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In palliative care the people caring for a patient such as friends and family also have heightened health issues particularly stress and fatigue.

The National Association of Complementary Therapists in Supportive and Palliative Care (NACTSPC) was established to promote a greater understanding of the role of Complementary Therapies in end of life care. What is palliative care? ...
Palliative care is treatment that is aimed not at curing illness but rather alleviating the symptoms of illness and enabling the person affected to live the best possible life they can. What do therapists do? ...
Complementary therapists work holistically acknowledging all of their patient’s needs – physical, mental, emotional, social and cultural. Therapists will often work with these carers too. They may use therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy, Reiki, sound therapy and Tai Chi. In what way do the patients benefit? ...
The treatments are always relaxing and pleasant to receive which has the immediate benefit of improving comfort and reducing anxiety. Treatments can also help manage symptoms such as pain, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, immobility, depression, nausea and fatigue. (Aromatherapy) massage has helped me enormously. I was using so much pain medication before. Now, after my massage, the pain goes away for 4 days and I am no longer using any pain medication at all. I feel so completely relaxed after my Reiki. I feel calm and at peace. What is the evidence? ...
There is some scientific evidence to support the efficacy of complementary therapies but the most immediate evidence is the response of patients and their comments.

21/09/2026

World Reflexology Week is an annual event to promote reflexology and raise public awareness on a global level.
In a world where anxiety is increasingly recognised as both a mental and physical experience, reflexology offers a gentle, non-invasive approach that can help to calm the nervous system.
While it is important to remember that reflexology is a complementary therapy and not a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders, there is some promising research:
~ A feasibility study found reflexology may influence the autonomic nervous system, suggesting a potential mechanism for stress reduction through physiological calming responses (Hughes CM, Krirsnakriengkrai S, Kumar S, McDonough SM)
~ A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that reflexology significantly reduced anxiety among patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures (Chandrababu R, Rathinasamy EL, Suresh C, Ramesh J)
~ More recent clinical research on hand reflexology demonstrated improvements in anxiety, pain and fatigue, particularly in medical settings (Ali EA, Awad WHA, Khedr MA, Rabie EAEGA)

Worked gently to avoid overstimulation and with the intention being to soothe and gently rebalance, the following reflex points can be helpful when working with anxious or stressed clients or patients:
~ The Solar Plexus reflex, often considered the key reflex for emotional regulation, working this reflex can encourage deep breathing, reduce feeling of overwhelm and promote emotional release.
~ The Diaphragm Line, particularly important for this that tend to hold their tension in their breathing, working this reflex can support fuller, slower breathing, reduce chest tightness and encourage parasympathetic activation.
~ The Head and Brain reflexes, useful for those experiencing overthinking, insomnia and mental fatigue.
~ The Adrenal Gland reflex, playing a central role in the body's stress response, working this area can help regulate the stress response, support recovery from chronic stress and balance energy levels.
~ The Spine reflex, relating to structural and nervous system balance, working this area can help release physical tension, support posture affected by stress and calm the central nervous system.
~ The Heart and Lung reflexes, helpful for those experiencing palpitations or shallow breathing linked to anxiety, working these reflexes can help emotional processing, breath capacity and circulation.

It is important, when working with anxious clients or patients, to keep a slow pace and gentle pressure and begin and end with holding techniques to ground and create a sense of containment and safety.

Source: AOR Reflexions Magazine no.159, Autumn 2026

10/09/2026

The NHS estimates that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around 2 million people in the UK. SAD is a type of depression with a seasonal pattern and symptoms include persistent low mood, feelings of worthlessness, trouble concentrating and loss of interest in regular activies.
Significantly more common in the winter months, it can also occur in the summer.
The exact cause of SAD remains unclear but medical experts link it to circadian rhythm – reduced sunlight in winter can disrupt our body’s internal clock, leading to depression, and melatonin and serotonin levels – less sunlight can cause a drop in mood-regulating serotonin and an overproduction of melatonin, which triggers sleepiness.
In an updated article by The Tisserand Institute Robert and Hana Tisserand explore the research around essential oils and mood and how aromatherapy may complement wellbeing practices for seasonal mood changes.

