Winneshiek Medical Center offers complimentary aromatherapy for inpatients and outpatients in the hospital setting. This includes patients who are visiting us for same day procedures, surgery, birth and patients who are staying with us as they heal. Aromatherapy, sometimes called essential oil therapy, uses naturally extracted aromatic oils from plants to promote health and well being.
Aroma (smell) from essential oils may promote relaxation and sleep, relieve pain, ease anxiety or restlessness, reduce nausea or indigestion, relieve headaches/congestion or soothe muscle aches.
According to Mayo Clinic, aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions. Some studies have shown that aromatherapy might have health benefits that are particularly useful for people who have chronic health conditions.
Nurses at WMC are specially trained to provide essential oils to any patient or family member that may benefit. Currently, WMC offers three essential oils for therapy at no cost to the patient or family.
WMC’s aromatherapy program is available to any inpatient or outpatient at the hospital at no charge. This includes patients who are visiting us for same day procedures, surgery, birth and patients who are staying with us as they heal. If you’re considering aromatherapy as part of your integrated health care plan, you should consult your doctor about the possible risks and benefits.
