
Aromatherapy is frequently used as a form of supportive therapy in palliative care, often in conjunction with massage. It has a low risk of adverse effects, and we have seen the contributions aromatherapy has made to people’s quality of life at this significant stage.
Aromatherapy helps to:
- Manage pain
- Improve moods enabling a re-engagement in the pleasures of life
- Increase appetite through the use of appetite stimulating blends
- Promote sleep at night by using calming essential oils and massage
- Reduce anxiety, fear, and depression
- Improve skin quality, reducing skin tears and discomfort
- Improve circulation with warming essential oil products and massage
Supportive Research and Recommended products:
Aromatherapy in palliative care contributes to person's quality of life by providing the aroma-therapeutic interventions which relieve pain, anxiety, depression, support and enhance physical, psychosocial and spiritual wellbeing.
Research supports the use of Aromatherapy for these and many other purposes. Studies have shown that:
- Lavender and Rosemary may affect mood, anxiety levels, and alertness positively[1] and Orange and Lavender have been found to significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood too[2]
Recommended Product: Uplifting Pure Essential Oil and/or Massage and Body Oil
- A massage combined with essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile, Orange and Geranium has been shown to have positive effects on people with depression[3]
Recommended Product: Relaxation Pure Essential Oil Blend or Massage and Body Oil
- Twice daily moisturisation has been shown to reduce the number of skin tears by almost 50% in residents living in Aged Care homes[4]
Recommended Product: Skin Repair Cream
1] Diego, MA[2] Lehrner, J[3] Yim V[4] Carville K
Aromacare's top tip for introducing Aromatherapy to End of Life and Palliative Care
An education session for care staff delivered by a qualified aromatherapist will support your care team by providing the fundamental knowledge required to provide aromatherapy for palliative care clients.
On request, Aromacare can include recommendations on how to prepare and use aromatic cloths with your residents in a safe and effective manner.
Featured Products for Palliative and End of Life care
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