The British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy
Fall 2018
Name This Journal! Official Journal of the BCAOA
The Harvest Edition
One-day CE Event Sunday Sept. 30th with The Mistress of Spice… Glynnis Osher! The British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy’s Fall 2018 Continuing Education Event Welcomes “The Spice Mistress” herself - Glynnis Osher. September 30th, 2018 At the Coast Tsawwassen Inn 1665 - 56 St, Delta, BC V4L 2B2 Phone: (604) 943-8221 Registration and networking 9am – 10am Morning Seminar 10:00am – 12:30pm Lunch Break (included with registration) 12:30pm – 1:30pm Afternoon Seminar 1:30pm – 4:30pm 1
Please join us for what is set to be a fun and informative day with the lovely Glynnis Osher! Glynnis will be bringing to us her intuitive and educational experiences on using our beloved plants for culinary purposes. She has studied and practiced the Ayurveda principals for over 18 years and will include an in-depth analogy of how the two modalities, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy, synergise. Aromanutrition: The inseparable world of the senses: how taste and smell work together for our holistic experience of the world. The 6 tastes of Ayurveda and incorporating the aromatic spice medicines and essential oils into our food for healing. Glynnis will be infusing the oils and spices, integrating aromatherapy and aromanutrition in some easy to use at home methods. There will also be some fun lunch items inspired from the Ayurveda principals. This day will conclude with Seasons of Scent: Using aromatherapy with Ayurveda practices for optimal health through each season. Discussion of the Ayurveda practices of nasya – essential oils used as nose drops in oil – as well as abhyanga – the self-oiling massage practices – with a focus on the Fall season. This one day event will count for 4 Continuing Education credits. The fees for registration are as follows: Exclusive for Current members of the BCAOA Early bird from now until midnight of September 10th $100.00 From September 11th until midnight of the 25th $130.00 For non-members of the BCAOA Early bird from now until midnight of September 10th $150.00 From September 11th until midnight of the 25th $175.00 Please note there will be a $60.00 cancellation fee for any cancellations on or after September 10th. There will be no refunds for any cancellations after September 20th. We are pleased to announce that a draw will be held on the day of this event for all early bird registrations. So, don’t delay on getting your registration in before September 10th!
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To register, please refer to the attached registration form, go online at http://bcaoa.org/bcaoa-events/fall-2018-bcaoa-ce-event/ or contact Betsy DeLucca at cecoord@bcaoa.org Depending on availability, there is a free shuttle from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and a special negotiated rate to or from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Vancouver International Airport with Delta Green Cab (604) 943-1111. If you need assistance with traveling, please email cecoord@bcaoa.org and together we will work on getting you there! Glynnis Osher is a passionate teacher, artist, certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and published author specializing in the healing arts of Ayurveda, aromatherapy and aromanutrition. Glynnis was born in South Africa and moved to New York in her 20’s. After a flourishing career as an art director, illustrator, and graphic designer in the advertising world, she was magnetically drawn to the wellness paths of Ayurveda and aromatherapy. She strongly advocates for these modalities as a way to awaken to a life of sustainable wellbeing and beauty. Glynnis shares a diverse 20-year background in the wisdom arts of Ayurveda. As founder and Creative Director of the former Mystic Masala Aromatherapy Inc, she partnered with Wild Earth Nepal, a women’s fair trade herbal collective in Kathmandu, to co-create authentic Ayurvedic aromatherapy bodycare products. She is affectionately known as The Spice Mistress and her love for natural beauty and the aromatic healing foods, spices, and plant essences inspired Glynnis to develop The Spice Life. This online portal offers uplifting education and learning experiences in the healing arts of aromatic Ayurveda and aromanutrition. Glynnis is on faculty at the Vancouver School of Healing Arts (VSOHA), where she created the curriculum for aromatherapy, Indian head massage and Ayurvedic self-care practices for the Bodywork Therapy Program. She is also guest faculty at Langara College offering her Ayurvedic self-care program in the Yoga Teacher Training. Glynnis is co-author of the book Your Irresistible Life: 4 Seasons of Self-Care through Ayurveda and Yoga Practices that Work, and she has authored The AromaDosha Blueprint and the Aroma 911 online learning experience. www.thespicelife.com www.thousandpetallotus.com 3
Registration Form 2018 Fall BCAOA Continuing Education event With Glynnis Osher Sunday, September 30th, 2018 From 10:00am to 4:30 pm At the Coast Tsawwassen Inn 1665 – 56th St Delta, B.C. Phone: 604-943-8221 We are also offering registration for this event through the BCAOA website where we are able to process online payments through Paypal. In order to accommodate the early bird rates, please register and pay online or confirm your registration by filling out the bottom portion of this document and mailing it with your payment of a cheque or money order payable to the BCAOA: c/o BCAOA CE coordinator 106- 383 East 37th Ave Vancouver, B.C. V5W 4C1 If you have any questions regarding the processing of your registration, or this event, please contact cecoord@bcaoa.org or go to http://bcaoa.org/bcaoa-events/fall-2018-bcaoa-ce-event/ ~Thank you~ --"-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date:_____________ Name (Please Print): ____________________________________ Email address: ___________________________________________ Mailing address: ___________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________________ Membership Type: ______________________________________ Payment type: ______________ Cheque Number: ___________________ Dietary needs: _____________________________________________
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Fall 2018 This is an educational resource published by The British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy (BCAOA) and is currently released in electronic format. The official BCAOA Journal focuses on issues important to the Aromatherapy community and provides an interactive forum for information exchange. It is published quarterly in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, and is distributed to our membership throughout and beyond B.C. All Author submissions are kindly requested by the appropriate submission deadline (28th of Feb, May, Aug, and Nov). The journal is distributed to members approximately 3 weeks after submission deadlines. For our full submission guidelines, go to bcaoa.org; to submit your work, or if you have questions, please e-mail the Editor at editor@bcaoa.org. For other forms of material submission, please contact the Editor before submitting. Materials are reprinted here with permission; the author retains all copyright to original material(s). All materials within this journal are protected under copyright law unless otherwise indicated.
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Table of Contents 7 Our Contributors 9 President’s Message 11 Announcements 15 Recapping the June AGM 17 Meet The New Board 24 Featured Writer: When The Spirit Spoke The Third in a Four-Part Series on Spiritual PhytoEssencing®
30 The Next Edition 32 July Chapter Meeting 36 Student Case Study Insomnia, Anxiety, Stress, and Hormonal Imbalances
41 Guest Writer: Tracey Lewindon Aromatherapy in Ritual
47 Survey Says! The Survey Monkey results are in
51 Research: Aromatherapy and Play History The Importance of Play in Healthy Adults
59 The Classifieds 60 Board Contact DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE BCAOA, ITS DIRECTORS, THE EDITOR, OR ITS MEMBERS. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. THE BCAOA, ITS DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, AND EDITOR CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISUSE OF ESSENTIAL OILS OR ANY OTHER THERAPEUTIC METHODS PRESENTED HEREIN. THE BCAOA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY ARTICLE OR ADVERTISEMENT SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT, COMPANY, COURSE, OR SCHOOL MENTIONED HEREIN. 6
Contributors Thank you to all our wonderful contributors for sharing their knowledge, wisdom, experience and creativity with our community through this journal. Cooper Morrison Dael BSc., BA (hons), RA®, EOT® – Cooper is a Registered Aromatherapist, acupressurist and writer with a background in chemistry, biochemistry and osteology. Her main interests lie in traditional and holistic therapies, and she plans to continue her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She can reached at thecooperdael@gmail.com
Amanda Durrant – Amanda is currently studying Aromatherapy at Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies. Already a Certified Dental Assistant, she is passionate about helping people and wishes to further her education into the field of natural medicine. Amanda became interested in studying aromatherapy when she became a mother; she wanted to be sure she was using essential oils safely on her family.
