Tag: aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy: What to Expect After Your Appointment

Will you get a prescription? Have to go for more tests? What’s next?

Suggestions or Recommendations

Aromatherapists do not write prescriptions, for drugs, oils, or herbs. They will give suggestions or recommendations. Just as when you go to the doctor, you have the right and the responsibility to decide whether you will follow those suggestions, and do so safely.

Since you took the steps to find and go see an aromatherapist, it is assumed that you will follow those recommendations, but you should make a note if you choose to change the procedure or stop using the oils on your own. This will be helpful as your aromatherapist works to support your wellness goals.

Keep a Symptom Journal

It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether essential oils are helping, due to their usually-gentle nature and they ways in which they work to support your body. Keep a journal where you note the severity of any complaints addressed during your appointment. This helps both you and your aromatherapist see what works best, and what might need to be changed.

Tell Your Doctor

If you are on maintenance medication, or have a condition which requires you to be under the care of a medical professional, let them know you’re using essential oils.

It is highly unlikely that your doctor has any knowledge of essential oils and their function. Expecting that they will be supportive of your choice may be asking a bit much. It is difficult for a professional in any field to endorse something they don’t understand, especially when that “something” can interfere with their work. This is no exception. It is also fair to say that your aromatherapist is highly unlikely to have broad knowledge of prescription drugs, and how each of them functions. They are complementary fields, and yet rarely join together.

This is OK! Your wellness is your responsibility, right? If you are comfortable that interactions have been checked and your needs have been taken into consideration, then you continue with your wellness path! No one has to approve. You get to consider the advice from all of the counsel you seek.

So why tell your doctor if you don’t think they’ll approve? So they know. Some essential oils can thin the blood, lower blood sugar readings, or lower blood pressure. If you need to have emergency surgery or other urgent procedure, you won’t necessarily have time to check in with your aromatherapist. If your doctor knows that you use essential oils, and which ones, they are more able to quickly check for possible issues. Just be honest, and stay steadfast in advocating for your own wellness.

Follow Up

In the event you feel great success using your essential oils, let your aromatherapist know! They will be able to keep your blend on hand, so that you won’t have to wait when you run out.

In the event you do not see the results your aromatherapist hoped, let them know that, too! Just like anything else, no one remedy works for every person every time. If that were the case, illness would be a thing of the past. Sometimes, it takes a few visits to find just the right blend or balance. Unless it has been many visits with zero improvement, it is unlikely that you were “given the wrong thing.” Think of it like going to the doctor for a headache. The doctor is likely to give you hydration and aspirin first. This is the right and proper first line treatment for a headache. If aspirin doesn’t work, the doctor may try different drugs, or order testing, but they weren’t wrong to have given the aspirin. An aromatherapist may begin with the common, most obvious choice, then move to more rare or less obvious oils if those are ineffective.

Drink Water

OK, this really isn’t all that important to aromatherapy, although it is important to be well hydrated so that you body can most effectively use and then dispose of the oils. I just really wanted to take this time to remind you that you probably need to drink more water. #hydrate

Ask Away

Don’t hesitate to ask your aromatherapist any questions you have when you follow up. Or, drop them in the Wild Wellness Discussion Group!

More on Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

How Do I Find an Expert Aromatherapist?

How Do I Prepare For My Aromatherapy Appointment?

What to Expect During Your Aromatherapy Appointment

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Aromatherapy: What to Expect During Your Appointment

Is it like going to the doctor’s? Will I have to use crystals and read tarot cards to understand what they are telling me?

Let’s learn things!

The Setting

This article assumes that you have sought an aromatherapist for help with one or more specific issues. This is different from those times when your massage therapist or yoga instructor diffuses some oils to enhance that one experience.

This appointment may happen in your home, at the home of your aromatherapy professional, or in an office or treatment room setting. These settings will vary greatly! As with any profession, the individuals who practice aromatherapy have a broad range of other interests and tastes. This is not a good indicator of their education or abilities. You can find highly educated and professional aromatherapists inside brightly-decorated yurts, and sales-based professionals wearing lab coats in crisp-looking offices. This is a good reason to call and ask questions ahead of time!

First Things First

You’ll have a conversation. This is the bones of the actual appointment. As you are talking about your problems, your aromatherapist is mentally narrowing down the plants that might function to support your goals. They will likely ask some questions about your scent preferences as well, in order to avoid what you dislike when possible.

