Aromatherapy Learning (1)
- Cindy Blog Space
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Recently embarked on this new journey into Aromatherapy and wanting to journal some learning and/or thoughts along the way.
In the very first class, we were introduced to the history, modern development and practice of Aromatherapy and how it is based on a holistic health approach. The language of aroma is something to be mindful of in the field of Aromatherapy.
What is Aromatherapy?
"Aromatherapy is the holistic therapeutic application of genuine & authentic plant-derived essential oils for enhancing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health of the individual." [1]
When reading and learning about the modern development of Aromatherapy, there was this quote that really touched my heart:
"To reach the individual we need an individual remedy. Each of us is a unique message. It is only the unique remedy that will suffice. We must, therefore, seek odiferous substances that present affinities with the human being we intend to treat, those that will compensate for his deficiencies and those that will make his faculties blossom." —— Marguerite Maury
My Thoughts (click to open/hide)
I resonate with and love this quote so much.
A day or two before class, I had some thoughts while smelling a new blend bought to be used in the diffuser to fortify, cleanse, and freshen the environment. The blend contains several essential oils. I gave it a sniff without looking at the ingredient list then (so had no idea and no expectation of what the aroma would be like).
There was a strong and prominent cinnamon, smoky note to me. And it felt a lot like (reminded me of) something unpleasant to me, that I would stay away from. It immediately came to me that smelling that blend was not something for me (and also to be using any further), despite the benefits the blend claimed to have.
So, I wonder:
If two person smelling exactly the same oil keeping all else constant, they might detect different prominent notes/sequential order of notes
Importance of personalised therapy plan (a), e.g., for one who think a certain component is too prominent might need to reduce proportion of that and vice versa if thinking the aroma is too weak might need to add more then
Effectiveness of therapy support = Objectivity (Known benefits of essential oils from research and clinical over the years) + Subjectivity (Client belief system + preference) (b)
For (a), other than the point mentioned above, it is also important as different individuals have different preferences. As for the personal account shared above where that particular blend might not be for me, the aroma of that blend was well-liked by some other individuals. So I wonder there might be some influence from our different olfactory detection sequences/preferences, some from the different likings/dislikes for a particular note and/or memory associations with that note/when smelling the blend. This also relates to (b).
Why I was thinking that the effectiveness of a therapy support is not solely based on the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil, and the individual plays a very important influence here. Using the personal account above as example, if having an "unpleasant" or even if it does not evoke any feeling/perception in an indivdual, then it probably is not going to have that connection with them to bring out those benefits in them. (Which was also mentioned in class that if providing someone with an essential oil where the aroma evokes "negative" memory associations, it is something not to use, as it might make it worse for them). Human's belief system can be so powerful to define or undefine, to give something a meaning or remove its meaning. If one believe something will work for them, then it will. If one believe it is not, even it might claim to have countless of proven benefits, but without that trust and connection, it will not be effective for them.
I was so touched when coming across the quote above by Marguerite Maury because of that resonance of valueing and respecting the importance of individual uniqueness, to care and help individuals based on their unique circumstances. To do that, it all comes from the heart. To feel, to love, to trust, with genuine and authenticity.
As a holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy, Aromatherapy is based on the client and practitioner working cooperatively together towards overall optimal wellbeing, by looking at the various factors that could affect the health of the individual person. Other holistic health systems include the Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Both healing traditions and practices embody "a worldview that sees man and nature as inextricably linked" [1].
My Thoughts (click to open/hide)
The pointing out of the connection between human and nature touched me. I had many realisations and epiphany moments when spending time in nature, relating to nature... How humans are part of nature... How nature nourishes and nutures us... (thoughts to be shared in another blog post)
For the part on the language of aroma, it is worth mentioning here the use of the word "Fragrance". We learnt that is may be best to refrain using the word in Aromatherapy practices as it has a reference back to perfume and cologne and can create misconceptions of what Aromatherapy is [1].
Related Learning Tip when purchasing essential oils/products mentioning the inclusion or use of essential oils (click to open/hide)
If a product claims to contain certain notes (e.g., Lavender) but the ingredient list on the back label mentions "Fragrance", it is likely produced with synthetics and not from the pure and authentic Lavender essential oil.
Product Application
Another highlight from the first class was learning to make an Aromatic Spiritzer that can be used as room/linen spray.
Always smiling for me when smelling the aroma after spraying in the room/on linen.
Last but not least, one thought that came through and I felt from the class was that:
Aromatherapy Class 1 有感 (click to open/hide)
学习是一件很灵活/弹性、轻松 而非死板、压力的事情
Learning is something that is flexible instead of (being/feeling) rigid/stressful
References
Shutes, J. (n.d.). Foundations of Aromatherapy. The School for Aromatics Studies.
