I recently asked experts, practitioners, and students in our community this important question:
“What do you see, as a professional in the community, to be the hurdles regarding educating others about safety and usage of essential oils?”
This is a topic near and dear to my heart and my practice, and I wanted to see how others weighed in on the issue. Are you ready to know how they answered this question? I hope their answers will reflect on how you approach others in your community as well as social media in the future. Let’s get started!
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The biggest hurdle I see is the amount of unscientific false information pervasive on social media presented ‘professionally’ as if authentic. We must be concise and precise with specific distinguishing details that hone in on the basics of safety and warn where professional differential diagnosis and formulating is mandated so the general public, the uneducated, the miseducated, and the undereducated are enlightened to grow their knowledge and refer to the truly experienced professional appropriately. –Jill L. Kelly, LAc, MAc, DiplAc, Aromatic Medicine, https://acucenz.com/
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My biggest hurdle is the resistance of individuals to listen to anything other than the misinformation that they’ve been provided by the company that they sell oils for. The stuck record of “our oils are the only therapeutic grade; the only ones that can be taken internally; these oils are fine to apply neat; it’s safe to use neat on babies’ feet,” etc. It seems that once brainwashed with the company line, there is no going back for most people. There are so many who are unaware of the dangers and they are very vulnerable to these people. -Sue Adlam, MFHT, Dip.BSA, B.Ed, http://www.sueadlamtherapies.co.uk/
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Rather than re-posting a meme or poorly written blog and giving the MLM more exposure, as well as inadvertent credibility, we must shift our focus and energy on ourselves and what is right in our blog writing, memes, and attention-grabbing snippets. We need to re-post one another’s amazing blogs with captions stating, “I want to share a blog one of my colleagues, who specializes in aromatherapy and pain conditions, wrote regarding safe essential oil applications.” We need to spend our energy supporting one another, shouting out about the amazing work our colleagues are doing, patting each other on the back, not spending time pointing out what is wrong with this MLM blog post, meme or graphic. We must point out the good each of us is doing in fighting the good fight! We need to do more than hit the “Like” button on Facebook, we need to hit the “Share” button! We need to be sharing those fact-based blogs, articles, and memes our colleagues spend hours creating on aromatherapy safety. We need to flood the internet in the same manner the MLMs have done with their misinformation. Our colleagues’ safety information needs to be shared on our business pages, personal pages, aromatherapy group pages, everywhere an aromatherapy newcomer and learned practitioner may see it! -Haly JensenHof, Registered Aromatherapist Your Health Scents, http://www.yourhealthscents.com/
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The AT community needs to be more united and consistent in messaging. This is what MLMs have that we don’t, and people are more likely to fall prey to their marketing tactics. Unfortunately, MLMs seem to have cornered the use of terms like “empower,” which they use to make people think they can throw caution to the wind and make health decisions based on (often unsafe and unfounded) advice doled out by MLMs. Then, we need to flood social media with our messages much as the MLMs do. Make safety feel safe, not fear-based. -Shannon Bachorick, Certified Aromatherapist, https://www.facebook.com/santessence
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There appears to be a growing divide in the aromatherapy community – broadly speaking, those who follow the MLM ideology and those who do not. Of course, it’s not fair to generalize or to crudely categorize groups of people. Unfortunately, MLM has become shorthand for a way of using essential oils that conflicts with the professional aromatherapy industry (such as casual ingestion and undiluted application on the skin). Some users are more willing to listen to untrained sales reps than qualified aromatherapists. The result is a kind of “us and them” mentality, which is driving the industry apart. -Nuala, The English Aromatherapist, http://englisharomatherapist.com/
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According to my own observation, the over-riding obstacle to educating the general public as to the safe, appropriate use of essential oils lies in the insufficient and questionable information provided and tolerated by the companies engaged in pyramid-style sales and marketing. The responsible, non-MLM essential oil retail companies need to actively cooperate together to establish guidelines for both safe use and responsible marketing, working together as part of a PR-savvy trade association. The key remit of such an association should be to actively campaign to raise public awareness of their own clear guidelines and of safe use generally. -Gabriel Mojay, LicAc, CertEd, FIFPA, Co-Chair of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists(IFPA), and Author
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Safe use of essential oils should be taken very seriously from educators, practitioners and home users without compromise. We are only beginning to understand the bio-activity of essential oils and have a long road to travel to reach non-hypothetical assumptions on how essential oils work as a whole and include the understanding of the bioactivity of each chemical constituents within.