Testing

Unless your aromatherapist is also a licensed medical professional, there will be no medical tests. However, there are some tests that can help determine which oils may help you. Here are two of the most common:

Sniff, Smell, or Scent Tests: These tests are usually best used to help transient issues, such as headache, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Your aromatherapy professional will offer several oils that might help. When you are experiencing your issue, you sniff the oils. You then make note of any oils that smell particularly good, or positive, and any that seem to make the issue worse, or smell particularly bad. Your aromatherapist can use this information to help determine sensitivities to specific compounds, or your receptiveness to others. This test may be used during your appointment as well, but is most effectively used when symptoms are present.

Muscle Tests: Your aromatherapist can test the impact of an oil on your body using your own strength. They’ll ask you to pinch, press, or push their hands or arms. They will then introduce a specific oil, and ask you to do it again. After a few minutes, a different oil may be introduced. Your brain’s response as shown in your precise abilities to make the requested movement can indicate the use of one oil over another.

Within the realm of aromatherapy, muscle testing is very different from Kinesiology, or muscle tests used to diagnose illness. Kinesiology is hotly debated and unproven. When used in aromatherapy, these tests are considered gentle indicators, not end results!

Recommendations

Your aromatherapist will make recommendations based on their knowledge of your needs. Most will offer to blend what you need; take them up on that offer. While you may be able to mix drops from suggested oils, blending is part of their training. They’ll know how best to balance the aroma in diffused blends, which oils will help mask less pleasant-smelling oils, and what substitutions will bring down the cost, as necessary. If you need a special blend, your aromatherapist may need additional time to blend it. This may mean that you return the next day to pick it up, or that it will be shipped to you directly.

You will also receive suggestions about how best to use your oils. This is especially important if you have weighed the risk, and have chosen to ingest essential oils. Whatever the case, do not use your oils other than as suggested without inquiring about the safety and efficacy of doing so.

Complementary Practices

It is true that some people who are into aromatherapy are also into crystals, tarot, auras, and the like. If you are also someone who enjoys those things, that’s great! If you aren’t, that’s great, too!

Aromatherapy is completely independent from those practices. While crossover exists, it shows only an interest in alternative healing on the part of the practitioner. You need not choose to participate in these other modalities when you choose aromatherapy. Most of the time, there will be no chanting, no waving smoke around the room, and no psychic insight. Aromatherapy is actually quite clinical in nature, while the peripheral items simply shift the experience.

More on Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy

How to Find an Expert Aromatherapist

How to Prepare for Your Aromatherapy Appointment

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Aromatherapy: Prepare for Your Appointment

Do you need to prepare for your aromatherapy appointment? How would you go about doing that?

Hold a Gripe Session

Maybe you do this all by yourself, so that your complaints don’t drag someone else down. Maybe you have an understanding partner or friend willing to give you some space and help out. Either way:

Write down some of the things that have been bothering you. This might include high stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, lack of energy, pain, and other general issues. This helps your aromatherapist choose oils that won’t make those conditions worse, even if they are not the issues you are looking to alleviate. Take this list with you to your appointment.

Gather Your Prescriptions and Supplements

Whether or not you choose to use aromatherapy to support medical diagnoses, this is important! Some essential oils have known interactions with certain drugs. Even if you are hoping to get better sleep, your aromatherapist should be aware of any potential for interaction. Take this list with you to your appointment.

Supplements such as vitamins and herbs can also have interactions or cause problems if they are mixed with certain oils.

In both cases, any issues can be mitigated by adapting the specific oil used, the way that oils is introduced to the body, or using the oil and medication at different times. Please see “How to Find an Expert Aromatherapist” if you do not feel this is happening in your situation!

Make It Medical

Unless your aromatherapist is also a licensed doctor or physician’s assistant, they cannot diagnose or treat medical issues. However, they do need to know about your medical issues! Write them down, and take that list with you, too.

This includes, but is not limited to, chronic diagnoses such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune illness. It includes pregnancy, though that’s not really “medical,” and/or the desire to become pregnant. Your medical list should include diagnosed mental illness, in addition to any general complaints you may have.

Even if you are not on medication, this information is vital to your healing. Essential oils absolutely have the power to shift bodily function. Some of the compounds they contain are used in medicine today! Your condition could be changed in an unexpected way if you do not make them aware of it.

