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What is Aromatherapy?
If I asked you to tell me what is Aromatherapy, what would
you say?
Here is a sample of the answers I get to that question...
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A candle or a fragrance that makes me feel good after I
smell it,
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Candles and bath salts with different aroma's that are
supposed to have an effect on you mood, and
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Having a massage with your chosen aroma.
These answers are typical, but only reflect a tiny portion
of the true art and science of utilizing the therapeutic properties of essential
oils. Today the term Aromatherapy, has become a catch all for many companies who are
jumping on the bandwagon of Aromatherapy. We now see dish soap, hand soap,
scented oils in nifty containers to scent the home, all using the term
Aromatherapy. But, are these things Aromatherapy? Well . . . yes and
no.
Soooo, what is Aromatherapy you say?
Standard definition is the art and science use of aromas for their healing
properties. No matter how you practice
Aromatherapy, the one thing that is always present is... essential oils.
Holistic/Clinical Aromatherapist like myself focuses on restoring
optimum health on all levels, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
This approach may stand on it’s own or be combined with energy
balancing, massage, reflexology, cosmetology, meditation, spiritual coaching, nutritional
counseling, herbs, crystals and rocks, cooking with essential oils, and so on.
Many scientific
studies are underway, unlocking some of the secrets held in the potent and
complex substances extracted from the plant kingdom. Essential oils are
used medicinally in many medical settings around the world. Nature often has a
way of supplying us with just the right solution.
How you can include essential oils into your
wellness regimen, safely, effectively and creatively?
Start simple. Try my "Common
Scents" starter kit that comes with Lavender, Tea Tree, Roman Chamomile, Ravensara, Peppermint, Lemon or Orange, a carrier oil for diluting and extra
bottle for making blends. This kit comes with a booklet complete with descriptions of each
oil, recipes to try, how to apply essential oils, and precautions.
You can read 10 books on Aromatherapy and you will get 10
different opinions for which oil can be used for each condition.
This is not to say that anyone is wrong or right.
There are many oils that have similar therapeutic actions, but some are
better at it than others. The
author may prefer the aroma of the oil, or the chosen oil is more readily
available in their particular region. Ask me for help - this is what I am here
for!!
There is a mass market or pop culture approach
to Aromatherapy today that diminishes the serious and credible study of essential oils.
A new fad is to apply the term Aromatherapy loosely to anything that has
an aroma. Any synthetic fragrance
rather than true essential oil can be put into candles and lotions and called
Aromatherapy.
Don’t be
fooled by advertisers and network marketing’s slick slogans that entice the
unaware by sensational healing claims. Often the miraculous healing claims are
word of mouth stories, passed on which seem to grow and grow as time goes on.
Essential oils are powerful and very effective for many conditions, but
remember, anything that has the power to heal, has the power to harm.
As with all things, educate yourself, use your common sense, and seek
professional medical advice for serious health concerns. If you choose
essential oils for your self care, ask for help by those of us trained in the
field. There is much to know when you are working with the oils for healing
purposes.
This is definitely a time to help educate as to what the
study of Aromatherapy truly is. As
our acceptance grows for alternative and complimentary therapies so must our
knowledge about what has value and what does not.
Visit the
Products,
Services, and
"Learn More" areas to learn what Inner Scents™
can offer you. Appointments and classes offered at the Ivy Cottage
located at 33 4th St. NW, Osseo MN 55369. Call Jodi at 612.802.9483
or contact Jodi
online to book an appointment or
for additional information.
Click for a map to Inner Scents at the Ivy Cottage
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