Some essential oils that may help support those affected by SAD are:
Black pepper – useful where lethargy is a problem.
Grapefruit – stimulating and invigorating.
Jasmine – widely regarded as an antidepressant.
Lemon – invigorating and anxiety reducing.
Rosemary – supports concentration.
Bergamot – reduces anxiety and stress.
Clary sage – helps calm the nervous system.
Orange – calming and anxiety reducing.
Rose – helps to lower stress, ease anxiety and supports sleep.
Sandalwood – calming, mood improving and supports attentiveness.

Click the link to read the article and for full details of research and references.
https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-and-seasonal-affective-disorder/

18/08/2026

We've all heard the term 'busy bee', used to describe a person who is hardworking and constantly moving from one task to another, like most of us in our daily lives in fact! Bees are indeed busy little creatures but they also value the importance of rest and recuperation, in National Wellness Month we can all learn a lesson from the humble bee about helping ourselves and others to live a more calm and purposeful life.
Research shows that resting bees slow their brain activity to sharpen memory and communication, their daily rhythm proves that rest is not a waste of time, but a key tool for good focus, health and teamwork.

In activity each bee has a clear role that helps the whole group succeed, scout bees use dance to share good spots so others do not waste energy, their little bee brains know that action works best when they cooperate and share clear information. They support each other, if a bee is hurt or tired, others step in to help.
Sleep helps bees remember paths and flower locations, tired bees move slowly and make mistakes in the communication dances, and pausing helps the hive stay productive and prevents burnout.

And let's not forget their sense of community and environmental balance - all their jobs, be it cleaning, nursing or gathering food, matter equally, their clear sense of duty helps the whole group survive. As bees get food for themselves, they pollinate plants, helping flowers and food crops grow for everyone else, they store enough honey for hard times, but they do not over-extract or waste resources.

When thinking about our own wellbeing we have an invaluable tool at our fingertips, the essential oils produced by many of the flowers loved so much by bees.
Aromatherapy offers us a wonderful way to connect with nature, supports us in times of overwhelm, grief, stress and anxiety and helps us achieve a more restful sleep.

For a wonderful blog about bees and wellbeing by Kirsty Summerbell follow this link:
https://www.baseformula.com/blog/aromatherapy-blog/bee-inspired-aromatherapy
This blog is also an article in the IFA members magazine Aromatherapy Times Summer 2026.

03/08/2026

The Therapist Well-Being Report 2026, created by Hayley Snishko, advocate and speaker on mental health, in association with tpot education, draws on anonymous response from 159 professionals working across beauty, spa, wellness and therapeutic settings.
The Report found:
~ 72% of therapists report burnout or overwhelm because of their work, with more than a quarter experiencing it frequently or very frequently.
~ 89.3% of respondents had experienced physical exhaustion from their work, with almost one third saying frequently or very frequently.
~ 86.8% of respondents hand experienced emotional fatigue.

Therapists are not only delivering treatments, their work can involve listening, empathising and supporting clients and patients through difficult experiences .
Interestingly of those surveyed, 74.8% said clients seemed more emotionally overwhelmed and 64.2% said clients seemed more physically exhausted compared to 5 years ago.
When therapists were asked what clients were seeking most:
~ 71.7% selected stress relief.
~ 49.1% selected nervous system regulation.
~ 45.9% selected escape or rest.
~ 32.7% selected pain relief.

The good news is that, despite these pressures, 99.4% of respondents said they felt fulfilled by their work and every respondent reported experiencing a meaningful connection with clients.

This illustrates the importance of looking after ourselves as therapists by making sure we have strong professional boundaries, peer support and regular check-ins and professional development beyond technical skills.
Remember to 'practice what you preach' and reach out for support where needed.

To read the full article click here:
https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/therapist-burnout-wellbeing-report-2026

15/06/2026

Aromaticks, or aromatherapy inhalers, have been used successfully in cancer care settings across the UK. They help support patients to ease symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, fatigue and sleep problems.
They are a useful self-care tool to allow patients to feel more in control of their symptom management and, if given before their complementary therapy treatment, can help to increase the benefits.
Carefully made by qualified aromatherapists, the blends are chosen with consideration of the patients physical and emotional needs and any aroma preferences they might have.