Don’t Forget Fido, Junior, and Grandma

The pets and people who live in your home may be affected by diffused oils, or those you use topically. Take a minute to add these household members to your list, just in case. Again, this can help guide your aromatherapist as they choose oils that will help you, but not harm your precious kitty.

That’s Really It!

There’s not much you need to do to prepare. Just go with an open mind, and be honest. That’s the best way to get the most from your experience!

For More on Aromatherapy:

Check out What is Aromatherapy?

Finding an Expert Aromatherapist

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Aromatherapy: Find an Expert Aromatherapist

There are a lot of people who use the term “aromatherapist” to describe what they do. Learn how to find one who really knows how to help!

Types of Aromatherapy Education

Traditional aromatherapists may have no formal training – the kind that results in a certificate. These individuals are likely to be highly educated on which oils to use for what maladies, and probably know of more than one oil to treat common ailments. A traditional aromatherapist may use products from several brands, and have their own philosophy related to the ingestion of essential oils. Sometimes, these individuals will ask a fee for their knowledge, other times they are just the wise person in your tribe.

Sales-based aromatherapists have been trained by a specific company to sell essential oils. They have been issued a certificate, and have received some formal training. They likely limit their practice to a single brand, and are unlikely to know much about oils not carried by that brand. They may or may not have an understanding of how the oils function, and are unlikely to be able to suggest oils for very specific needs. These individuals may also have a very hard stance on the ingestion of essential oils, pro or con, based on the philosophy of the brand. These individuals are highly unlikely to charge a professional fee for your visit, but are likely to offer high-priced oils.

Independently Certified aromatherapists have undergone formal training through an organization that is not in the business of selling the oils themselves. These individuals are likely to be able to explain how and why certain oils work for specific ailments. They may have developed a philosophy on ingesting oils that is based on a risk-versus-benefit model, rather than a staunch stance expected to work for every client. An independently certified aromatherapist may also have an understanding of the basic chemistry of oils, and some knowledge of their potential to interact with other foods or medications. They will very likely charge a fee for their professional services, as well as for any blends they create for you.

Which is Right for Me?

That depends on what is wrong with you! OK, there’s nothing “wrong” about you, probably, but your choice will depend on your level of need. If you’re interested in diffusing some nice-smelling oils that might help you be calm or feel an energy boost, any of the above will be perfect!

If you are interested in addressing a specific need or ailment, if you are on medication for a diagnosed condition, or if you don’t feel you respond to essential oils suggested by your friendly MLM oil salesperson*, you may wish to seek out someone who has been differently trained to work with these specific situations.

How Do I Find an Aromatherapist?

You probably have a friend on social media, or within your real-life group, who sells essential oils or knows who does. If you’d like to try out some lavender to see if it helps you sleep, just post that to Facebook and pick someone who answers. Or ask about it at church. Trust me, they’re out there.

If you’re looking for a traditional or independent aromatherapist, you may have to dig a little more deeply. Traditional aromatherapists are usually also herbalists, midwives, acupuncturists, or have jobs in other alternative healing methods. They may work at spas, massage therapy offices, or from their homes. Traditional aromatherapists may be more difficult to find – you might ask someone you know who takes herbal supplements, or enjoys alternative methods of healing. Independently Certified aromatherapy professionals may be found in the same way. Certified aromatherapists may also be found using the various registries available from the educating institutions, like these, but it is important to remember that not all professional aromatherapists choose to pay to maintain these associations:

National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

How Do I Know?

Ahhh… This is the good stuff. In order to really know if an aromatherapist is the right one for you, you’ll need to ask some questions of them. It’s OK! They likely understand that this is a normal part of the process, and should not feel threatened to answer your inquiries.

It is acceptable to ask directly about their education and where they get their information. Ask specifically about your needs, and their experience with those issues or similar ones. Definitely inquire about their philosophy on ingesting oils, and more importantly, why they take that stance (For an independent analysis on the safety of ingesting essential oils, check out this no-nonsense article!). Most important, listen to their answers! Those responses should come from the person, and not be parroted information from a brochure or corporate memo, no matter where they were trained!

Most Important

There are two “most important” issues.

First, you should feel comfortable with your aromatherapist. You should feel secure that their knowledge matches your needs.