Lilliane Graie RA®, EOT®, CH – Lilliane found aromatherapy by accident in her late teens and became interested in their use for various illnesses. She went on to study with Bev Hawkins and graduated from her Professional program, only to turn around and enroll at Dominion Herbal College in the Chartered Herbalist Program. Her secret love for photography has given her fuel for this journal. She sits on the BCAOA Board of Directors as Editor. She can be reached at editor@bcaoa.org
Anita Kalnay RA®, EOT®, SPE®AT – Anita began working with Essential Oils in 1992 while living in a remote inlet in Northern BC. Her first Teacher of Aromatics was a Celtic Shamanka who foresaw her abilities as a Healer, Seer, and also a Designer and Formulator using the tools of distilled aromatics and energy medicine. Extensive study built a framework of understanding weaving together tools from Natural Medicine, Energy Medicine, Healing and Massage, Kundalini Yoga, Ayurveda and Universalist Philosophies. Anita has over 3200 hours in Naturotherapies and has been in Private Practice as an Aromatherapist and Natural Perfumer since ‘94, and currently works with over 500 natural distilled ingredients. She has been a student of SPE® since 2001 and is an Assistant Teacher of SPE®. Her motto is “walk softly and leave only a pleasant scent”. www.genieinabottle.ca Facebook: Fragrant Yogi and Flying Colors Natural Perfumes http://www.essentialoilsandsoul.com
Tracey Lewindon RA®, EOT® – Tracey has been working with essential oils for most of her adult life. She formalized her interest by studying at the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy with Bev Hawkins and completed the Professional Program in 2013. In her practice, Tracey enjoys custom blending for clients, supporting them through holistic healing, as well as providing education around safe essential oil use. In addition to Aromatherapy, Tracey works with Earth Medicine, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy®, Hypnotherapy, and Art Journaling. Tracey sits on the BCAOA Board as the Social Media Coordinator with the desire to serve and to help expand awareness around a profession that she loves. 7
Jennifer Roberts RA®, EOT® – Jennifer has been an aromatherapist since 1996, having studied
under Bev Hawkins in Victoria. Jennifer previously served on the BCAPA Board as Director at Large. She is once again back in the position of Director at Large to assist the BCAOA Board as a whole and to bring new ideas and fresh eyes to future projects. Jennifer offers aromatherapy treatments in addition to running her own floral business. For the past 5 years, she has been studying various distillation practices with Ann Harman and is now the proud owner of 3 different sized stills. She hopes to share her knowledge and teach distillation methods in Canada. SShe can be reached at http://www.jenniferrobertsflorist.com/
Colleen Thompson RA®, EOT®, CAHP – Colleen has worked in the field of Aromatherapy since 1995. She completed her Provincial Instructor’s Diploma Program in 1997 and now teaches a 600hour aromatherapy certification program through her school Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies. She was an Aromatherapy Instructor at West Coast College of Massage Therapy from 20062012 and Spa Program Coordinator at West Coast College of Massage Therapy for 3 years. Colleen has written aromatherapy articles for a number of publications and conducted talks, workshops and seminars for a variety of organizations. She was named one of the five top aromatherapists in BC in 2015 and 2016. Colleen is currently the President of the BCAOA Board of Directors, Secretary of the AIA Board of Directors, and sits on the Education Committee of the CFA. Her Titles include: Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, Lymphatic Drainage Massage Instructor, Master Formulator, Diploma in Adult Education. Colleen can be reached at info@essenceofthyme.com
See Your Name Here and earn CE credits at the same time! Send us your articles, photos, reviews or research papers. To obtain a copy of our Author Agreement & Guidelines or our Advertisers Agreement & Guidelines, please go to: http://bcaoa.org/for-members/submissions/ Submission deadline dates and formats can be found in the Guidelines. If you would like to submit something not covered in the Guidelines, please query the editor first on its suitability. Should you have any questions regarding submitting an ad or piece to the journal, please contact the editor directly at editor@bcaoa.org.
EOT (Essential Oil Therapist) and RA (Registered Aromatherapist) are Trademarked Occupational Titles of the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy (BCAOA)
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President’s Message September 2018
Dear Members, The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity. Some of the behind the scenes activities were: • The Board of Directors have been busy assisting our Webmaster to create content for the new website as well as assisting him with editing and revisions of it. This one simple sentence doesn’t convey the many, many hours the Board dedicated to this project. Although everyone on the Board contributed to this, I would like to recognize Lilliane Graie who took the lead on this and is in large part responsible for the website launching in August. Please take a few minutes to check it out at http://bcaoa.org/. • We are also finalizing the last bits and pieces before we notify the BC Society branch of the Provincial government that the BCAPA is dissolving. Louise is busy wrapping up the financials for the “old” BCAOA and BCAPA, while at the same time working on the financials of the current BCAOA. I’m sure she will be happy once she has only one bank account to deal with! Once the government is notified, the BCAPA will officially be dissolved. • Looking forward, Betsy and Michelle have been working on the Fall CE Event with Glynnis Osher which will take place in Tsawwassen on September 30th. The Board is subsidizing the cost of the event to make it very affordable for the members. The early bird registration cost to members is only $100.00 and that includes lunch (deadline September 10th). Members will earn 4 CEU’s for attending the CE Event. • A Survey Monkey poll was recently sent out to the membership to vote on whether to offer a quarterly journal. The majority voted in favour. This will take the BCAOA to a whole new level of professionalism and will give the BCAOA more recognition in the aromatherapy industry. • Our social media presence, particularly on Facebook, has increased dramatically thanks to our new Social Media Coordinator, Tracey Lewindon. While the BCAPA had garnered international recognition over the years, in large part due to the speakers at the various CE Events, the BCAOA was quietly working in the background. Therefore, it is important to promote the BCAOA in every way possible to bring it to the level of recognition that the BCAPA had.
• We have also been working on a new Core Curriculum for both the Registered 9
Aromatherapist® and the Professional Aromatherapist categories. Pat Antoniak has been the lead on this with assistance from Lynne Edel and me. • Both Leah and Kathleen have been streamlining the administrative side of the BCAOA. Leah has spent her summer digitizing membership and historical documents. This huge task will ensure we never lose this critical information and makes for an easy transition when she decides to step away from the membership position (which hopefully will not happen for many years!). Kathleen has implemented a “strategic plan” for the Board and has reformatted meeting documents to make them more concise and professional. • The entire Board has assisted with the revision of the Policy and Procedures Manual. It is still a work in progress and we hope to have it completed within the next couple of weeks. Goals for the coming months include the implementation of special Committees. If you are interested in assisting with CE Events; Social Media; Research; or Education, please let me know. The time commitment would be much less than that of a Board member and there are some perks to being involved! In closing, I hope to see you all at the Fall CE Event on September 30th and wish you all a safe, happy and aromatic fall! Warmest regards,
Colleen
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Announcements Welcome to our Announcements page for notices of upcoming events and general interest to the community. Members can send personal brags/achievements or special shout-outs to other members (congratulations, celebrations, births, milestones etc.), just be sure to have permission to share any personal information with the community! To send in your announcement request, email the information to the editor with “Announcement Page” in the subject line. Let’s celebrate!! At the June 10th BCAOA AGM, the following positions were filled by: President - Colleen Thompson Vice President - Drena Drenic Treasurer - Louise Dawson Registrar - Leah Ursic Secretary - Kathleen Shaw Continuing Education Coordinator - Besty De Lucca Editor - Lilliane Graie Social Media Coordinator - Tracey Lewindon Director at Large - Michelle Beukers Jennifer Roberts Lynne Edel Past President - Pat Antoniak We also had Birgit Stalling and Justin Graham join as Directors at Large at the AGM but they decided they could not devote as much time as they wanted to the positions and so resigned. Thank you both for stepping forward and offering to help out, we will miss you and look forward to a time when you can come back. Thank you to all those who volunteered to join! BCAOA Sponsored Events 4 CE credits are granted for attendees Fall 2018 Event - The BCAOA is proud to host Glynnis Osher for our first ever CE Event! See page 1 for all the details and a registration form. 11
Location: The Coast Tswwassen Inn Dates: September 30th, 2018 Contact: Betsy De Lucca cecoord@bcaoa.org Web: http://bcaoa.org/bcaoa-events/fall-2018-bcaoa-ce-event/ Non-BCAOA Sponsored Events According to BCAOA Guidelines, every 12 hours of attendance at a recognised seminar, workshop, or webinar is equivalent to 8 CE Credits. Please contact the membership coordinator if you are unsure of an event’s status. CEC Credits: Please refer to the CE Activity guidelines. Proof of attendance can be sent via hardcopy or electronic mail. Please make sure to include the title of the specific event along with your name and address. The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy – The Joy of Aroma Chemistry with E. Joy Bowles PhD BSc. Oct 20 & 21, 2018, Boulder, CO. Limited seating, register today! National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) events – Beyond Aromatics: Ancient Wisdom To Modern Science NAHA World of Aromatherapy IX. This year’s theme offers unique talks and workshops that will inspire and educate you in a range of holistic practices and approaches as well as advance the field of aromatherapy. NAHA has graciously extended an additional $25.00 off registration for BCAOA members. Use coupon code: affiliate (no caps).
Go to the NAHA Conference website for more details on WOA IX.
