Aromatherapy for Children with Disabilities Essay
In the article “A Fragrant Message”, Sylvia Thompson is focused on investigation of the benefits of aromatherapy massage for children with learning disabilities. The identified health benefits of aromatherapy practices are multiple, including stimulation of sensory circulation, improvement of skin condition, reduction of muscle tension, enhancement of physical and mental relaxation, promotion of self-awareness and well-being, as well as creation of the feeling of belongingness and reduction of anxiety disorders. Sylvia Thomson, the experienced and qualified specialist in counselling and aromatherapy, who serves as a Community Sister for Children with Learning Disabilities, Portage Service Manager and Early Counsellor at Community Health Offices, developed and initiated an effective aromatherapy course to share her experiences and knowledge with the teaching staff members and counsellors. In this article, Thomson discusses how to encourage a child and give him/her an opportunity to provide adequate response, making a child interested in initiation communication. All in all, the author proves the fact that aromatherapy practices contribute to students of different age groups, encouraging them to initiate message without external support. According to the author, “ the use of massage is now an integral part of the school’s curriculum” (Thompson 15). Thompson provides several case studies that allow having a good understanding of theAromatherapy for Children with Disabilities Essay
benefits of aromatherapy massage, namely improved communication and learning, promoted relaxation practices, reduction of anxiety, and certain benefits for wheelchair bound children. The article is written in a clear and concise manner. The author gives valuable arguments that are supported practical knowledge and evidence.
n fact, the arguments presented in the article are valid. There is much evidence that aromatherapy is a useful tool that allows promoting health of students with learning disabilities. According to researchers, aromatherapy stands for the usage of essential oils with the goal – “to promote health and well being and is being used increasingly with children and adults who have severe learning disabilities” (Harrison & Ruddle 37). Due to the positive effects of oils on sensory stimulation, aromatherapy practices are applied to ensure the development of effective communication skills through a stable trusting relationship. Besides, Thomson argues that aromatherapy helps to increase eye contact (17). This idea is supported by other researchers, including Solomon Steve. It is known that children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) tend to demonstrate a lack of shared attention behaviours, which play a crucial role in development of social interaction through improed eye contact. Hence, Thomson’s views are widely acceptable due to much research done in this area in recent decades. Aromatherapy for Children with Disabilities Essay
In addition, it is necessary to highlight the significance of the article “A Fragrant Message” and its usage in counselling practices. Thomson’s key message is to use aromatherapy massage by school therapists on a regular basis in order to build up trusting relationship with children. According to Thompson, “the children who had their massage in a quiet relaxing area responded and interacted more readily than those who were unable to spend time away from their busy classrooms” (17). This article is closely connected with other academic sources on the issue of benefits of aromatherapy for children with learning disabilities. The author discusses how to utilize the interactive sequence, which helps to better understand how children resisting new activities can become more tolerant and increase the level of satisfaction with these activities. In general, Thompson’s article is important is the field of education as the ideas presented by the author can help to develop effective counselling planning to address the needs of students with learning disabilities. In other words, these practices can help to enhance academic achievement of students, improve their communication, attention, and social interaction.
Works Cited
Harrison, Jane & Ruddle, Judy.“An Introduction to Aromatherapy for People with Learning Disabilities,”British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 23.1(1995): 37–40.
Steve, Solomon.“Using aromatherapy massage to increase shared attention behaviours in children with autistic spectrum disorders and severe learning difficulties,”BJSE, 32.3(2005): 127-137.Aromatherapy for Children with Disabilities Essay