigens from the fetus may enter the mother’s blood supply and sensitize her immune system. Antibodies that are formed as a result of the sensitization may enter the fetal circulation and cause an inappropriate immune reaction. This can cause damage in the fetal tissues such as congenital heart defects, graves disease, and myasthenia gravis. Tissue or organ transplants include skin grafts, blood transfusions, or organ transplants. Rejection of donated tissue can be host-versus-graft rejection where the recipient’s immune system recognizes and attacks foreign human lymphocyte antigens (HLA’s) on the donated tissue, destroying the donated tissue/organ. Or, graft-versus-host rejection involves immune factors in the donated tissue which attacks the host and may lead to death. (For example donated bone marrow).

Question 28

What are two categories of immune deficiencies?

Answer 28

There are congenital and acquired immune deficiencies. Congenital immune deficiency, which is rare, results from improper lymphocyte development before birth. Inherited combined immunodeficiency affects both T cells and B cells. It may be deadly within the first year of life if it isn’t treated early. Acquired immune deficiency develops after birth and is not genetically connected. It may be a complication of diseases such as HIV, malnutrition (particularly lack of protein), cancer, having the spleen removed (the spleen helps fight certain bacteria), diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and candida. Immunosuppression can occur as a side effect of some medications (s/a corticosteroids or chemotherapy). Old age can also result in immunosuppression, due to shrinking of lymphoid tissue, particularly the thymus and the number and activity of WBC’s drop.

Question 29

What is HIV? How is it contracted?

Answer 29

It is a viral infection that is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, saliva, or breast milk. In particular, the HIV virus is a retrovirus, containing only RNA, and it inserts its RNA into its host cell’s DNA, and thus uses the cell’s machinery to replicate itself. HIV primarily attacks immune system cells, especially CD4 T cells; thus, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancer. When CD4 T cell numbers drop below a certain level, cell-mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes increasingly more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The four major routes of transmission are unsafe sex, contaminated needles, breast milk, and transmission from an infected mother to her baby at birth (perinatal transmission). Screening of blood products for HIV has largely eliminated transmission through blood transfusion or infected blood products in the developed world. Researchers have been trying to develop a vaccine, but this is complicated because HIV, like many viruses, constantly changes. Treatment with anti-retrovirals like AZT and Norvir slows down the virus’ advance – a combination ‘cocktail’ of antivirals has shown the most effectiveness at slowing down HIV’s progression. HIV is considered pandemic by the WHO – between 1981 and 2006, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people.

Question 30

What is AIDS? How is it contracted?

Answer 30

• AIDS is the advanced state of HIV progression. ie. Most untreated HIV patients eventually develop AIDS. HIV progresses to AIDS at a variable rate, depending on viral, host, and environmental factors. Most will progress to AIDS within 10 years of HIV infection. The average survival rate with treatment of antivirals is 5 years, without treatment, typically death occurs within one year.*
• Aromatherapy considerations: some examples of essential oil properties that can be used for HIV and AIDS include but are not limited to:*
• Antiviral
• antifungal
• anti-inflammatory
• immune boosters
• stress relief
• insomnia
• lymphatic stimulants

Modes of use:

• Massage
• bath
• compresses
• diffusion

Question 31

What is chronic fatigue syndrome? How is the contracted? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this condition?

Answer 31

• CFS is a prolonged and severe tiredness (fatigue) it is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other conditions. The exact cause CFS is unknown. Some researchers suspect it may be caused by a virus such as the Epstein-Barr virus for the human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6). However, no specific virus has been identified. Studies also suggest CFS may be caused by inflammation along the nervous system, and this inflammation may be immune-mediated. Other factors such as age, prior illness, stress, environment, or genetics may also play a role. CFS most common occurs in women ages 30 to 50.*
• Symptoms of CFS are similar to those of most common viral infections (muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue).*
• Main symptoms:*
• Fatigue or tiredness, new onset, lasting at least six months and not relieved by rest
• fatigue that is severe enough to restrict activity

Other symptoms:

