Aromatherapy in Mental Health: An Analysis of the Situation in Bahia.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.01596526160412

• Palavras-chave: Aromatherapy, Mental health, Anxiety.

• Keywords: Aromatherapy, Mental health, Anxiety.

• Abstract:

  Given the high prevalence of anxiety in Brazil and the proven benefits of aromatherapy, it is evident that the provision of this Integrative and Complementary Health Practice (PICS) within the Unified Health System (SUS) faces a scenario of underfunding and unequal access. The study aims to map the availability of aromatherapy within the SUS in the state of Bahia and analyze its integration as an adjunct practice in mental health care. To this end, a descriptive and exploratory study was conducted, based on documentary research with data collected from the National Registry of Health Facilities (CNES/DATASUS). Thus, it was observed that only 33 facilities offer the service in Bahia, covering less than 4% of the municipalities, with a total absence of specific financial allocations for these outpatient procedures between 2021 and 2025. This leads to the conclusion that the implementation of aromatherapy in Bahia is progressing slowly, limited by the lack of incentive funding, a shortage of qualified professionals, and low awareness among local managers.