Second, you should see an improvement in your issues. If you do not, your aromatherapist should be able to do some tests and make some adjustments based on your responses, so that different oils with the same compounds can be used. This improvement may not be immediate. If you are using aromatherapy to support medical treatments or for more general use, this may not apply as readily. Again, this may come down to feelings – do you feel like your medical therapy is working better since you added aromatherapy?

Once you find the right aromatherapist for your needs, what’s next? Find out in the rest of the Aromatherapy series!

*MLM salespeople are not scammers. Scammers are scammers. MLM salespeople have not fallen victim to a pyramid scheme. They are normal people who believe in a product or brand, and choose to be in business for themselves as an ambassador for that brand. They can be very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. For more on the real truth about Multi-Level Marketing companies and essential oils, please click over here: Choosing Quality Essential Oils: To MLM or Not to MLM

For More on Aromatherapy:

“What is Aromatherapy?”

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What is Aromatherapy?

It seems simple. It’s “aroma” therapy, so it’s about smelling things. Right? If it would surprise you to know that even a person with no sense of smell can benefit from aromatherapy, read on! Of course, there are other reasons to keep reading, so don’t let any lack of surprise stop you.

Definitions

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. Aromatherapy uses the chemical compounds from plants to boost specific brain functions, stimulate hormone production, lower bacterial loads, and encourage functions like digestion and detox.

Essential “oils” separating from the water during steam distillation.

Essential oils are not oils, really. They are the non-water-soluble compounds found in the plant, not including woods and fibers. For more extensive information on what essential oils are, exactly, check out these articles:

Essential Oil Terms and Definitions

Essential Oils: The Truth About Labeling

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

When used at its best, aromatherapy works in a way that is similar to other medications! Through both modern science and traditional observation, people have discovered that certain compounds help to resolve certain maladies.

These compounds can enter the body in many ways! They do not have to enter through the nose, and you do not have to smell them. There is much dispute over the safest and best ways to introduce essential oils to your body. Most common is by inhalation, but when done with a knowledgeable professional, both topical use and ingestion may be options. This is a much-debated topic, so more information can be found here:

Essential Oil Safety: Ingesting Essential Oils

Why is it Called Aromatherapy if You Don’t Have to Smell It?

Most of the compounds that are extracted from the plant in making an essential oil are the compounds that you smell when you sniff that plant. Since plants and their extracts have been used for centuries, it was first thought that smelling the aroma was what did the trick. Now, we know better, but the term sticks. Since those oils generally do have distinct odors, it isn’t an inaccurate description.

Who Can Benefit From Aromatherapy?

While current laws prevent most aromatherapists from diagnosing or treating disease, they might suggest specific oils to help you meet your goals. These goals might include all kinds of mental and emotional wellness. They might include boosting the immune system, or aiding brain function for clarity. Aromatherapy can be used to assist someone in losing weight, easing the symptoms of an illness, or in lifting physical pain from illness and injury.

Is Aromatherapy Safe?

Of course! Or not at all. Essential oils are kind of like modern prescription medication – safe if it’s right for you, potentially deadly if used improperly.

To be clear, it’s not easy to die from essential oils. It’s remotely possible, with a probability of something less than that of being eaten by a bear in Manhattan. But safety is an important issue. The possibility of injury or death is higher if you are on medications or have maladies that are not disclosed to your aromatherapist. That risk also increases when you are using the oils without training, or are connected with an aromatherapist who doesn’t have proper knowledge.

Learn More!

Coming up, we’ll discuss how to find a well-educated aromatherapist, how to prepare yourself to use aromatherapy successfully, what to expect during an appointment with your aromatherapist, and what to expect after that appointment.

If you haven’t already, please join us on Facebook in the Wild Wellness Discussion Group by Prayana Coaching! There, you can get answers and feedback from the whole group, participate in wellness challenges, and find support on your wellness journey!

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Reiki: What to Expect During Your Session

When You Arrive

Many Reiki practitioners operate from their own homes, or travel to your home. This is perfectly fine, but may change the exact parameters of how the welcome occurs. 

If you are in a setting like a spa, chiropractor’s office, or dedicated Reiki studio, you should expect to be greeted warmly. These spaces are not always calm and serene! Don’t worry – in most of these spaces, you will be shown to a private room similar to those used for massage or other therapies. 