Location: University of Utah Conference Center & Botanical Garden Dates: October 24-27, 2018 (post workshops Oct 28th, 2018) Web: nahaconference.com Facebook: NAHA Sharon Falsetto: Advanced Aromatic Chemistry Course – "Essential Oils in Colour: The Caddy Profiles" by Rosemary Caddy. Ongoing, Home Study. Information and Registration: Sedona Aromatherapie Other links to explore for upcoming events: Alliance of International Aromatherapists
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Come Be Our Friend! The BCAOA Facebook page is up and running! We are adding content to build our visibility online, provide relevant information for both members and non-members, and contribute to expanding global awareness of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, in keeping with the BCAOA Mission and Values. Our current focus is promoting our first ever Fall CE Event. You can find the page at: https://www.facebook.com/BCAromatherapy/ In addition to the public BCAOA Facebook Page, we have created a BCAOA Members-only Facebook Group. For those familiar with Facebook privacy settings, this is now a “closed” group and will move to a “secret” Group once members have had the opportunity to join if they feel called. This Group is intended to be a space of learning and connection. It is a space where members can share information and resources, as well as provide peer support around Aromatherapy in practice. You can find this Members-only group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCAOAMembers/ We look forward to growing online with you! 13
BCAOA Achievement of Excellence Award With the launch of our new website (bcaoa.org) we are now able to accept nominations for the BCAOA Achievement of Excellence Award online. This award is to recognize those individuals who have served with great distinction and excelled in the field of aromatherapy. This may consist, for example, of leadership; business; volunteer service; aromatherapy research, and more. Any BCAOA member may nominate a person. The nominee need not be a BCAOA member. The selection process will take place in June of each year and the deadline for accepting nominations is April 30th. The recipient of the award will be announced each year at the Annual General Meeting. If you know someone you would like to nominate, please go to: http://bcaoa.org/about/about-achievement-of-excellence-award/ to download a nomination form.
Featured Member Page We are also pleased to announce our Featured Member page on the website. If you would like to suggest a featured member, please submit their name, a photo (if possible) and 500 words on why you think they should be featured, or send any questions to Kathleen at secretary@bcaoa.org.
Comments Page We have added a Comments page to our Members section where you can send us your comments, questions, concerns or suggestions.
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BCAOA 2018 AGM Recap The BCAOA AGM was held on June 10th at the Tsawwassen Inn. Although the amalgamation hasn’t “officially” taken place, this was somewhat of a pre-celebration. For all intents and purposes, the BCAPA and the BCAOA have merged, however there are some outstanding banking issues to complete before the BCAPA is dissolved and the amalgamation is official. The sun shone on the beautiful Sunday of the AGM – a harbinger of the wonderful things to come. We had a great turnout at the event (although this may have been influenced by the promise of cocktails and appetizers to be served immediately following the AGM!). For the first time in the BCAOA’s history, the AGM was available to those not physically able attend, via Zoom. One of the mandates of both the BCAOA and BCAPA was to make the business of the association accessible to all members. The by-laws were revised to allow for electronic voting which segued into video conference calls and it is our hope that we will have more participation from all BCAOA members as a result. The meeting began with a Trip Down Memory Lane with Pat Antoniak, which was very fitting since we are transitioning into a new association although it is retaining the “old” name. This is because we need to protect our Occupational Title. The business of the AGM began immediately following Pat’s pleasantly nostalgic visit of the past. As there was no single position with more than one person running, all the candidates were elected by acclamation. Lynne Edel was nominated from the floor and completed the slate. We have a number of initiatives we would like to put into place, but we need help from the membership. One way that you can assist is to become a committee member. If you don’t have time to be on the Board, you might consider lending your expertise to one of the Committees we would like to put in place. If we can’t find the help from the membership some of these will have to be put on hold. In closing I would like to thank each member of the Board. Unless you have served on the Board, you may not be aware of the many volunteer hours dedicated to you – the membership. Often this is at the expense of family time and business endeavors. We are not perfect but we certainly put in the effort; to those few who complain behind the scenes, please keep this in mind. We value constructive criticism – this will only serve to make us stronger and better. We do appreciate open dialogue with our members and ask only that you follow the proper process of communicating with the Board with your questions, complaints and suggestions. To this end, we are implementing a Comment section on the new website where you can make 15
suggestions, ask questions or raise concerns. Unless you include your name and contact information, this will be completely anonymous. If you wish to receive a reply, you must include at least your email address. We promise to take every comment seriously. The majority of our members are quick to say thank you and I can’t tell you how much this means to those of us who are freely volunteering our time. You are the members who show up for CE Events; respond to surveys and questionnaires; and generally make the association great! Let’s grow this association into something that supports each one of us and makes us proud to belong! Best wishes to you all, Colleen Thompson, BCAOA President on behalf of the Board of Directors
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molecules, I realized a long time ago that most drugs do more harm than good and pills are just a material form of promised hope. In alignment with my core belief, I spent ten years exploring both traditional and alternative methods including Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine to further deepen my knowledge of curative, preventive and integrative medicine. I have practiced and researched new approaches to medicine, and I am an ardent promoter of innovative methods of evaluation as a way to integrate Quantum consciousness into the Art of healing. My diverse interests resulted in a wide range of skills, training, and certifications in the fields of holistic health including Clinical Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Energy Medicine, NeuroLinguistic Programming, Hormone Balancing, Sterile compounding, Anti-Aging and Longevity. Never in my life have I been afraid to master any new skill, expand my horizons or share my vision with others. During my PhD studies I rediscovered my passion for aromatherapy and the chemistry of essential oils. I see aromatherapy as an ancient Art-Science and essential oils as very powerful medicine. After all, essential oils are concentrated solar energy captured inside the plant and with every single drop we bring that energy of the Sun into our bodies. What synthetic molecule can be more powerful than the Sun, I wonder! In search of excellence, I dedicated my life to the promotion of natural health, the prevention of disease, and enabling a greater understanding of the human body and its consciousness. For many years I spoke and presented regularly at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, creating awareness for integrative health care and the life-enhancing, life-saving treatments it offers. Driven by creative passion, my colleague and I founded Galena Pharm, a “galenicâ€? laboratory specializing in innovative compounding, sterile compounding, hormone replacement therapy, chelation therapy, prolotherapy, pain management, mesotherapy and integrative medicine. All of my life, I knew that my true mission is to inspire and empower people to live happier and healthier lives ‌and here I am ready to carry on my mission. ~ Drena Drenic, Vice President
Hello! My name is Kathleen or just Kat for short. I only recently became the secretary for the BCAOA and I am finding it to be very rewarding work. I have a very small Aromatherapy business that I hope to grow over the next few years. I live in Northern BC and I truly love living in a smaller community, removed from the busyness of the big city. I recently got married, have two small children, two cockatiels, and a very large dog. I really enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors. Every year I try to cultivate a small garden. Some years I am rather successful and other years my thumb is not so green; this year was one of the non-green thumb years. In addition to my inconsistent gardening skills, I work full-time and I have recently gone back to school to work towards
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my master's degree in Counseling Psychopathology. Needless to say, life is full of adventures and surprises! ~ Kathleen Shaw, Secretary
Hello all, I’m Louise Dawson, a retired accountant and treasurer of the association. I developed an interest in complementary health care about 15 years ago and am certified in a number of different healing modalities, including aromatherapy. Over the years the focus of my practice has evolved from being largely physical to being predominantly energetic. While my core mission of helping clients to take responsibility for their own health and well-being has not changed, my passion is now to help my clients release all the emotional baggage they have been dragging around for many lifetimes so they can get unstuck and back on track to fulfilling their life’s purpose. I work mostly with the energetic properties of essential oil blends because angels, Archangels, guides and ascended masters play an important role in my work. I am now starting to work with clients around the globe using the wonderful world of technology, mentoring and teaching people how to connect with their spiritual team and rediscover their intuition. ~ Louise Dawson, Treasurer
I've been involved with many organizations for many reasons, but none have drawn me in or held so strongly as my passion for aromatherapy. Having grown up with both a mother and grandmother who were not only RNs, but also women who were deeply interested in plants and their benefits, I believe I was guided to this world that offers so many possibilities. Being able to work on a board with people who also share a similar passion is truly a great reward and gift. I have witnessed some great changes in our field and I look forward to seeing what comes next. ~ Leah Ursic, Registrar