There is a need to change the approach of how one addresses essential oils as an absolute science, and begin to consider essential oils belong to the science of nature. Which continuously evolves and changes with each drop of essential oil, before and after distillation. Therefore, there is a great need to be educated in the bioactivity of the individual chemical constituents of each essential oil, also a need for comprehensive understanding that the range of each constituent changes the effects in treatments and environment which in turn influences the safe use of essential oils. -Danielle Sade, BSc, CAHP, Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy, http://healingfragrances.net/
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Having the lay person understand that Aromatherapy is old time pharmacy and is to be treated seriously. At the same time I want them to feel safe to use oils and integrate them into their everyday life, so it’s a fine balance to help the masses. The help of social media now days makes it easier to share information. -Jennifer Jeffries, Naturopath, Aromatherapist, Author, Philanthropist, http://jenniferjefferies.com/
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The expert marketers have a perfected system. They teach new salespeople how to sell essential oils to make a better life for their family – they make it personal. They give new recruits scripted answers, a ‘bible’ to follow, and (mis)information that sells essential oils. They’re sent out to convert eager-to-learn friends who trust them, believing they are genuinely doing a good, helpful thing. When trained aromatherapists come along with a different ‘doctrine,’ they feel they can’t trust us. After all, they learned everything they know from someone they trust and they don’t know who we are. From a marketing perspective, what they’ve done is clever. From a sustainability/safety standpoint, it’s been disastrous. It’s going to take time for us to regain the trust of the aromatherapy enthusiast community. Our hurdle is to stay focused. Producing content for the one person who is ready to resonate with the truth today is more powerful than arguing with someone who isn’t open to it yet. Eventually, people start to realize that what they’ve learned doesn’t sit quite right with them and they seek out sources of legitimate information. Focus on being there for them when they’re ready to learn and we’ll be able to make a bigger difference than we could have by participating in distracting, heated arguments on virtual street corners. Loud voices attract crowds, but real education happens one-on-one. –Erin Stewart, Certified Aromatherapist, Herbalist, Artist, Teacher and Founder of AromaCulture Magazine, https://www.aromaculture.com/
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The biggest hurdle tends to centre around our belief system. We want to believe that our friend who has told us information or a company that we love is telling us the absolute truth. So when shown that there is additional information or alternate facts, it hits people in their core belief system, so they tend to resist. The way around it is to take people on the journey with you, and show both sides of the story so they are educated not just informed. -Natalie Miller, Clinical Aromatherapist, https://www.facebook.com/AromaticInsights/
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The biggest hurdle we face is the sheer number of people using essential oils incorrectly. This number increases exponentially as more individuals join the MLM organizations that are teaching incorrect or unsafe practices.
Communicating and partnering with the MLMs, rather than seeing them as the enemy, is a good place to begin in my opinion. -Liz Fulcher, Registered Aromatherapist, Essential Oil Educator, Founder and Owner of the Aromatic Wisdom Institute, http://aromaticwisdominstitute.com/
Deep gratitude for everyone that participated, I look forward to asking more hard-hitting questions of the community in the near future.
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
There is often much discussion over the best way to measure essential oils when formulating. The quickest way may not be the most accurate way, for a number of reasons. Which way is this? Measuring drops directly from the essential oil bottle. This is the way that aromatherapy is initially taught, but perhaps it is time to look at the accuracy of this method, and other more accurate options that are available to us. Measuring by drops, what are the issues?
1. Not all essential oils are the same. What I mean by this is density. Density is defined as its mass per unit volume. Viscosity plays a part too as viscosity dictates how fast or slow an oil will pour from the orifice reducer, which can alter drop size. So therefore, you guessed it, even the temperature of your oils plays a role! Read more on density and viscosity here.