Beginning Your Experience

Your comfort is important, so your practitioner will likely ask about the room temperature and lighting. You may be offered aromatherapy, crystals, or other supporting services, if these options were not discussed during your initial consultation or when you made the appointment. Not all Reiki practitioners incorporate these paths within their practice; if they might be important to you, make it one of the questions you ask before you set your appointment!

Your practitioner will also review any specific issues you would like to address. They’ll briefly cover their process, so that you know what to expect within their personalized practice. 

Do I Undress?

Nope! Some Reiki practitioners will offer clients a moment to remove belts, and any jewelry that might be uncomfortable. Many will remind individuals who wear bras and pantyhose that those items may be best removed – if doing so will make the client more comfortable. If the client chooses to remove any items of clothing, the practitioner will step out of the room and provide time for that to happen. 

Beyond those minor things, Reiki is performed while everyone has clothes on. (Some spaces and organizations offer nude Reiki. These may include family-friendly nude campgrounds and adults-only resorts. Seek this only according to your comfort level.)

Now What?

In most cases, you will lie on a table similar to, or exactly like, a massage table or doctor’s exam table. Reiki can be performed with the client in any position, so if your experience needs to differ from that, you can experience just as much peace and healing. This article is focused on a typical in-office experience. 

Your practitioner will spend a few moments in prayer or meditation, either silently to themselves, or aloud with you. They may recite a poem or prayer to open the session.

Hands Off?

At this point, most practitioners will begin, either at your head or your feet. Most will use very light touches as they work to transfer and balance energy. This will not be the touch you might feel during a massage; there is no manipulation of muscles or manual movement of your body. Most practitioners will lift their hands away from the body when they reach sensitive areas, such as the genitals, breasts, and neck. If there are any places on your body that you would prefer not to have touched, please feel free to speak up! Your practitioner wants to know!

In some places, it is not legal to perform Reiki with your hands touching the client unless you have a massage therapy license or similar. Practitioners in these areas may choose to use an alternate method, completing the entire session without touch. While this can be more challenging for the practitioner, it is perfectly valid Reiki and will have the same impact as otherwise. If it is important to you to have one style or the other, feel free to ask!

During This Time

You may be silent. You may speak. You may sneeze, cough, cry, feel angry, or fall asleep. You may experience any of a full range of human emotions and needs. You may need to use the restroom. This is OK! You are a human, and you are expected to have emotions and needs. You are not a disruption to the session, and it is your needs that are paramount during this time!  Your practitioner can get started again when you are ready. 

Your practitioner may also speak. They may ask you questions about what you are feeling, or check in to make sure you are comfortable. Depending on your needs, they may help you to turn over, or adjust your headrest. Other than that, you are free to meditate, sleep, or whatever you like!

What Does Reiki Feel Like?

Reiki Feels different to different people. As your energy shifts and balances, you may feel warmth in one or more areas of your body. You may feel deep emotions, and should feel safe to do so. Some clients feel very mild physical tingling. Many clients feel only deep peace. 

As your practitioner works using Universal Energy to help you heal, there are almost an infinite number of sensations or feelings that you may experience. If anything feels uncomfortable, if you experience something you don’t understand, or if you feel any pain that did not exist prior to your session, know that you always have the authority to stop! Ask what’s happening, ask your practitioner to move to another place on your body, or stop the practice for a few moments to chat. It is your session!

As Your Session Ends

Your session itself will likely end several minutes before your “end time.” This is because a short discussion to help clear any emotions or issues that have arisen is often a necessary part of Reiki. If you removed a belt or bra, you will be given an opportunity to get your outfit back in the order you chose that morning. You should be offered some water, and time to adjust before you’re expected to make your way out into the real world. 

If your path might include additional appointments, you’ll likely be offered the opportunity to make your next appointment. If you’d like to return, it’s a good idea to go ahead and schedule! Your practitioner may work in several locations, so an appointment when one is convenient for you is best made early. 

Up Next:

Reiki: What to Expect After Your Session

Also see: “What Is Reiki?”

 “Reiki: Finding a Practitioner”

 “Reiki: Prepare for Your Healing Session”

New Moon Yoga and Energy Renewal Clinic

The New Moon is a good time to clear out the old and unnecessary, then invite all things new and positive. Join me on this journey for body and mind using restorative yoga, vibrational and music healing, meditation, and gentle aromatherapy. This special event will leave you refreshed and ready to set new goals and intentions! Reservations required, spaces strictly limited by regulation. Please register in advance by calling 304-224-1938.