This comprehensive, evidence-based guide promotes an integrative approach to using complementary therapies with conventional medicines. It increases awareness of the sound scientific basis to aromatherapy with a wealth of data, and contains practical information for treatment. Contents include: Skin structure and function * Essential oil sciences in context * Aromadermatology and safety issues * The essentials of aromatic formulations * Skin-care essentials * Skin and the psyche * Skin infections * Childhood skin complaints * Inflammatory disorders * Wound care * Nails, hair and sebaceous glands 'With the growing interest in aromatherapy, it is important that therapists and healthcare professionals are able to offer a valid rationale when integrating essential oils into clinical care. Sound knowledge of bio-chemical principles and the ability to critically appraise and apply relevant research are fundamental requirements. This book offers a comprehensive, in-depth view of current knowledge. The authors have skilfully woven research and clinical application. A range of therapeutic possibilities is explored and offers practitioners alternative approaches to the management of skin conditions. These include detailed discussions on different methods of application. I hope that this book will become a standard text on both pre-qualifying and CPD courses in aromatherapy.' - Angela Avis, in her Foreword 'This well-illustrated, thorough and authoritative text is written in a language and style that is clear and accessible to a variety of healthcare practitioners. A thorough understanding of dermatology underpins the book, and both current research and clinical knowledge are elegantly applied to the skin conditions discussed.' - Robert Tisserand, in his Foreword

Growing numbers of women who experience pregnancy loss of all kinds - from early spontaneous miscarriage to stillbirth - seek help from practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in their recovery and preparation for future pregnancy. However, CAM is largely unregulated, and can be an unfamiliar and confusing area for mainstream health professionals. Many of these also have questions about the efficacy and safety of complementary or alternative treatments, and what they may be able to offer. Meanwhile, CAM practitioners may be unaware of the medical investigations and treatments available for conditions such as miscarriage, ectopics, gestational trophoblastic disease, preterm labour, foetal reduction, intrauterine death and stillbirth, and other less common complications. This book, written by an experienced CAM practitioner, aims primarily to provide medical professionals with the knowledge and confidence to advise women seeking complementary or alternative treatments. The author draws on her experience as a CAM practitioner to illustrate key areas where integrating sound and professional CAM into standard practice can offer women benefits, including improved psychological recovery from pregnancy loss. It also gives CAM practitioners greater insight into conventional medicine, and aids them to better understand, respect and care for women experiencing pregnancy loss. This book will be essential reading for all those who work with women who have experienced pregnancy loss, including health visitors, midwives, GPs, practice nurses, counsellors, psychotherapists, and CAM practitioners of all kinds.