The dictionary defines Asthenia as the lack or loss of strength and or energy. The synonyms include debility, lassitude, lethargy, langour, stupour and torpour!!! These synonyms are variously defined as physical or mental inertness and the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish or indifferent. Also abnormal drowsiness. Phew!!!!!!! I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Asthenia appears in various forms, often in the guise of chronic fatigue, and its frequency has made me examine the causes on the physical, emotional and energetic levels. On the physical level, asthenia can be the result of dietary imbalance, toxic overload, allergies, environmental sensitivities, candidiasis, bacterias or viral infections, endocrine imbalance or a weakened immune system.

Obviously many of these causes can overlap and it is always advisable to suggest that clients see a doctor for proper diagnosis of symptoms. Once a diagnosis exists it is possible to determine what kind of aromatic treatment may be appropriate or contraindicated and allows both the therapist and client to achieve maximum results from the protocols. Recent research has indicated that extremely debilitated immune systems cannot handle intense stimulation as this causes further reduction in immune functions. Be sure you know what you are dealing with in your clients. Dr. Nicole provides an interesting recipe for asthenia in his workbook, and I have had good results from it in my practice.

On an emotional level asthenia has perhaps even more possible triggers. One of my clients just feels completely unable to cope. They feel paralyzed and unable to even move. Why bother functioning when the world is going to ".....hell in a hand basket all around me." This is an extreme example but nevertheless real and while the client is seeing various therapists for help they felt drawn to aromatherapy and seem to be receiving a significant level of support from essential oils and their applications.

Other emotional causes can include general depression either short or long term, financial pressures, employment issues, exams or school pressures, family problems or exceptional events and so on. One colleague, an R.M.T. who also practices aromatherapy believes that chronic fatigue often stems from issues of abuse and abandonment in childhood. Essential Oils may not be the whole answer but certainly they can help ease some of the intense emotional stresses.

Finally on an energetic level asthenia presents a different challenge. Many people do not even realize that they have energy bodies, much less that activity on that level may affect their health. Treating energetic issues does not ultimately require that the client understand or acknowledge the concept, although it certainly helps speed the results along. Here the skill of the practitioner and quality of the oils comes into the greatest play so that what is done is only what is appropriate and does not further invade the clients 'self'.

The modern world has created a situation where many people are abdicating responsibility for life. They believe nothing but bad things happen to them, although in truth we create our own reality and allow things to impinge upon us. Asthenia is a most modern 'dis-ease' and holistic therapies are extremely useful in addressing the imbalances that create it.