Homepage

Site Policy

Contact

For people with a sensory impairment, touch and smell contributes towards a multi-sensory approach to help learning. It can be supportive, comforting, and can help develop trust and relationships (Nind 1998). 

THE BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY AND MASSAGE

COMMUNICATION 
Touch is a way of connecting, exchanging information, and building a relationship – this forms the basis of all communication which is central to our work with people who have disabilities (Sanderson 1997). TOUCH and SMELL are vital to understand our environment. They are also a behavioural need. Lack of tactile stimulation can contribute towards challenging behaviour (McCray 1978).

SMELL MEMORY 
Current research suggests that the smell of essential oils associated with a relaxing and safe environment can be used in other situations to help calm people during periods of anxiety and aggression (Williams 1997). 

MASSAGE 
Massage helps stimulate circulation, which in turn will help the body’s natural healing processes. 

PAIN RELIEF 
Research shows that lavender oil (Angustifolia) can reduce pain and can also be used to reduce anxiety (Wolfson 1992, Buckle 1993).

USING ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY

DILUTION 
Always add the essential oil to a carrier oil (grapeseed, sweet almond) before use. Use 1 drop of essential oil for every 2 mls of carrier oil. 
Teaspoon of carrier oil = 5 ml (2 drops) Dessert spoon = 10 ml (5 drops) Tablespoon = 15 ml (7 drops) 
Use half the amount of drops on the face or sensitive skin, on children and the frail elderly. 
EPILEPSY – Avoid the strong-smelling oils and consult your Therapist first for advice. 
MEDICATION - Consult your GP or Aromatherapist if on medication or other prescribed treatment.
PHOTOTOXICITY – Avoid strong sunlight after using bergamot, grapefruit and orange. 
BURNERS and BATHS – Use no more than 4 drops of essential oil.
MASSAGE – Never massage damaged or inflamed skin and joints

SAFETY

The safest oils are chamomile, frankincense, lavender, marjoram, myrrh, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, and ylang ylang.

Store essential oils in a safe place away from children. Essential oils must always be diluted before use. Never use on broken or damaged skin. Stay with the ‘safe’ oils until you feel competent.

THERAPETIC USES

ANTISEPTIC – tea tree, lavender. 
CONCENTRATION – rosemary. 
JOINT PAIN – chamomile, juniper. 
NAUSEA – peppermint, ginger. 
RELAXATION – chamomile, lavender. 
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS – eucalyptus, pine, tea tree, lavender, clary sage. 
SEDATING – clary sage, juniper, lavender, marjoram, sandalwood. 
SKIN CONDITIONS – chamomile, lavender, geranium, tea tree. 
HEADLICE – geranium, tea tree. 

SOME OILS FOR THE CARERS!! 

APHRODISIAC – jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood. EXHAUSTION – clary sage, frankincense, lavender. FRUSTRATION – ylang ylang. PMT – bergamot, geranium, rose. 
STRESS and ANXIETY – bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, melissa.

Useful publications 
Aromatherapy and massage for people with learning difficulties – Sanderson, Harrison and Price (1997) Hands On Publishing and Training. Access to communication:  Nind and Hewett (1998) David Fulton Publishers. Planning a multi-sensory massage programme for very special people: Longhorn (1993) Catalyst Education Resources Limited.