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Reed Receives Complementary And Integrative Rehabilitation Medicine Research Award

William Reed, DC, Ph.D., director of the UAB PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program, has received the 2023 Complementary and Integrative Rehabilitation Medicine Research Award from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.

The award honors Reed for his recent contributions to rehabilitation science. Since 2023, Reed has co-authored 11 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Molecular Brain, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Frontiers of Integrative Neuroscience.

Most notably, Reed is currently an MPI on a $2.7 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). This U24 award, titled Force-Based Manipulations Research Network, seeks to develop resources to refine and test key concepts that will advance and further support study on the physiological mechanisms and biomechanics of force-based manipulations (FBMs) or better known as manual therapy.

"We just completed a very successful second year," said Reed. "Our FBM network called FORCENET  has more than 390 members, and in January 2024, ForceNET published 10 peer-review articles – involving collaborations from an astonishing 56 authors across seven countries – in a special issue in the Journal of Manual Manipulative Therapy, and I was fortunate to be a co-author in two of these special issue journal articles, in addition to being a co-author of another 2023 FBM-related paper in the Frontiers Journal of Psychology."

Reed currently serves as the NIH Steering Meeting co-chair, which includes three FBM initiative U24 awards that total more than $9 million in funding. In addition, he serves as chair of the Pilot Grant Working Group of all three FBM networks. To date, Reed's U24 related ForceNET network has awarded two pilot grants totaling over $100,000 with an additional two FBM pilot grants (totaling $150,000) in line to be funded in 2024.

Reed received his award at the annual ACRM meeting in Atlanta, Georgia this past year. In association with the award, he delivered a presentation titled "Building an interdisciplinary mechanisms of manual therapy collaborative network."

Also in 2023, Reed received an ACRM service commendation for serving as the Complementary and Integrative Rehabilitation Medicine Networking Group Information and Education Task Force Co-Chair. He has served in this capacity for several years.

A Journey To Heal, Use Essential Oils To Encourage Wellness

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or burned out can be a consequence of neglecting stress management. Coping with life's stressors can be accomplished in a plethora of traditional or nontraditional means, including with aromatherapy. 

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, "Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) as a complementary health approach." 

It can be used to promote better sleep, alleviate pain and induce relaxation.

A Health Crisis

Andrea Bailey-Tweed suffered a major health crisis that left her in a wheelchair, unable to walk for a period of time. She experienced severe negative reactions to medications and opted to add aromatherapy to her search for wellness. After Bailey-Tweed began studying aromatherapy,  she prepared numerous blends to use consistently while incorporating therapeutic massage and chiropractic care. Bailey-Tweed eventually regained her ability to walk. 

"I knew I would not heal through traditional means and decided to take charge of my own destiny and health. I remembered the teachings of my grandmother and began studying and employed the power of aromatherapy for my own healthcare with astonishing results," said Bailey-Tweed.

Around 2016, Bailey-Tweed started a business as a certified aromatherapist. She became CEO of Earth's Own Essentials, LLC.

What does a certified aromatherapist study and do?

"A certified aromatherapist has spent hundreds of hours studying the science of essential oils, the systems of the body, the ethnobotany of plants, chemistry, human physiology, conducting case studies, creating formulations, and writing research publications. They are trained to assess clients' needs and create personalized aromatherapy treatments using essential oils, hydrosols [aromatic waters], carriers, etcetera," she explained.

Bailey-Tweed advocates for essential oils and holistic treatment to be used in conjunction with other medical treatments as advised by an individual's doctor. Ingesting oils is not recommended unless it is done under the care of a qualified aromatherapist or health care provider. 

She further explained that an aromatherapist may provide consultations, educate clients on safe and effective usage, work with holistic healthcare doctors, conduct clinical studies, teach, train, publish research and more. 

Oils, Oils and More Oils

Lavender, orange, rose, eucalyptus and peppermint are examples of essential oils. Topical oils are used for supportive health and wellness care such as allergies, digestion, headaches and pain. Aromatherapy can be used in candles and linen sprays and more.

According to Bailey-Tweed, some lesser-known benefits of aromatherapy are the hundreds of therapeutic and clinical, and emotional benefits essential oils provide, including improved cognitive function; enhanced immunity; mood enhancement; pain relief; stress reduction; respiratory support and more.

Inhalation of essential oils can provide respiratory benefits by clearing congestion, reducing inflammation and by soothing irritated airways. Oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree are commonly used to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as colds, coughs and sinus congestion. 

Use Aromatherapy Properly

"Essential oils are commonly used through inhalation (via diffusion or inhalers), topical application (diluted in carrier oils), and less commonly, ingestion (although this should only be done only under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider with experience using this method). Essential oils can damage mucous membranes and possibly cause serious problems when ingested or used improperly. They are very potent, and for some, it is difficult to accept that such a small amount can have such a substantial impact on our bodies," Bailey-Tweed warned.

 Aromatherapy users should note that steps can be taken to guard against allergic reactions.

"It is important to never apply pure essential oil(s) topically on the skin without a carrier oil. All topical essential oil applications should be properly diluted with carrier oil, according to Bailey-Tweed.

She further explained that carrier oils are made from plants or possible plant parts. Carriers are neutral, and heavier than essential oils, are very safe for the skin, and are used to dilute essential oils before topical application. They help carry (or escort) the essential oils into the body. Examples include jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil and grapeseed oil. 

"Also, certain oils like citruses should not be applied to the skin and exposed to full sun," Bailey-Tweed also said. "Before using any blend or oil, a brief patch test of a drop of oil mixed in a carrier oil and applied to skin will usually determine if you have a sensitivity or allergies in a short amount of time."

Bailey-Tweed still uses aromatherapy every day to supplement her own health.

"Overall, aromatherapy offers a wide range of benefits beyond just its pleasant aroma, making it a versatile and effective complementary therapy for various physical and emotional concerns," she said.

Visit, Earth's Own Essentials, LLC via https://earthsownessentials.Com/.

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