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Hello, my name is Betsy. Growing up, I lived in many places across Canada but I’ve lived in Vancouver for the past 28 years. I come from a close-knit family of 10, all spread across the country so it’s fun when we get together. I caught the travel bug early and traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East, which is how I met my husband. We later moved to Brazil, where we lived for 10 years and my first two daughters were born. While there, I taught English to children and adults as well as elementary school at an international American school. It was in Brazil that I was introduced to plant medicine and spiritualism and, though it took a
while for me to warm up to all this new knowledge, I began to incorporate it into my life. When we moved to Canada, I taught ESL while studying at SFU then found out that I was pregnant with my third daughter. After having a serious illness, I decided to concentrate on family life so ran a home daycare for a few years until the kids I was looking after started school. I was introduced to the herbal world while recovering then began studying energy work. I later studied Reiki, taking weekend aromatherapy courses. I decided to take a professional aromatherapy course and loved everything about it. For the most part, my therapy work has been a side business while I managed the office for my husband’s company. My hobby is Life! I have 2 grandchildren whom I adore and love to be with so much. I enjoy being with people and love it when visitors just drop in! I think my love of travel is because I never tire of nature and its beauty; the colours; the smells; the peace it gives me. I enjoy creating and crafting; the arts (theatre, dance, crafts, music, reading); making blends and herbal concoctions. I am attracted to anything colourful that sparkles! I feel wonderful by the water and prefer to be in the water rather than on it. Animals!! I have had pets of all kinds all my life. For the first time in forever I am animal-less and it certainly leaves a void. My life has come to a crossroads now as we just sold our business and I am so ready to pursue this passion of mine full time. I am the Vancouver Chapter Leader. We usually have a good turn out and it’s a great way to keep our learning up as well as keeping in contact with members, and sharing and learning from each other. I hope that I can bring inspiring speakers for the CE Events and that more people will take an active part in this new association. Cheers! ~ Betsy De Lucca
It’s been such great fun being the editor for the journal, first at the BCAPA and now with the BCAOA. It’s been a wonderful creative outlet and allowed me to ensure our members are kept up to date on important happenings and information. When I learned about essential oils as a teen, I never dreamed it would lead me to have so wide a range of experiences and interactions. I enjoy photographing nature and my furry kids, one of which has just joined us from a rescue organisation down in the US. Cooking, baking, and reading (usually cookbooks) are passions of mine that I indulge as often as I can, which my husband and furkids also appreciate. Doggie classes and drives in the country make life perfect! ~ Lilliane Graie, Editor
I am Tracey Lewindon: a wife and mother, an artist and dreamer, and an avid gardener… of both
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Earth and soul. I seek the beauty, joy, and sacred in the everyday, with the desire of applying this to my passion for teaching and helping others. I was born and raised in North Vancouver, and other than the two years I commuted to work in Toronto, I have lived my life in the Lower Mainland. I attended UBC where I studied Health Sciences and Linguistics, which set me on a solid path of learning. Through the twists and re-inventions of self through my life, I have discovered great strength through both challenges and joys, and have explored many personal and professional roles – from science student to Flight Attendant to ESL Teacher to volunteer “Empathy” teacher. I have seen each stage help me learn, heal, and grow into my present role as a healer who serves to guide and inspire others. I spread my own particular kind of gentle joy through Aromatherapy, Art Journaling, Earth Medicine, and NLP Coaching, from my home in Maple Ridge, BC. ~ Tracey Lewindon, Social Media Coordinator
I’m Michelle Beukers, and I sat on the BCAPA Board as their CE coordinator for two years, before filtering over to the new BCAOA board as a Director at large. My main focus is on assisting the current CE coordinator in setting up of continuing education projects and I am very committed to assist in the future growth of the BCAOA for its members. A big part of my life at this time is my children, two beautiful girls, however bodywork and Aromatherapy have been, and always will be, a big part of who I am. I feel honoured to be able to provide time and input towards the future of the BCAOA. ~ Michelle Beukers, Director At Large
Hi, I’m Jennifer, a Director at Large for our association. I am a florist first (38 years), but 22 years ago I found aromatherapy and, more importantly, Bev Hawkins, my mentor, and finished her aromatherapy course. Since then I have studied with Anne Harman and a group of distillers in the United States. Presently I am making hydrosols and capturing some essential oils from organically grown botanicals using hand-pumped well water from our spring here in the middle of Victoria. My dream is to have some property where I can grow all my plants, teach distillation, have guest presenters, and make a retreat destination space. Stay tuned! ~ Jennifer Roberts, Director At Large
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Hi, my name is Lynne Edel and I have been in love with nature and the healing properties of plants for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a small town on the prairies allowed for a sense of freedom and connection to the plant world that has shaped who I am and what I do today. As a young girl, I remember picking prairie sage and making tea over the campfire for me and my mom to drink, and picking plantain, crushing it, and placing it on my cuts to heal them. Twenty years ago, I began to suffer from anxiety and sudden eczema due to stress. My doctor wanted to put me on medication but I knew that was not right for me, so I sought out an Aromatherapist. I could not believe how my anxiety was alleviated and how my skin healed within a couple of weeks after using the blends that were created for me. I was hooked! I knew that I had to learn all I could about aromatherapy and I am still learning today! I absolutely love what I do and am fortunate to do what I love. I have a private practice in White Rock where I offer Aromatherapy, Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, and Integrative Energy Healing to clients. I teach Aromatherapy at Langara College, Reiki by request, and Yoga to Seniors, Beginners and people with mobility challenges. ~ Lynne Edel, Director At Large
Since its inception in 1998, I have been either on the BCAOA board or in the background helping out. I have been involved in nursing since the early 70’s and in aromatherapy since 1995. It was in 1995 that I quit my nursing instructor job at a local college and began my holistic wellness private practice. Since 2005, I have seen clients and held classes at my Natural Comfort Wellness Centre. I have a passion for assisting clients to achieve independence and wellness, and love to teach. As a crone/grandmother/matriarch, I realize that to be abundant and of service, I must teach AND be teachable. My other passions include spending time with my amazing husband, gardening, boating, music, piano, writing and spending quiet time connecting with the Creator. Two of my favourite sayings are: “ Karma is a bitch only if you are” and “The past is history, the future a mystery and the present is a gift.” ~ Pat Antoniak
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When the Spirit Spoke Dr. Bruce Berkowsky talks about the creation of Spiritual PhytoEssencing®
F E A T U R E
BBerkowsky
Spiritual PhytoEssencing® An Interpretive Art Part 3 - Origin Featured Writer Anita Kalnay interviews Dr. Bruce Berkowsky, NMD, MH, HMC, founder of Spiritual PhytoEssencing®. AK: What gave you the idea to create Spiritual PhytoEssencing® in the first place? BB: I had already been studying Aromatherapy with Kurt Schnaubelt. Homeopathy led me to the idea that I could use the oils in homeopathic dilution as remedies. At the time, I was studying Anthroposophical Medicine, founded by Rudolf Steiner, and also Kabbalah. Steiner’s premise was
24
that “matter is most spiritual in the perfume of
them to certain aspects of this person’s inner
the plant”. In other words, essential oil is matter
soul nature?”
at its most spiritual. At the time, I was working long distance as the In Kabbalah, I was studying about the soul
naturopathic adviser to a New York oncologist. I was asked
and came across a commentary that said the “soul is comprised of plant,
… essential oil is matter at its most spiritual.
to take on some cases, which were primarily
breast cancer cases. I had already
animal and human soul components
and for that reason, human beings could relate
written about 25-30 chapters of essential oil
to plants on a soul-to-soul level.” I
profiles of about 8-10 pages each. They were
contemplated both the Steiner and Kabbalah
much shorter chapters – all of which have
ideas and came up with “what if I could
since been expanded to 20-30 pages – than
somehow use the soul of the plant to somehow
they are now.
interface with the human soul?” I took the case in the same way you would do But more than that, it led me to the idea that if
a homeopathic case: an interview, analysis of
I could establish typologies for each of the oils
the interview data, and the translation of the
then I could match that typology to a
interview data into relevant oil selections.
component of this person’s soul, which on an
Then based upon the scent intensity and
archetypal level had congruence with that
prominence in the case of each of the selected
typology. Typology being
oils, (e.g. was the person dominantly more
“Who is the eucalyptus type?”
patchouli than vetivert, more pine than white
“What is the patchouli type like?”
spruce, etc.) the component oils for a deep-
“What would the rose type be? What
acting customized blend were determined.
would her internal nature be like?” Being a homeopath, I knew how to prepare From working with Homeopathy I felt that the
homeopathic dilutions, so also created a
‘one remedy’ that matched the ‘entire case’ –
potentized dilution of the blend. I was
called the ‘similimum’ – was often a chance
pleasantly surprised that the combination of
remedy at best. I didn’t want to make that
customized blend and potentized dilution
mistake with SPE.
acted deeply – very powerfully, even beyond powerfully – in terms of what my expectation
“What if I took a combination of different
was.
typologies, like painting by numbers, and
25
created a portrait in oils where I was taking
From there I spread out beyond just cancer
all these different typologies and matching
cases and started writing chapters very
seriously and, by 1997, I started to teach
was reminiscent of Mommy Dearest, i.e.,
classes. At the time, there was only this
locked in the cellar. By the time I interviewed
original version of the customized blend that
her, she had been on asthma medication for
often took 14 hours to design and prepare one
decades. Being a Homeopath, I hypothesized
blend and dilution.
that the asthma was somehow linked to ‘being here… being able to let go… and suppression felt in the chest.’
