A global vision of care and health
Scientific aromatherapy is a complementary therapeutic approach to classical allopathic medicine. For the Foundation, the development of aromatherapy initiatives is part of a global vision of care and health. Incorporating new complementary therapeutic approaches with traditional allopathic medicine allows greater consideration of the needs of patients at specific points in their care pathway.
The clinical results of using essential oils in hospital settings (hospitals, nursing homes) for at least six years are encouraging: good adherence to treatments and acceptance of oils by patients and caregivers, limitation of medication side effects, broader treatment offering, individualisation of the approach through incorporation of emotional and cognitive aspects, restriction of health spending, particularly on antidepressants and hypnotics, improvement of patient comfort and quality of life. The active ingredients of essential oils have also proved to be effective in cases of antibiotic resistance and in combating hospital-acquired diseases.
The use of essential oils transforms the relationship between patient and caregiver by giving the latter the opportunity to place personalised care at the centre of their role and to enhance their professional practice.
This allows establishments that are developing this practice to adopt an innovative approach to patient care and support.
As a consequence, aromatherapy promotes a holistic approach to health which considers each individual as a whole, in accordance with the WHO’s definition of health: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being”. This will prove increasingly necessary in current and future health and care systems, especially as it is well-known and accessible worldwide, also due to traditional knowledge of ethnomedicine.
