Dr. Betts is now investigating more deeply what chemical changes these oils are causing in the body, and what effects they may have on neurotransmitters and on the gene system in particular. Obviously, there are some very significant changes taking place with the aromatherapy massages. I do want to repeat here that the massage, while relaxing and likely beneficial in and of itself, is simply the method being used to introduce the essential oils into the system and establish a conditioned response. He won't use Fennel, Rosemary, Camphor, or Hyssop because they seem to increase the risk of seizures in some patients. The one oil that consistently seems to have anticonvulsant properties is Jasmine, and if you're considering trying aromatherapy massage, I'd suggest starting with Jasmine.
Epilepsy can be a horrible, debilitating problem.
It's a condition that has baffled physicians forever. Even with all the advances in medicine, treatment options are limited. Epileptic patients are either treated with mind-numbing drugs for life or in more drastic cases surgery. It's unfortunate for the thousands who will continue to suffer from epilepsy due to the ignorance and biases ingrained in our current medical system.