Aromatherapy at Totally Kids

Aromatherapy is just one aspect of care we incorporate in the Acute Unit at Totally Kids. We have found aromatherapy to be a powerful intervention for patients who have Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), trauma, altered states of cognition and alertness. Aromatherapy has also been beneficial when it comes to pain management and anxiety reduction. Aromatherapy uses naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of mind and body. Aromatherapy has gained popularity as a safe and cost effective complementary therapy to alter mood and physical symptoms.

In a recent research study  with patients in a hospital setting it was found Sweet Marjoram reduced pain by three points or a 27% reduction. Ginger reduced nausea by two points or an 18% reduction. Lavender and marjoram was foiund to reduce anxiety by two points or an 18% reduction (Johnson et al., 2016).

Here at Totally Kids Acute Unit, we have observed that including  aromatherapy in our Sensory Integration Therapy along with the Music & Memory Program assists our patients in  progressing towards their sensory/cognitive goals and increases their state of alertness.