Since then I have developed other types of customized soul-level healing blends including the Chakra Animal Imagery blend,
The blend was presented to her – 60 years after
the Sensory Animal Imagery blend, the Astro-
the situation. She took the first dose of the
Synthesis blend, and also the Birth
potency and said that she had to “pull over to
Trauma/Life Traumas Pattern blend. These blends take less time to develop – although
The directional process toward self-actualization
they still require a good deal of time – and are more accessible to
will stall.
beginning students.
the side of the road”. She started crying hysterically. She was not that type: she was an educated Jewish
woman who graduated from college in
her early twenties during the 1940’s, which was relatively rare in those days. The thought
AK: How long had you been a Naturopath
in her head while she was hysterically crying –
and Homeopath at that point?
in her precise words - was that “I miss my mommy”.
BB: Since 1978. Within a short period of time, she was able to AK: Was there a defining moment when you
drastically reduce her asthma medication by
knew you had a new way of healing people?
over 70-80 percent following that episode without an increase in symptoms. The breast
BB: There was. It was a woman, born in the
cancer improved for a while. However, as
1920’s, with metastatic breast cancer. I did a
often happens in cancer cases, they are always
classical homeopathic interview. It was a very
going to new practitioners looking for the
interesting case. Her mother, who was only 28
silver bullet. After seeing a medical intuitive
years old, went to play Mahjong with her
who recommended that she stop using the
friends. During the game, she went to lie down
blend, she discontinued her integrative
and at the end of the game her friends found
medicine protocols and died soon thereafter.
that she had died. If you give a blend before a person is ready for At that time, the client was only 2 years old.
it, an elevated level of psychic resistance will
Her father sent her to live with his sister – who
block the potential of the blend. The 26
directional process toward self-actualization
have taken the “great detour” away from their
will stall. They have not transformed
real self and have subordinated themselves to
sufficiently to reduce the interferences in their
other peoples’ ideas and perceptions. Now,
life so they can progress along their pathway
they are remembering and wanting to get back
to self-actualization.
to who he or she really is.
On the other side of the spectrum is the type of
It is also for individuals who are ill and know
person who is so vulnerable, and so sensitive,
that spiritual work is a major piece in holistic
that it opens Pandora ’s Box too quickly and the reencounter with historical emotional wounding
healing. There has to be a
If you add expectation then
yearning – a desire – to
you are ruining the case.
receive, and a love for the
overwhelms her.
oils. If as a practitioner you
do your work mindfully, and with confidence, then every single blend you make will work!
For that reason, I always begin with a pre-
Will they work to a 30% degree or a 90%
conditioning protocol. I take the case and,
degree? It depends on the circumstances of
based on that interview, I use about three of
that person’s life.
my gemstone essence/flower essence blends and three of my SPE essential oil blends,
Ninety-eight percent of the success is the
which the person works with for four months
person’s willingness and life circumstances.
before moving on to a deep-acting custom
The people who are not at the “jump off point”
blend.
ready to take off, their blends will expire more quickly, i.e.; 6-8 months. The people who are
A beginning practitioner should make simpler
ready and follow the protocol and check in can
customized blends containing fewer oils and
use a blend actively for 12-14 months.
apply it to the chakras; use it in a hand bath or foot bath, mixing 4-5 drops in sea salt.
AK: How does the blend encourage or support the person to change their
AK: How are the blends getting these deep
circumstances?
acting results? BB: If you add “expectation” then you are
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BB: The first thing you have to do is pick and
ruining the case. You have to trust the
choose who you are working with. These
unfolding – including the karmic spiral of past
blends are not for everyone. The niche of
and current lives. The reason that people are
Spiritual PhytoEssencing® is spiritually
going through their life circumstances is
sensitive individuals, those people who feel
because that is exactly what they needed. Even
separated from who he or she really is. They
the worst experiences of the past contribute to
the person you are now.
real mechanisms of understanding, knowing and valuing, and going to a hit-or-miss type of
If you create a portrait in oils that works like a
way of determination; and most of your
jigsaw puzzle then for the first time in many
decisions are going to be anywhere from half
years, often since the early years of childhood,
wrong to completely wrong.
that person will for the first time encounter a state of congruity in regard to their eternal
The only way to ensure that your decisions are
nature.
always correct is to use that internal organismic valuing mechanism of sensing,
Most people live in a state of incongruity. For
feeling and connecting to spirit, and then
example, if you are growing up in a home
turning it over to thought or using thought
where mom and dad fight all the time you
only in its rational consciousness niche.
might say, “Mom, (and you can tell she is really stressed out) what is going on?” to hear
Incongruity is learned at an early age. You
“nothing, don’t worry about it, just do your
sense, but you respond differently because
homework”. Nothing??? So, what your mother
there are ideas and expectations of others that
is saying and what you are perceiving is
must be met in order to be acknowledged. You
completely incongruous.
compromise or do it the way they want. Incongruency is one of the major influences in
Then in your own life you can feel –
the failed state of individuals.
organismically – and sense, and through your connection to spirit, ask: how would you make a decision? what decision should you make? how should you value experiences? how should you
…you respond differently because there are ideas and expectations of
symbolize those in your consciousness
others…
and how should you then respond with a decision – based on what your mind/body
So, when you do a blend that is a mirror image in plant souls – a collection of
“souls” that act as an integrated entity – for the first
time the person interacts, maybe for the first time in many years. with something
that is congruent with their inner nature.
organism is inherently trying to communicate to you?
Once that happens, that lends enough energy or additional force to their inner will that they
Thought is the last step in that process. By the
now begin to listen and turn their attention
time thought figures something out, sensing,
inwards and begin to live from their real self.
feeling and connection to spirit have already evaluated the situation. If you depend on
It is that change that you are trying to effect in
thinking exclusively, you are skipping all the
Spiritual PhytoEssencing®. You are not trying 28
to cure the case or trying to determine what
of supportive senior students who work
they should do in any way. You have to let
together on various projects and are available
them work it out in their own ways. That’s up
to answer questions for new students and
to them. You can act as a sounding board and
practitioners.
give some insights on a spiritual level. Your
For More information visit: Essentials and Soul
job as a practitioner is to initiate a directional process toward self-fulfillment and self-
References
actualization, and to maintain the momentum
Materia Medica Spiritualis - 125 essential oil
of that directional process through follow-ups.
monographs – **The MOST comprehensive Materia Medica of essential oils in the world!!!
“Life is essentially a sequence of perpetual
The SPE Repertory – 140-page repertory including
change.” Your job is to observe it and
emotional, physical and general categories
understand it and be ready for the next change.
Anita Kalnay RA®, EOT®, SPE®AT, began working with Essential Oils in 1992 while living in a remote inlet in Northern BC. Her first Teacher of Aromatics was a Celtic Shamanka who foresaw her abilities as a Healer, Seer and also a Designer and Formulator using the tools
Dr. Berkowsky founded his Spiritual
of distilled aromatics and energy medicine. Extensive
PhytoEssencing®, which employs
study built a framework of understanding weaving
individualized essential oil blends and homeopathic-style dilutions derived from
together tools from Natural Medicine, Energy Medicine, Healing and Massage, Kundalini Yoga, Ayurveda and Universalist Philosophies. Anita has over 3200 credit
those blends to effect deep soul-level healing,
hours in Naturotherapies and has been in Private
based upon a synthesis of his experience using
Practice as an Aromatherapist and Natural Perfumer
specific aspects of aromatherapy, herbal
since 1994. She currently works with over 500 natural
medicine and folklore, physiology, anthroposophical medicine, classical
distilled ingredients. She has been a student of SPE® since 2001 and is an Assistant Teacher of SPE®. Her motto is “walk softly and leave only a pleasant scent”.
homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine,
www.genieinabottle.ca
depth psychology, color therapy, gemstone
http://www.essentialoilsandsoul.com
healing and the Kabbalah.