Because of these factors, it may or may not surprise you to hear that how many drops in 1ml can vary quite a lot; by as much as 20 drops or more. With some oils, some companies, some drippers, 1ml is equal to 20 drops of essential oils, while some are 40 drops (some go below and above these figures). Accuracy is sketchy at best due to a whole host of factors.
2. Size of the orifice reducer. This is a sensitive topic for some, but even the orifice reducer can play a part with how much oil comes out. There are non-vented drippers, vented drippers, euro drippers, etc. Not all orifice reducers are the same; you may have already discovered that some control the flow of oil better than others. The vented drippers have a method to their “madness” as well. For thicker oils it is said to pour with the vent hole down, and thinner oils with the vent hole facing up. Accuracy gets even trickier when even which way you tilt the bottle effects what comes out!
3. Want to replicate your formulation? If you have used drops directly from a reducer…good luck! I speak from experience when I first began making product some ten years ago. Signature aromas will be difficult to replicate.
4. Skin sensitization and maximum dermal ratios. Here are two instances that you should avoid pouring from a bottle at all costs if the product is for topical use. There are a number of oils such as Bergamot Citrus Bergamia, Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Lemon Citrus Limon, Lemongrass Cymbopogon Citratus, and Rose Otto Rosa Damascena to name just a few that have very specific dermal limits for our safety. Refer to Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety 2e to learn which essential oils carry a higher risk.
Measuring in these instances is going to be extremely challenging, but staying at or under the ratios is very important for your safety.
5. Here are pieces of two popular resources for drops charts with the community. I will be keeping the names anonymous, as that is not the important piece of sharing this information:
30ml-1%-9 drops
30ml-1%-6 drops
This does not necessarily mean too much if we are making an inhaler or placing oils in a diffuser…however how about topical use for a baby/child, pregnant mom, elderly, or immune compromised?
*Drops charts represent an average and are not a precise measurement tool. (They are a “recommendation”)
*Speak to a qualified aromatherapist for assistance if you are unsure.
6. I began to see measurements in a completely different light when I took my advanced aromatic medicine training. My brain was rewired if you will, and I saw the importance of weighing and/or measuring not only your essential oils but also your excipient. Yes, internal dosing is very different from formulating a lotion or a wound gel, however, they both have significant importance.
So, what are our options?
Measure by volume
Graduated cylinders are very helpful when you want to measure in mls. If you make a product for others, or you have synergies that you use more than once, you can make what is called a master blend and measure in mls. This ensures accuracy in your formulations. Store your master blends in the fridge and use whenever needed.
Measuring by weight
Lower end Mg scales are incredibly inexpensive, accurate, and quite fun to use! Measuring in mg or g is hands down the most effective and accurate way to measure your essential oils. A $20-$30 scale is all the new user of scales will need, but of course, they also vary in price..you can spend quite a bit more.
Closing
There will absolutely be times that you measure by drops. Making a one-time blend? Throwing together an inhaler? Making a synergy to slip into the bath at the last minute? Have to work quickly to reduce pain or the effects of a bruise that is about to show itself? There are many, many instances where measuring by drops will happen, and this article is not to say NO NEVER (as we all know I do not practice in this way).
I wanted to point out the inconsistencies that can happen with charts, give options to get clear accuracy every single time and have fun while you create. If I am formulating on a larger scale, I use a graduated cylinder or mg scale. If you enjoy blending now, wait until you start playing with these tools! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
This term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body.
These wheels or disks correspond not only to major organs but also to emotional, physiological and spiritual states of being. Since our energy is always in motion, it is important to keep our chakra’s spinning and aligned.
With practice, you can visualize chakras in the body. Each chakra is a swirling wheel of energy..and they make up the energy in the body called Prana, which is our essential vital life force. Prana is also referred to as chi, ki or life energy.
Located just above the pubic bone and below the navel lies your second chakra, the sacral chakra, or Svadhishthana. Svadhishthana, literally means the dwelling place of the self. It is the pleasure center. Whereas the root chakra governs survival, the second chakra seeks enjoyment and pleasure.