Safe use of Aromasticks:
~They should not be shared.
~Allergies must be checked before use.
~They must not be used near an oxygen cylinder, piped oxygen, oxygen masks or nasal tubing.
~They are intended to complement medical treatment not replace it.

Reference:
Stringer J, Donald G. Aromasticks in cancer care: an innovation not to be sniffed at. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 May;17(2):116-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.06.002. PMID: 21457903.

08/06/2026

Hosted by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), Aromatherapy Awareness Week is a global initiative dedicated to highlighting the clinical value of aromatherapy and the positive role it can play in supporting health and wellbeing. It celebrates the vital contribution aromatherapists make across the UK and internationally to individuals, families, and communities around the world.

The week also invites people to take a closer look at their own wellbeing, explore complementary approaches to self-care, and recognise how aromatherapy can support both physical and emotional health.

10 Facts About Aromatherapy

~Smell is the only sense directly linked to the brain’s emotional centre
Olfactory signals travel straight to the limbic system, which controls emotion, behaviour, and memory - without being filtered first.

~Aromas can influence memory and recall
Because the hippocampus (memory centre) is part of the limbic system, scent stimulation may influence memory processing and recall.

~Essential oils can trigger immediate physiological responses
Studies show changes in heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tone, and brain activity can occur within minutes of inhalation.

~Over half of aromatherapy research uses inhalation
Around 58% of studies investigate inhalation as the primary method, highlighting its importance in affecting the nervous system.

~Essential oil molecules can influence the brain in multiple ways
They can act via the olfactory system, enter circulation through the lungs, and in some cases cross the blood–brain barrier to interact with brain regions.

~Aromatherapy may influence neurotransmitters
Certain essential oil compounds are thought to affect neurotransmitters linked to mood, attention, and memory, although research is still developing.

~Lavender dominates research in this field
Around 30% of studies focus on lavender, making it the most researched essential oil in relation to the nervous system.

~Citrus oils are the second most studied group
Oils like lemon and bergamot account for roughly 24% of research, often linked to mood and alertness.

~Some essential oils show cognitive effects in studies
For example, rosemary has been associated with improved memory performance in controlled trials.

~Brain imaging shows measurable changes after exposure
Techniques such as EEG and near-infrared spectroscopy have demonstrated changes in brain activity and oxygenation following exposure to certain aromas.

Source: International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)
For more information and details ofresearch follow the link:
https://ifaroma.org/en_GB/home/news-events/aromatherapy-awareness-week

01/06/2026

What glorious weather we've had lately and doesn't sunshine just lift the mood?
With that in mind let's look at sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis).
A bright sunny oil with a sweet, uplifting scent, it has many wonderful properties but from an emotional point of view it can calm nervous tension, refresh the mind and promote a positive outlook.
The sweet orange fruit is extensively grown naturally in sunny, hot countries - California, Florida and Mediterranean countries - and the oils from them are like a burst of sunshine: uplifting, warm, bright and restorative.
Extracted by expression or steam distillation, the distilled oil is poorer quality and causes phototoxicity (sensitivity to sunlight). Expressed sweet orange is non-toxic and non irritant in dilution.
When the heat gets too much and you need a refreshing, hydrating boost try this facial spritzer:

75ml mineral water
1 tbsp orange floral water
1 tsp glycerin
5 drops orange essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil

Mix the mineral water, orange floral water, glycerin and essential oils together and stir thoroughly. Pour into a sterilised bottle with an atomiser and store in the fridge. Keeps for up to 6 weeks.

18/05/2026

Hayfever affects many people at this time of year when tree pollen peaks and into the summer when grass pollen is prevalent.
When these particles enter your nose, eyes, or throat, your body releases Histamine, leading to inflammation and irritation. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sometimes a headache.
There are some essential oils that can help support you through the most common symptoms:

· Peppermint (Metha piperita): This contains Menthol, which is well known to open your airways and reduce nasal congestion.
· Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender’s properties, Linalool and Linalyl acetate, are naturally anti-inflammatory and calming, helping to reduce your overall allergic response.
· Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus): High in Cineol, it supports easier breathing and helps clear mucus, easing respiratory discomfort.
· Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): Contains Chamazulene, providing anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe symptoms.