Facebook: Fragrant Yogi and Flying Colors Natural
He offers online courses and a blending group
Perfumes
Dr Berkowsky has offered to do a free online Introductory class for the first 50 people who register. The class will be a first step into the world of Spiritual PhytoEssencing® and allow anyone interested to get a taste of how it works. There is no cost for the class but you should register with Betsy so we know how many people are attending. Attendees will receive 1 CE credit for attendance and another 1 credit if they write a synopsis of the class and submit it to Leah afterwards. The class will take place in early February 2019; Betsy will send out an email with details once they are all finalised. 29
The Next Edition Even though we just released this one, it’s time to start thinking about the Winter edition. We’ve got lots of places to have your work read so check them out and see what appeals to you! The Feature Writer section is for members who submit 2-4 topic-related pieces for sequential editions (write 3 pieces for spring-summer-fall , summer-fall-winter etc). The Guest Writer section is for single-piece submissions by members and non-members. Send in your Reviews for classes, workshops, seminars, books, webinars and products. Research allows you to strut your stuff in the science of all things aromatic. And remember, you can gain CE credits with your submissions! For our Author’s Agreement, or our Advertiser’s Agreement if you’re looking to place an ad, just go to bcaoa.org or send an email to editor@bcaoa.org
Your ad could be here. But then who would look at me?
See our advertising guidelines at bcaoa.org or contact the Editor directly at editorbcaoa.org
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July Chapter Meeting Distilling Melissa
ena
dD r an
rie Poi . meu issa o l De Mel e e n h An up t her gat
st qui
Vin
Lef t Ho to rig pki ht D n Ab sen s, Brig ena V inq t fr itt and Jen om p e L’H uist, B eur hot nife arb eu o a rU rse Maris x and ra Po ll ela wer Jen Ra mir nifer , Chri st R ez, Bir obert ine git s. Sal ling
It is always a delight to get together with fellow aromatherapists. For a lot of us, this is the only time we see each other so it truly is special.
Weighing the Mellisa! A great batch!
Last month, for our July meeting here on the island in Victoria, we decided to distill lemon balm. Luckily we have a common well here in Fernwood within the city, so I headed up to pump fresh water to have it ready for our project. After a decadent pot luck dinner, sitting in a circle in my driveway in front of the shop, eight of us set about to harvest 6 1/2 lbs of Melissa officinalis leaves, finding the plants all over 32
the garden, clambering between raspberries and lavender, lupines, roses and hosta and tucked under the mighty fig. We stripped the stems, keeping the tips and flower heads and leaves. Two stills were set up, the 20 litres, Syl, (those who own stills know you have to name them, this one is named after my late Mum, Sylvia), with 4 1/2 lbs of leaves and the little 10 litres Alquitar with 2 pounds. We ended up with a gallon jug filled to the brim and a pint jar also overflowing with a very, very strong Melissa hydrosol. By the time the last drop fell it was getting close
33
to 10 pm. It was dark and most had gone home, as the stills had been running for a good hour and a half. We tested the hydrosol as it came out of the stills at various stages and it stayed strong in aroma and scent for a very long time. In the month since, it has really mellowed to a beautiful citrusy floral from the original sharp, almost citrusy camphor-like smell it had fresh out of the still. It is ready now to dole out to those who came and participated, and left their jars to be filled. We did not capture any essential oil but you can see it in suspension within the glass jars. Next month, Salt Spring Island...
Jennifer Roberts
ď†Œ
http://www.jenniferrobertsflorist.com/ All photos courtesy JRoberts
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As you all know, the BCAOA has unofficially amalgamated with the BCAPA which means the BCAOA now has an official journal! Since this is a brand new enterprise, we need your help to find the perfect name for it! We are holding a “Name This Journal� contest for members to submit their ideas for a journal name. The two best options will be chosen and the Winner selected from them. The winning member will get their name and photo in the first edition to bear the new moniker, major bragging rights, and free attendance at the Spring CE event with $750 for travel costs! The Runner Up will receive a $250 gift certificate for Voyageur Soap & Candle, a wonderful supplier for ingredients and packaging. The contest is open to all current members in good standing, 19 years or older. It begins September 15th and runs until October 31st at midnight. Watch your email for all the details! So get your thinking caps on, warm up those noggins, and be ready to send us your best ideas for our new BCAOA Journal name! 35
Aromatherapy Student: Amanda Durrant Main Conditions to be Treated Insomnia Anxiety or Stress Hormonal Imbalance Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies AT101
C A S E S T U D Y
Student Amanda Durrant discusses working with her client for relief with insomnia, anxiety, stress, and hormonal imbalance using Lavendula angustifolia, Ocimum basilicum, and Vetivera zizanoides in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. Case Description My client is a 27 year-old woman who works as customer support for Telus. She is interested in trying an aromatherapy blend to help with a few health issues she is having. Her main complaint is insomnia; rated on a scale of 1-10, she rates it as a 5 or 6. She says her sleep is terrible; she wakes up often; has a hard time staying asleep; and doesn’t feel rested when she wakes up in the mornings. She is unable to take any prescription medications for insomnia as it will interfere with the current medications she is taking for depression. My client has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She has had these issues for over twelve years and, as stated above, is taking prescribed medication for them. She still suffers with anxiety sometimes, even while taking her medications. She says anxiety is sometimes the cause of her insomnia, as she is often up with her mind racing during the night. Two years ago, my client was diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The PCOS has caused her to feel like her hormones are unbalanced; she sometimes feels rushes of emotions. She is
36
seeing a specialist this month for potential hormone replacement therapy. In the meantime, she is interested in trying essential oils to ease symptoms. The three main conditions that will be addressed with the following blend are: Insomnia, Anxiety/Stress and Hormone Imbalance
Treatment Protocol The goal for this treatment is to help my client with her insomnia, and to ease symptoms of anxiety, stress, and hormone imbalance. Length: 4 weeks (Aug 1, 2018-Aug 29, 2018)
Table 1: Serum Blend for Insomnia, Anxiety/Stress, and Hormone Imbalance
37
The serum blend should be used multiple times a day over the chest and anywhere my client would be able to smell it to help with anxiety and stress. My client should use the blend over the lower abdomen and thyroid twice a day to help with amenorrhea (hormone imbalance). The serum should be used over the chest before bed every night, and any time my client wakes up in the night. Blend can also be used on the hands and inhaled.
My client’s Response to Treatment Date: Aug 2, 2018 Used the blend last night and this morning, it works well for calming and anxiety! My client noticed she slept a lot better last night, too. My client notes that her period is a few days late, which is a common symptom of her PCOS. Date: Aug 8, 2018 My client has been using the blend daily; she says she applies it to her chest and feet (not instructed by me, something she read online) and it has been really helpful in times of stress. She has slept very well this past week. She notices she doesn’t wake up at all most nights, if she applies this blend first. The few times she has woken up, she applies the blend to her chest and she’s back to sleep again. My client says she ended up getting her period yesterday; it was over a week late but the flow is a lot lighter than normal. She believes the blend has helped with this. Date: Aug 15, 2018 My client says she is sleeping great, has had minimal stress and anxiety, and has had no issues with her PCOS. Date: Aug 22, 2018 Not much change in the effectiveness of the blend; it is still working very well!
Evaluation My client’s Perspective “I often applied the oils to my feet for sleep, lower abdomen for hormone balancing, and inhaled from the palms of my hands for anxiety and stress relief. I suffer from PCOS, so hormone imbalance is a way of life for me now. After using the oils on my lower abdomen for a few days, I began to get 38
spotting. My cycle ended up being late this month but I do not link that with the oils as this is a common thing with PCOS. The blend helped my anxiety almost immediately anytime I was feeling anxious or stressed out. I’d simply roll it on my hands, rub them together and inhale through my nose for an instant calming relief. It aided most in my sleep. I would apply it to the bottoms of my feet before bedtime and within minutes would be asleep and stay asleep! Overall, this blend was very helpful for my sleep and anxiety!”
My Perspective I am thrilled that this blend was so successful for my client’s insomnia! It’s great that she now has something to aid her sleep that doesn’t interfere with her anxiety medications. I learned a lot about PCOS doing this case study. It helped me to understand how essential oils can help with hormone imbalance and other symptoms of PCOS. While essential oils may not be a “cure-all”, it’s wonderful that we have these natural remedies at our disposal to help with symptoms of diseases and disorders such as this one.
Recommendations I recommended my client continue to seek professional treatment from a doctor for her PCOS and hormone imbalances, and to just use aromatherapy as an aid in addition to the help from a doctor.
References Thompson, C. (2012). Aromatherapy Certification Course, AT101 Tisserand R. and Young R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. 2nd ed. Lawless, J. (2013). The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
Amanda Durrant is currently studying Aromatherapy at Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies. Already a Certified Dental Assistant, she is passionate about helping people and wishes to further her education into the field of natural medicine. Amanda became interested in studying aromatherapy when she became a mother; she wanted to be sure she was using essential oils safely on her family.
