Now in its second year, the Integrative Health Convention gathers together professionals involved in conventional medicine, complementary therapy and self-care, to explore ways of working together to improve health outcomes in patients, limit overprescribing, manage stress, and possibly reduce overall NHS spending.

The Convention is organised by Dr Toh Wong and Dr Naveed Akhtar in association with the College of Medicine, and helps to raise the profile of complementary therapies and other health interventions that are safe and appropriate, bridging the gap with conventional Western medicine.

FHT Vice President, Mary Dalgleish, was invited to give a presentation on aromatherapy, providing delegates with an insight into the therapy’s history, how different essential oils are produced, their therapeutic properties, supporting research, and guidance on safe practice.

“I was privileged to represent the FHT and our aromatherapy members as a speaker at this year’s convention, which took place in London on 5 and 6 October. The audience included doctors, medical students and complementary therapists, and it was an honour to be able to share my passion for aromatherapy and answer questions on the topic. I also attended several talks myself and participated on the Q & A panel at the end.

“Overall I found it to be a very inspirational event that brought together different therapists and representatives of the medical community. As well as discovering more about other therapies, I was very impressed to learn about different integrated health initiatives already happening all over the UK. My thanks to the organisers, Dr Wong and Dr Akhtar, for setting up such an amazing event.”

If you are passionate about integrated healthcare, we still have some places left at this year’s FHT Conference taking place at The King’s Fund, London, on 29 November. See the full programme and book your place at www.fht.org.uk/conference But hurry – tickets are selling fast!