Color=Orange
With your foundation solid, ie. the root chakra you can then look to your second chakra for creativity. View this chakra as the way in which we experience and enjoy the finer things in life, using all of our senses: feeling, tasting, touching, seeing, hearing, all seeking pleasure.
This chakra is also very reactionary to issues in our society: cultural struggles, mistreatment of women as a whole, as well as being in an environment where sexual expression is welcomed, and others where it is unacceptable. Both can both create imbalance.
A balanced second chakra leads to feelings of wholeness, abundance, pleasure, and exuberant joy. When this chakra is out of balance however, this may lead to feelings of emotional instability, resistance or fear to change, sadness or depression, sexual instability or addictions.
Sacral Chakra=”I feel”
If the imbalances sound familiar to you, you may be thinking, “How do I bring my sacral chakra back into balance?”
As ironic as it may sound, “feeling” is the most important practice for your sacral chakra, in all its forms. Take off your shoes and socks and walk barefoot through the cool grass or sandy beach feeling the water envelop you. Walk through a garden and smell all the fragrant flowers, feel the variety of textures of the petals and leaves.
Just as much as you look outward for sensations of touch, taste, smell, etc….look inward. Instead of going through the motions of washing and moisturizing yourself for example, slow it down and find the pleasure in caring for yourself. Use an aromatic oil and make it a ritual. If/when you decide to self-pleasure…take your time, remove the “routine” of it. Rediscover your love and care for yourself.
Create…
Spark your creativity. What is it that you like to do to bring out your creative side? Draw, paint, sculpt, cook, photography, garden, etc? Do that! Often!! The more you work to embrace your creative side, the more in balance you will be…and your energy will reap the benefits.
Stay present…
Staying in touch with your emotions is key for the sacral chakra. How you do this well is in the eye of the beholder. Journal, meditate, talk to someone, whether a friend or professional. All acceptable ways of staying present with your feelings, and working to continually navigate them rather than avoiding them.
A few other self-care tips are:
-Speak from a place of love and compassion rather than from anger or a place resulting in being passive-aggressive.
-Take time every day for silence and contemplation. It is not about lack of thoughts, but allowing yourself and your body to slow and find center; to be present.
-Never neglect yourself, your physical body. Pay attention to the messages it is giving you.
Repeat affirmations to yourself such as:
I experience the present moment through all of my senses.
I allow myself to experience pleasure in all of its forms.
I embrace pleasure and abundance.
I allow all emotions to flow through me, with gratitude and love.
Aromatherapy for the Root Chakra
There are a number of essential oils that help support the sacral chakra and encourage creativity to the user. You can use them in a diffuser, or place in an inhaler and use whenever it is needed.
A few others are:
Sandalwood, patchouli, bergamot, neroli, sweet orange, clary sage, rose, etc. (not an all-inclusive list).
This is a good start to get you on your way to balancing the sacral chakra. Take some time every day to visualize the chakra spinning freely in all its glory to support you on your path to feeling secure, and well on your way to greatness. <3
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
You may be asking yourself, what is a chakra? The Sanskrit word Chakra translates to wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body.
These wheels or disks correspond not only to major organs but also to emotional, physiological and spiritual states of being. Since our energy is always in motion, it is important to keep our chakra’s spinning and aligned.
With practice, you can visualize chakras in the body. Each chakra is a swirling wheel of energy..and they make up the energy in the body called Prana, which is our essential vital life force. Prana is also referred to as chi, ki or life energy.
Located at the base of the spine, the sacred pelvic floor, lies your first chakra, the root chakra. Much focus and energy is placed here during a yogic practice, and for good reason. Kundalini energy begins here as well. Kundalini is a Sanskrit term meaning “snake”, and is an energy that begins at the root chakra, and spirals up the spine out through the crown chakra at the top of the head. Kundalini energy can be accessed through yoga after diligent practice, orgasm, as well as during life threatening situations. Working with Kundalini energy is a bit of an advanced practice, so for now let’s move back to the root chakra itself.