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G U E S T
Rituals are the building blocks of life, my way of cobbling an entire summer together from incidental wisps.
~Andre Aciman
Aromatherapy in Ritual Guest Writer Tracey Lewindon discusses how using essential oils can elevate and personalise ritual. Ritual is defined as "a set of actions or words performed in a certain way" by the Cambridge Dictionary, but I see it as more than that. I see ritual as a way to make an ordinary day extraordinary; a way to bring a spiritual and sacred intention into everyday activities; and a way to surrender oneself to the magic of Divine assistance. Over the last few years I have been incorporating more and more ritual into my life. Having recently completed training in Earth 41
Medicine which embodies ritual as an important tool for healing, I have found that working
with ritual more often and developing tools to
very personal concept so using another word
support this practice has brought me a sense of
may feel more accurate or comfortable for you.
increased peace and passion, as well as
In looking at the ‘anatomy’ of a ritual, to me
profound healing.
there are a few key components that are common among rituals: setting a clear purpose
Ritual is a very personal idea, and my
and intention; opening sacred space;
experience may differ from that of others.
invocation; centering within the space and
Ritual can be simple or complex, and can be
completing the intention; and the closing of
personalized in many ways; all it takes is
sacred space (including the releasing of Divine
desire, intention, and regular practice. As a
energies invited in the invocation).
starting point, I’d like to differentiate my experience of ritual with that of ceremony.
Each of these stages can vary in duration and
Many people use these words interchangeably,
appearance, and other than the opening and
and that may be true of their experience, but to
closing which are more ‘fixed’, these may be
me there is a subtle and important difference.
considered dynamic ‘moving parts’ of the ritual itself. In both performing and honouring
For me, ritual is expansive: the energy created
the intention of the ritual, many practitioners
moves up and outward, and it is inviting Spirit
find that working with sacred tools aids their
in. It is never the same twice, other than the
practice and creates a greater opportunity for
opening and closing. In ritual we are open to
healing. Sacred tools are those objects with
the unknown and whatever Divine assistance
which we work that can aid our spiritual
we are inviting, and it is this openness which
practice, and can include items like jewelry,
can lead to profound healing. We are receiving through ritual and
stones, figurines, feathers,
Ritual can be simple or
the word we would use to describe this is “surrender”.
complex, and can be personalised in many
By comparison, ceremony is
ways…
familiar: it happens the same way every
drums, and rattles. As I have developed my comfort and experience with ritual, it is
not surprising that as an Aromatherapist I have added essential oil
time (think of a ceremony in a church) and it is
blends to this list of sacred tools. The blends I
that familiarity which strengthens and
create for a ritual have become a key
grounds us. The energy created moves
component of this spiritual practice for me,
downward, it draws Spirit in and the word we
and I am finding that I can work with scent at
would use for this is “honouring”.
any stage of a ritual.
For the purpose of this piece, I will use the
There are many different kinds of ritual, and
term ritual with the understanding that it is a
they vary in purpose and solemnity depending 42
upon the individual. An example of a more
at the beginning of the year to support the
simple ritual might be a morning gratitude
word that I chose to embody my year. This
ritual involving tea and meditation or
year, my word is “honouring� and the blend
journaling, while a more involved ritual might
that I created is a simple blend of Rosemary
be those honouring the Full or New Moon, or
(Rosmarinus officinalis) for self-identity, destiny,
the change of season at the Solstice or Equinox.
and remembering my true path, and Rose (Rosa damascena) for love,
I regularly create rituals around both the Full and New Moon, and these rituals include setting up
‌an unexpected bonus of this trust, and compassion. I ritual work is a deeper appreciation regularly come back to for the power and healing potential this blend for many of of our essential oils. my moon rituals and it
an altar for each new phase. For
has served to ground, center, and
these rituals, I often work with an essential oil
bring me back to what I am wanting to
blend that signifies what I am releasing or
embrace this year.
inviting in at these sacred times, as well as how I want to feel. I am learning that these
Creating these spiritual aromatherapy blends
essential oil blends can be incorporated into a
for ritual has given me the beautiful
Ritual at any point.
opportunity to work with essential oils in a slightly different way than I usually do when
My preference is to add a small amount of the
working with what are often more physical
blend diluted in Jojoba oil to my wrists and
issues presented by clients, and I believe that
sometimes throat or forehead as I feel called,
an unexpected bonus of this ritual work is a
and this anointing serves to help me set the
deeper appreciation for the power and healing
intention for my ritual. I also like to anoint
potential of our essential oils.
with more of the blend at the end of the ritual to anchor any learning or healing that I have
My process for creating an essential oil blend
received.
for the spiritual purpose of ritual can involve a number of practices, including Shamanic
We know that scent affects our limbic system,
Journey. The process of journey is one that I
responsible for memory and emotions, so
described in more detail in my previous piece
working with an essential oil blend at the end
so suffice it to say that journey is similar to a
of a ritual is a very powerful experience. I have
meditation with a specific question.
played with the idea of an all-purpose ritual blend, but at this time I am called to work with
In most cases, during a journey I connect with
blends that are for a specific purpose.
plant spirits who guide me in clarifying the purpose of the ritual and in the creation of the
An example of this is the blend that I created 43
aromatherapy blend to support this. This
journey prior to a planned ritual has become
but rather an ancient and sacred celebration of
an important component of my preparation,
our ancestors, and as I have grown my
and this is reflected in my recent experience in
spiritual practice, this honouring of my
preparing for the upcoming change of season.
ancestors and their wisdom has become vital. The eve of my birthday seems to be the ideal time for me to perform a grief ritual and while I have performed a ritual like this before, this year I am feeling called to create a new essential oil blend for this. In creating this blend, I am considering both what the Autumn season means to me, what it is that I would like to honour and release, and what I am preparing to welcome into my next year. I was recently called to perform a Shamanic Journey as part of my planning process, and in this I connected with plant spirits who guided me in selecting the essential oils to be included in my blend. This particular blend is
As we prepare to transition into the Autumn
comprised of Cypress (Cupressus sempiverens)
season, I am planning to honour the season by
for letting go, transformation, and personal
performing a grief ritual. In my Earth Medicine
growth; Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) for
studies, we worked with the Medicine Wheel
healing; Marjoram (Origanum majorana) for
and learned that Autumn is the season of the
compassion, warmth, and comfort;
West. It is associated with the element of water,
Frankincense (Boswellia thurifera) for
and is the time of looking inward and
grounding, protection, and spiritual wisdom;
honouring our emotions and intuition.
and Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for hope; all in a base of Jojoba oil.
While Autumn is a season for recognizing, honouring, and letting go of griefs which may
This is a very new combination for me and I
have grown out of disappointments, losses,
am really enjoying the process of creating it. In
and shifts over the past year, it is a particularly
fact, the creation of the blend really feels like it
powerful time for me with both my birthday
is part of the ritual process itself, and serves to
and Hallowe’en happening in October.
guide and support me in preparing for all that
Hallowe’en for me is not the commercialized
I am wanting to honour and release through
‘spooky’ celebration that we find in the stores,
this ritual. This particular grief blend will be 44
both a starting point and anchor for my ritual. I
you to consider what the season means to you
will apply it as I feel called to set the intention
and how you might reflect that in an essential
of my ritual, and will also apply it at the end to
oil blend. You may even consider creating a
close the sacred space and to anchor the
ritual and incorporating your blend into this
healing of the ritual.
practice. Perhaps you will discover a new favourite way to include aromatherapy into
While grief is what I plan to honour through
your life, as I have.
ritual this season, there are many Autumnal themes that could be considered when creating an essential oil blend for ritual, including gratitude, honouring of ancestors, and even the celebration of the final harvest of the year. As we embrace the colours and cooler temperatures of the Autumn season, I invite
45
Tracey Lewindon formalized her life-long interest in essential oils by studying at the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy with Bev Hawkins, and completed the Professional Program in 2013. In her business ‘Nature’s Heart’ based in Maple Ridge, BC, Tracey works with Aromatherapy, Earth Medicine, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy®, Hypnotherapy, and Art Journaling. She can be found online at www.naturesheart.ca.
I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars. ~Walt Whitman
Survey Says! The Survey Monkey Results Our thanks to everyone who got their votes in and had their say in the recent poll regarding this journal. A little under two-thirds of our members responded and the vast majority viewed our proposed changes favourably. We got 62 out a possible 98 responses!
5) All journal contributors will be provided a complimentary hard copy of the journal edition in which their submission appears as a thank you for their contribution(s). Yes - 55 Skipped - 1 No - 6 6) The general public will be able to purchase a hard copy of a single issue of the journal for a fee. Yes - 58 Skipped - 1
No - 3
7) The general public will be able to purchase a Here’s a quick re-cap of the results:
hard copy yearly subscription of the journal for a fee.