• muscle fatigue lasting more than 24 hours following activity
• feeling unrefreshed after sleeping an adequate amount of time
• forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, confusion or irritability
• headaches, different than previous headaches in quantity, severity, or pattern
• joint pain, often moving from joint to joint, without joint swelling or redness
• lymph node tenderness in the neck or armpit
• mild fever
• weakness
• sore throat

Aromatherapy considerations: essential oils that work on the following conditions are helpful in addressing CFS:

• Depression
• fatigue
• insomnia
• stress
• pain
• inflammation
• liver tonic
• immune boosting
• mental stimulants

Modes of Use:

• Light massage
• Bath
• Compresses
• Diffusion

Question 32

What is fibromyalgia? How is a contracted? What are some aromatherapy considerations and modes of use for this condition?

Answer 32

• Fibromyalgia is a common condition in which people experience long term, body-wide pain and tenderness in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. It has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms. The cause of it is unknown. Triggers may include emotional trauma, an abnormal pain response, sleep disturbances, or an infectious microbe – all of which have been theorized, but not proven. Men and women of all ages get fibromyalgia, but the most common is women between the ages of 20 and 50.*
• The following conditions may be seen with fibromyalgia:*
• Chronic neck or back pain
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• depression
• hypothyroidism
• Lyme disease
• sleep disorders
• The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is pain. Exact locations of the pain are referred to as “tender points”. Tender points are found in the soft tissue on the back of the neck, shoulders, sternum, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, and knees. The pain spread out from these areas. The pain is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning and ranges from mild to severe. Joints are not affected, although the pain may feel like it is coming from the joints. People with fibromyalgia tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness. For some patients, the pain improves during the day increases again during the evening, although many patients day-long, non-stop pain. Pain can increase productivity, cold or damp weather, anxiety and stress. Fatigue and problems with sleep are seen in almost all patients with fibromyalgia.*
• Other symptoms may include:*
• Irritable bowel syndrome with gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation
• numbness and tingling in hands and feet
• palpitations
• sad or depressed mood
• tension or migraine headaches

Aromatherapy considerations: essential oils at work on the following conditions could include but are not limited to:

• Depression
• fatigue
• insomnia
• stress
• analgesic
• inflammation
• anti-viral
• thyroid stimulants
• liver tonic
• immune boosting
• mental stimulants

Modes of Use:

• Light massage
• bath
• compress
• diffusion

Question 33

What are the two ways Tisserand says that essential oils have an effect on the immune system?

Answer 33

According to Tisserand, there are two ways in which essential oils may have an effect on the immune system – one is a pharmacological effect, and the other is a psychological effect.

Question 34

How can essential oils treat infection?

Answer 34

Essential oils can be used in treating infections by:

• Their microbial action working directly against micro-organisms
• their immune-stimulant action boosting the body’s own defenses
• their depurative properties eliminating accumulated waste material and toxins that become a prime environment for microbes to breed.

Question 35

ow can essential oils be used to treat viruses?

Answer 35

Essential oils high in terpene alcohols, Monoterpene alcohols, and cineole are suitable for treating influenza type viruses (eg. eucalyptus and ravensara). They can also be used as prevention. Essential oils have both a rapid action on a pathogen, and a powerful stimulating effect on the immune system of the host. Penoel suggests through his observations, that essential oils can alter the pH and the electrical resistance of the tissue terrain in a way which is unfavorable to the viral organism. For example, in one study where patients were given the essential oils of tea tree, oregano, naiouli, and thyme chemotype thujanol-4, they had higher levels of immunoglobulin A after the test period compared to before. Melissa has been implicated in studies as being very effective against the herpes simplex (cold sore) virus, even thoroughly eliminating it in some cases. Hyssop is considered the single most effective broad-spectrum antiviral.

Question 36

What is psychoneuroimmunology?

Answer 36

It is the study of how mental states and emotions affects the immune system. How a person feels can directly impact the activity of the immune system. Evidence of this lies in the observation that immune system cells have receptors for neurotransmitters, which implies that a positive mental state can result in a stronger immune system, so any aromatherapy that is uplifting to the individual is recommended in aiding recovery.