An Introduction to Aromatherapy for People with Learning Disabilities

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote health and well being and is being used increasingly with children and adults who have severe learning disabilities. Although well known for its relaxing, invigorating and health promoting effects, its use can be further extended to provide sensory stimulation and to help develop communication through a trusting relationship. This article sets out to explore each of these areas and to describe how they have been used with people with severe learning disabilities.