How I became an Aromatherapist
Photo credit @Elly Johnson @lejo
Smell is such an amazing sense; the way it connects you to so many things. How it can overwhelm you or be only noticed by the subconscious mind.
At 12 years old, I had an experience which impacted me enough that an odor involved in the situation left me unable to eat from, or even go into, a Subway for probably a decade.
Meanwhile, the smell of roses wafting in the air fills me with nostalgia and memories of walking up to my grandpa’s house. A memory that brings tears, since his passing, both of missing him and of being thankful for having known him. His memory is a blessing.
Aroma, odors, smells, hit our memory centers so deeply for the good, the bad, and the ugly. They bring back to the forefront reminders of things, people, places, feelings and experiences from our lives.
This is what drew me to aromatherapy. That and wanting to know the science behind, and the safe use of, essential oils.
It started when I was formally introduced to essential oils in massage school, in 2009. A few years later, I became a distributor for an essential oil company. Though I still love their products, I began to become concerned about some of the information being said and done by some distributors. I’d also heard from people who had had negative experiences from their use of essential oils.
I decided, when I was able, I would study it from a deeper level. Over the years, I began reading books, following the Science of Essential Oils and others, learning a little about essential oils from my herb programs, and last year I was finally able to register and train to become a Level 1 certified aromatherapist through the School of Aromatic Studies.
With the knowledge I’ve gained, I’ve been able to create items simply for the pure enjoyment of others as well as for intentionally supporting people. I’ve made perfumes, salves, and balms. I’ve made lotions and oil blends, inhalers and bath salts. I’ve even made a more natural deodorant that actually works for me!
One beauty of all the things I’ve been studying and learning is the way it can often flow together. Aromatherapy flows into herbalism and massage and even into life coaching. The way these 4 areas of specialization can work together for the benefit of my clients, makes me want to learn even more and to stretch even beyond these 4 specializations. I believe in whole person care and want to do all I can to support others.
If you’re ready for that kind of support, you can book your appointment at: https://aneccentrichousewifellc.janeapp.com/