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Does Your Job Make You Sick? |
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The skin is the largest organ of the body and functions much like the lungs--it breathes and absorbs. Studies show that as much as 60 percent of chemicals that touch the skin are absorbed, and must then be processed by the liver.6 Friction caused by rubbing or massaging the skin causes the surface temperature to rise and the pores to enlarge, thereby allowing the creams, lotions and oils to enter the body. Daily long-term use of man-made chemicals found in many massage oils can accumulate in the fatty tissues of our body and affect vital organ systems if used over a long period of time on a regular basis. We can handle synthetic chemicals in small amounts, but not when they start rising to such an extent that our inbuilt detoxifying mechanisms are overwhelmed.7 If the chemical toxicity from these man-made chemicals is severe enough, the body can break out in rashes and hives, as well as develop asthma, liver, gallbladder and pancreas problems and hormonal imbalances.8 Our cell membranes are protected by specific enzyme and dietary nutrients, such as antioxidants. The protective enzymes have such names as glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase; the protective nutrients, or antioxidants, include such nutrients as vitamins A, E, C and B, and such minerals as zinc, magnesium and potassium. Without these protective enzymes and nutrients, free radical damage can occur. For example, if liver glutathione levels are low, chemicals can react with proteins in the liver cells causing death of cells. The activated free radical forms found in some of the chemicals in certain massage oils and lotions can cause damage and inflammation to tissues. And if chemical toxicity and overload, combined with an inability to detox properly, are combined, then imbalance can occur. So why is it that some individuals appear to be affected by environmental chemicals, such as those found in some of the oils, while others demonstrate no sensitivities? We can sum it up like this: Each of us is biochemically and genetically unique inside. We differ in our ability to assimilate, we differ in the chemical structure of our enzymes and we differ in the efficiency of our enzyme systems. We differ in nutritional requirements. We differ in the quantities of each essential nutrient needed for optimal health. And finally, because we are unique, we will each be affected in different ways.9 So are massage oils making therapists sick? Based on the 48 cases that I documented, there is evidence to suggest that this is so, but several questions remain unanswered. To what extent do the additives in the oils and the lotions affect the therapist? To what extent does the daily amount of oils used affect each therapist? What are the other variables that have not been considered? Even with the positive results that I found in working with my clients, I feel that further controlled studies are warranted before any definitive claims can be made concerning the health risks involved with long-term exposure to synthetic additives in certain oils and lotions used by massage therapists. I would recommend, however, that those therapists who have developed unexplained or unresolved health issues since they have been in practice may want to check their oils for synthetic chemicals that might be harmful. If they feel that this might be of concern to them, I would recommend that they try the following: 1) switch to a light oil such as grapeseed, as lighter oils seem to be easier for the liver to process; 2) make sure that they are not using an oil to which they may be allergic, such as peanut oil (allergy testing can possibly rule this out); 3) try using organic oils and lotions if possible, since pesticides in nonorganic plants from which oils might be derived can mimic estrogen and raise levels unnaturally; and 4) rotate oils used on a daily basis. In conclusion, by all means, don't hesitate to consult a physician for support for your symptoms, and don't forget regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate rest and plenty of pure drinking water! ••• Millie Hinkle, ND, DH, HHP, has been in practice for 13 years. Having received her training in the United States and Germany, she is board-certified and a member of the American Naturopathic Medical Association. Dr. Hinkle is nationally known for her work and has appeared on numerous television and talk radio programs, and has lectured throughout the United States. Her practice is located in Apex, North Carolina, where she is currently writing a book on environmental illness and multiple chemical sensitivities. Dr. Hinkle can be reached at: 919-387-9869. Comments about the article can be directed to Dr. Hinkle's publicist at: sharilhindman1@home.com References 1. Dadd, D. Nontoxic, Natural and Earthwise. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Archer, Inc., 1990. |
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Throughout this study, I was constantly asked the same questions:
"Are all therapists affected?" and "Why me?" The answer to both questions is the simple fact that each individual is unique with very different immune systems. Each of us metabolizes chemicals differently based on our individual inherited genetic abilities, nutritional deficiencies and the extent of the toxic overload to be processed that is challenging our systems.5