NACTSPC

NACTSPC 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 p

ossible 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.

Aromaticks, or aromatherapy inhalers, have been used successfully in cancer care settings across the UK. They help supp...
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.

Hosted by the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), Aromatherapy Awareness Week is a global initiative dedi...
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

What glorious weather we've had lately and doesn't sunshine just lift the mood?With that in mind let's look at sweet ora...
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.

Hayfever affects many people at this time of year when tree pollen peaks and into the summer when grass pollen is preval...
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..

New findings published on the 23rd March 2026 by the Integrated Medicine Alliance (IMA) show that complementary and alte...
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/

The Mental Health Foundation has been organising Mental Health Awareness Week for the last twenty-five years. Mental Hea...
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

As therapists we all know the wonderful properties of essential oils and herbs for our health and well-being, but did yo...
27/04/2026

As therapists we all know the wonderful properties of essential oils and herbs for our health and well-being, but did you know research shows certain birds use aromatic plants to help disinfect nests, manage parasites and improve chick health?
~Corsican Blue T**s use up to five different herbs in theirs nests, including lavender and mint. Studies suggest that the selection of herbs can potentially kill or repel certain parasites and fleas, which results in high body and feather growth rate in developing chicks. (Lambrechts and Dos Santos - 2000)
~European Starlings incorporate fresh, aromatic herbs into their nests, including yarrow and elder, which can improve the health of nestlings and potentially boost immune systems. (Gwinner - 2012)
~Crested Auklets produce a tangerine-like odour from feathers, which is believed to deter ectoparasites, acting as a natural repellent. (Douglas et al. 2001)

https://nestwatch.org/blog/avian-apothecaries/
https://www.gi.alaska.edu/alaska-science-forum/bird-feathers-and-smell-tangerines

In 2026, 9 out of 10 adults reported experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure in the past year. You are not alone...
20/04/2026

In 2026, 9 out of 10 adults reported experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure in the past year. You are not alone.
Stress is nothing to be ashamed of and the more conversations we can start around mental health the better, at home and in the workplace.
The more open we are the easier it is to ask for support and to offer it to others.
Don't suffer in silence and start open conversations about stress to reduce the stigma, create a "ripple effect" to reduce stress and normalise mental health conversations in our communities.

An interesting article from Professional Beauty Magazine...Hayley Snishko, the Massage4MentalHealth founder has publishe...
20/04/2026

An interesting article from Professional Beauty Magazine...
Hayley Snishko, the Massage4MentalHealth founder has published a new open letter calling for massage therapy to be formally recognised within the NHS mental health policy - not as an alternative to traditional treatment, but as a complementary, evidence-based approach.
Research highlighted in the letter shows massage therapy can help regulate stress hormones, support mood and improve physical symptoms - all of which are closely linked to mental wellbeing.
To read the full article follow the link:
https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/newsdetails/hayley-snishko-launches-campaign

Sometimes, "Being the Change" means saying "No" to protect your peace. ✋ Setting realistic goals and boundaries is essen...
15/04/2026

Sometimes, "Being the Change" means saying "No" to protect your peace. ✋ Setting realistic goals and boundaries is essential to avoiding burnout. Whether it's declining an extra project or stepping back from social obligations, your mental health is a priority, not an afterthought.
Remember:
Not every day needs to be productive.
Not every goal needs to be rushed.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is rest.

What is one thing you’re saying "No" to this month to make room for yourself?

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