Adding the following blend to a diffuser at home or work can provide relief from symptoms:

· 2 drops of Peppermint (Metha piperita)

· 2 drops of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

· 4 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

A chest rub can help support easier breathing, especially at night, to 20ml of base oil add the following:

· 5 drops of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

· 5 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Apply to upper chest and throat.

For portable relief add a couple of drops of Eucalyptus or peppermint to a tissue and inhale when you feel congested. Avoid letting the tissue touch your skin directly. Alternatively, add a maximum of 20 drop to a nasal inhaler.

It is important to consult your GP or pharmacist if your symptoms are difficult to manage but essential oils can offer gentle and natural support to help you go about your day.
Source: Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, at Tisserand.

Have you got any tips for natural relief during hay fever season? Let us know in the comments..

13/05/2026

New findings published on the 23rd March 2026 by the Integrated Medicine Alliance (IMA) show that complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are rapidly achieving mainstream adoption with 43% of UK adults surveyed – equating to 24.5 million people if applied nationwide - having used them at least once.
Some key findings from the survey are:
~Millennials (currently between 30 and 45 years old as of 2026) are the most interested in alternative treatments, with 83% saying that CAMs have helped them. ~Massage is the most popular treatment, with more than a quarter of people having tried it (27%), followed by herbal medicine (19%), aromatherapy (14%), and acupuncture (13%).
~Millennials were also found to be twice as likely than older generations to want the NHS to fund CAMs treatments. With almost seven in 10 millennials saying the NHS should provide free access to Complementary and Alternative Medicines for those who wished to use them.
~16% of people using or considering CAMs did so because of a GP recommendation.
~8% of those surveyed turned to social media to research treatments. YouTube was the most popular website for research, with 22% turning to it, ahead of the 20% who checked official websites. This was followed by Facebook (17%), TikTok (16%) and alternative medicine practitioners (15%).

Dr Naveed Akhtar, chairman of the Integrated Medicine Alliance, said:
"The message is clear: it is time to move beyond the false divide between believers and sceptics. While professional debate has remained polarised, the public has quietly made its choice. Complementary therapies are already helping large numbers of people and easing pressure on the NHS. When an approach delivers genuine benefit, meets patient needs and conserves public resources, the question is no longer whether it belongs, but how we organise healthcare around what genuinely helps patients."

Professor Sir Sam Everington, Co-Chair of the College of Medicine said:
“The best outcomes for patients are delivered when the focus is on what matters to them and when they are allowed to take the lead. We call this personal medicine, a blend of traditional bio-medicine and alternatives which focuses on the simple question: what makes you well? - physically, mentally and socially. Patients tell us that CAMs play a really important part in this balance.”

https://collegeofmedicine.org.uk/new-survey-proves-critical-need-for-greater-consistency-in-how-cams-are-understood-explained-and-recommended-across-primary-care/

05/05/2026

The Mental Health Foundation has been organising Mental Health Awareness Week for the last twenty-five years.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign that takes place every year in May. This year it takes place 11-17 May 2026. It highlights the importance of good mental health, challenges stigma and promotes practical actions people can take to support their own wellbeing.
We don't always have to make huge changes, 10-15 seconds can be enough to reset and bring balance to stressful and overwhelming times during our busy lives. The 'mindful pause' is an intentional, short-term practice of stopping activity to bring full awareness to the present moment and regulate the nervous system, allowing you to pause, breathe, and choose your response rather than acting impulsively.

Here a five simple practices to try:
~ Notice one sensory detail fully, - whatever you can taste, smell, hear or feel at the time, really appreciate it!
~ Take three slow, intentional breaths, being aware of the rise and fall of the ribcage.
~ Let your weight drop downward as you stand or sit and really notice the support beneath you.
~ Drop your shoulders and unclench your jaw, feel the tension drop away.
~ Set a timer or leave yourself a note to remind you to pause regularly.

These are short, simple ways to bring a pause to your day and to pass on to patients or clients.

References:
International Therapist - Spring 2026
linktr.ee/floriane.rodriguez

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