Color=Red
As I previously stated, energy begins at the root chakra, and is the basis for the energy flowing in the body clearly and cleanly. Think of it like you are building a home. This home needs a solid foundation, as you intend to live in it for a long time. The foundation needs to be solid.
Our root chakra represents stability. This includes our basic survival/needs such as shelter, food and water, as well as feeling at home in your body and on this planet. The stability also crosses over into a solid and experienced yogic practice. If we move from the stability and openness of our root chakra, our poses will become effortless. If your muladhara is stable, you will be stable because your foundation is good, but if the foundation is unstable…you will not be stable either on or off the mat. When our basic survival needs are being met, as well as our emotional ones, as in feeling grounded, secure, and safe, our root chakra remains stable, flowing and clear.
Oftentimes we have imbalance or disorder in our lives, and each chakra has symptoms if you will that correlate with each. Physical imbalances may manifest as issues in the colon, bladder, lower back, legs or feet. You may find yourself unable to focus, moving from one thing to the next without appropriate attention or intention. This can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and stress. Imbalances may leave you feeling of lethargy, being stuck, feeling unable to take action, and manifest intention.
Root Chakra=”I am”
If the imbalances sound familiar to you, you may be thinking, “How do I bring my root chakra back into balance?”
Grounding yourself is the most important practice for your root chakra. Grounding via yoga and meditation are helpful. If you have found sitting in meditation a challenge, you will be happy to know that you can practice meditation anywhere, even while walking!
How it’s done…
Before starting to walk, take a moment while standing still. Bring awareness to your body. Take some deep breaths, inhaling deep into the belly. Focus only on your breath. Now allow the breath to return to normal. Bring your awareness to your body, notice how your body feels as you are standing, and become aware of all of the sensations in your body.
Walk at a relaxed, normal pace. Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you walk. Keep bringing your attention to what is going on internally.
Just as when you are seated for meditation, your mind will wander to various thoughts, but easily and without judgment, bring your attention back to the experience of walking. Notice how the body feels in great detail as you walk, from the alternating of the your legs and feet and the swinging of your arms and hips.
Keep grounding…
Earthing is a fantastic way to remain grounded. Get barefoot and feel the earth. This can be grass, sand, or pebbles for a little added self-reflexology treatment.
A few other self-care tips are:
Try to make decisions from a place of trust instead of fear.
Place extra focus on all of the abundance that you have in your life rather than what you feel that you are lacking.
Consistently work to deepen your connections on a spiritual level.
Repeat mantra’s to yourself such as:
I am connected therefore I am safe.
I am strong and stable, and always at peace with my surroundings.
If you are as into mantras as I am and speak them/chant them while meditating, here is the actual mantra for the first chakra:
Mantra: Mul Mantra
Ek ong kaar, sat naam, karataa purakh, nirbho, nirvair
Akaal moorat, ajoonee, saibhang, gur prasaad. Jap!
Aad such, jugaad such, Hai bhee such, Naanak hosee bhee such.
Here is the translation:
One Creator. Truth is His name. Doer of everything. Fearless, Revengeless, Undying, Unborn, Self illumined, The Guru’s gift, Meditate! True in the beginning. True through all the ages. True even now. Oh Nanak it is forever true.
Aromatherapy for the Root Chakra
There are a number of essential oils that help support the root chakra and bring grounding to the user. You can use them in a diffuser before practicing your meditation, or place in an inhaler and use whenever it is needed.
A few others are:
Sandalwood, cedarwood, rosewood, frankincense, spikenard, patchouli, palo santo, rhu khus, and vetiver (not an all-inclusive list).
This is a good start to get you on your way to balancing the root chakra. Take some time every day to visualize the chakra spinning freely in all its glory to support you on your path to feeling secure, and well on your way to greatness. <3
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
I decided to place my current essential oil videos here in one neatly packaged blog for you! If you have any questions for requests for future ones, feel free to shout!
This is my most recent video, regarding putting essential oils on ticks to get them to release their hold on you. The short version is DON’T DO IT. Click below for the longer version…
Next up is the use of anti-germ blends. You can use them safely and effectively…but it is not like you think! Watch to learn more!
What aromatherapy is…and what it’s not. Whaaaaa? Watch below to see what I mean!
This one is a biggie……essential oils in the bath..what is the proper way????
Lastly (for now)…when it comes to essential oil safety, at times people can try to barrel roll over you to get their point across….that does not help anyone..because no one can hear you when you are mean!
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Aromatherapy, Not Always or Never, Not Black and White II. What do I mean by that? A quick visit to social media groups can leave you dizzy with information, some of it is erroneous; hearing statements like never use on babies, never take internally, and always dilute are commonplace.
There are times when scientific facts are misunderstood, taken out of context, and times where being overly conservative comes as a result of learning information that may instill fear or uncertainty, especially on the Internet and social media. And while it is true that we should all (myself included) work from a space of education, knowledge, experience, and comfort level, knowing the facts is equally important.
Aromatherapy would not be where it is today if it were not for what some call vintage aromatherapists, those that have been in the field for decades. Were vintage aromatherapists practicing aromatherapy differently than it is today? That is a big question, not a simple yes or no answer. One thing we do know, there are absolute differences in the realm of safety, as we simply did not know then what we know now. Just as in the allopathic model of medicine, new technologies and advances are constantly being made. Doctors consistently need to keep current on their education in order to not be left behind by the up and coming who are learning the latest and the greatest. It is equally important to keep learning and evolving in our education and our practice, learning never stops.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I have deep heartfelt gratitude for every vintage aromatherapist out there. I relish in the various views and outlooks within aromatherapy. Their breadth and depth are truly awe-inspiring.
I have seen people treated unfavorably in the past as well as recently for their efforts. Just as we should not discredit a vintage aromatherapist who may have done some things differently 20 years ago, we should not discredit someone making a valiant effort to learn aromatherapy as it is today.
But hang in here with me to this very important point:
“You should not make up your own rules because you are not in the know about something” OR “Not be willing to be open with how things are constantly changing.”
Facebook is not the place to go for an aromatherapy education or consult. I do not want to rock the boat here, but there are some who are uneducated/undereducated giving incorrect advice. There are also some who have varying levels of education giving the same said advice, and others still who are making up their own rules. If you really want to know about aromatherapy: use, safety, esoterics, energetics..all of it….you must apply yourself to gain that knowledge. A home user should work within their realm of experience, as should a new student, an experienced clinical aromatherapist, and so on and so forth; but the “recommendations” or “facts” do not change.
There are plenty of myths being perpetuated, widely varied levels of education, and many opinions out there. If there is one thing that we do know, it is that aromatherapy is a holistic modality, case by case basis, risk vs benefit, beautiful in all of its many facets, therefore will never be a one size fits all. It simply will never be “never take internally”, “never use oils on babies”, “always dilute” and my favorite “there’s an oil for that”. But we can say “not recommended for the essential oil enthusiast or home user”, “not recommended unless you work with a professional”, “not recommended without further education” or something of the like.
Even the big guns will tell you, and they often do, that the guidelines are just that, guidelines. Recommendations. A starting point. You MUST do your own research and obtain your own education beyond this.
I want to assure you, for those that are not familiar with my work, my niche, I am big on safety. I have also stepped up my education and will continue to do so in order to know as much as I can. My bookshelves are heavy. I am humble in knowing there will always be more to know. I try to always take the stance of “Yes you can use do X, but you really need to know how, when, and where it is appropriate”. I will not use the words always or never. I will also not give these types of details on Facebook. I will continue to do my best to keep essential oil enthusiasts safe, that is very important to me, but what you see me say and do on Facebook is not necessarily what I would be saying/covering one on one. Why is that? In regards to Facebook…I do not know your medical history, if you are taking medications, your constitution, or even your likes and dislikes. Not the place for a consult. What I don’t do is change the “recommendation” at the basic level. I answer dozens of questions in private every single day, and I can truly say I consider it a blessing to be able to help as many as I do. If I can help even one person a day, then one step at a time, I am living my why.
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Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