1) The BCAOA journal be kept as a benefit of
Yes - 56 Skipped - 2
No - 4
membership with free access to an electronic online version for current members.
To the optional question 8 of “would you be
Yes - 61 Skipped - 1 No - 0
interested in writing for the journal?”, we had 52 people respond with 16 maybe’s, 10 no’s and 26
2) The format of the online version be changed
lovely folks who said they would like to write for
from pdf to flipbook (like online magazines).
the journal! Unfortunately, 17 of those forgot to
Yes - 50 Skipped - 0 No - 12
tell us who they were so we could send them our Author’s Guidelines! As these surveys are
3) The online version be made available to the
anonymous, we have no way of knowing who
public for a single issue or yearly subscription
you are unless you include your name and email
fee through one (1) or more online magazine
address. So go to bcaoa.org to view and
sellers.
download all our guidelines.
Yes - 57 Skipped - 1 No - 4 We also had 26 comments left in question 9. We 4) A hard copy version be printed through a
are going through these and getting back to
print-on-demand service for limited promotional
everyone who indicated they would like to
distribution at the Editor’s discretion to
contribute to the journal or required a response
industry-related associations, schools, and
of some kind to their comment/question.
businesses that incorporate aromatherapy or the
If you haven’t heard from us yet and left a
use of essential oils in their practices, as well as
comment, you might have forgotten to leave
sister-industry associations, schools, and
your contact information.
businesses (such as herbal, CAM, etc). Yes - 56 Skipped - 1 No - 5 47
We did have one question come up that we
would like to address, however the member
members are expected to abide by the Code and
forgot to include their information so we’ll
Standards.
answer it here and hopefully they’ll see it! By strutting our stuff, we can show readers that
The question was, “Do Do-Terra and Young Living
aromatherapy is a powerful healing tool and a
distributors count as “businesses that incorporate
growing industry filled with well-trained and
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils in their
experienced individuals who belong to the
practices” ?”
BCAOA because we have set and maintained standards of excellence for our members.
There is no short answer to this because it is an unknown, so it’ll have to be long. When we
Those same members write articles covering a
originally discussed this idea, the suggestions
range of topics and areas, all by drawing on their
were: the wonderful companies that had
knowledge and experience, and any reader will
sponsored all the CE Events for the BCAPA; local
only benefit from that learning opportunity.
naturopaths, holistic practitioners, RMTs, vets,
Articles and advertising that do not meet the
pharmacies and wellness-centers, and any other
BCAOA’s Standards and Code, and offer a
healing-related professionals who used essential
professional-level reading experience are
oils or whose practice supported their use;
returned for a re-write or alteration, or are
schools that offered both aromatherapy training
rejected outright. While we do our best to be
as well as other alternative healing modalities
open-minded and inclusive, we still have
(such as herbalism, TCM, massage etc); local
guidelines with which both authors and
businesses that sold essential oils and
advertisers must comply.
aromatherapy-related products (such as TAP and Natura Trading); sister associations, like the CFA,
Is it possible that someone who sells those oils
AIA, and NAHA; and our speakers and their
will work in a business where we send a
businesses, where applicable.
promotional edition of our journal? Of course that possibility exists. We have no control over
As you can see, it’s a pretty big list and, I’m sure,
something like that, nor any way of knowing,
by no means comprehensive. The one thing they
though I would think anyone working in the
all have in common though, is being a
types of businesses I have mentioned would be
professional of one kind or another. We looked at
professionally trained in one or more modalities.
these as a form of advertising that would attract new students for our schools and possibly new
Will we search out MLM distributors? No. Will
members who had already trained but never
we stop them from buying our journal when it
joined an association. Either way, an applicant
becomes available in the future? No, that is not
must meet our educational requirements and
our right, nor should it be in a democratic society,
follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of
and unless they told us, we’d still have no way of
Practice. Even the Business and General
knowing who they were or what they did.
48
If we can convince one person with one edition
For many of you, the idea of moving our beloved
of our journal that they need to get training
journal into print might come as a surprise. It
before continuing in their use of essential oils, or
shouldn’t really, for as we grow, so too must all
that what they learned from a one hour session
the wonderful things we offer. The Board is still
with someone selling them a product was faulty,
working out the specifics, looking at quotes from
then we have succeeded on a far greater scale
local printers and the costs associated with this
than if we turned them away because we did not
daring endeavour. Our initial run will be a
support their choice in earning an income.
limited test batch to review the look and feel, and see what sort of response we get from a few “test
We are an industry of healers. If we do not extend
subjects”, so to speak.
our hand in friendship and inclusivity, who wins? No one. If we do not say, “Look here at
Once we have decided on a winner from the
what we have learned and know through our
Name This Journal contest, we will be able to
experience. Come learn from us”, who is hurt?
move forward with this exciting adventure, so
The very people we wish to help: the public.
don’t forget to send in your contest submission! See page 35 for details.
We have the opportunity to become a leading global voice in our industry, to create a place
Though not a question, a comment that was left
where people from all walks of life will go to find
should also get an answer as it was the only
the information and education they need to be
completely negative survey response, with just
practicing professionals, or even safe hobbyists.
the first question being a “yes”. Unfortunately,
But to do that, we have to first see the people
there was no contact info for us to address this
who sell MLM essential oils not as a great evil,
directly so hopefully the person will read this
but as people who haven’t yet learned what we
article!
know, just like we once were.
Comment: “This isn’t sustainable or feasible for such a tiny organization. Please focus on helping RAs get
Compassion, caring, and community have
the recognition and support they need; ie. insurance
always been words I associate with people
coverage.”
drawn to aromatherapy and other healing modalities. A lack of knowledge doesn’t take
Yes, we are a small organisation (though I prefer
away someone’s desire to help. So let’s embrace
to think of us a ripening!) but we won’t always be
(with hope!) the possibility that people involved
so, and expanding our readership will move us
with MLMs will find their way to us, the solid
more quickly toward that goal. The 1-year plan is
education opportunities we offer, and the
for advertising to defer any associated costs, and
friendly sharing of knowledge for which we are
while it will take a few editions to get us to
justly becoming well-known. It can only make
neutral, it will happen. Until that point, past
us, our association, and our industry stronger.
advertising revenue can be used as well as
49
current to cover the first steps in expanding.
are people stepping up to volunteer, we will be able to become an even more amazing GLOBAL
Regarding insurance coverage: we never stop
association. And this will only benefit you, our
working on issues like that for our members.
most cherished members.
Getting the government to recognise us is a slow, often frustrating, tear-your-hair-out-and-start-
I hope that helps clarify things. You know you
again process but the bigger we are, the more
can always reach us if you have a concern,
members we represent, the greater our voice will
question or suggestion; would like to volunteer;
be when it comes to something like this. Getting
do a presentation for the BCAOA; or submit your
our journal in the hands of more people, drawing
fabulous articles. We are more than happy to
in more potential members and students, and
hear from you and want you to feel that you can
expanding the power we have can only make it
engage with all of us. Once the final paperwork
easier to finally get things like insurance
goes through on the amalgamation, we will be
coverage for our wonderful members.
looking at creating some Committees around specific areas where we would like to see some
It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Moving the
expansion. Remember everyone is welcome!
journal to an online and print version won’t stop us from hammering out the ways to increase
For any questions, regarding the journal, please
visibility for our industry and create supportive
feel free to contact me directly at
options for the membership. These will always
editor@bcaoa.org
be ongoing. After all, it’s only me working on the journal, not the entire Board! So as long as there
Have a wonder-Fall season!
Lilliane
Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the Earth seeking the successive autumns. - George Eliot 50
R Aromatherapy and Play History E The Importance of Play in Healthy Adults S Cooper Dael discusses using essential oils to support adult play. E A In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play. ~ Friedrich Nietzsche R C This article discusses the importance of play for adults, and how H aromatherapy and the use of essential oils can provide adults with ways to develop their ‘play history’ and find their ‘play personality’. The concept of play will be defined in the context of an explanation about why many adults find play to be both difficult and unimportant. This article also discusses the potential consequences to a lack of play and how the holistic discipline of aromatherapy can help to create new, healthy thought processes around play. Play is a concept that is most commonly associated with children. However, drawing on the research of Dr. Stuart Brown, this article will explore the importance of play in adults. There is a significant body of research about play; this information elucidates both the benefits of adult play, as well as the consequences suffered from a lack of it. Although play comes easily to most children, many adults find the idea of relearning how to play to be very difficult. Aromatherapy, and the use of essential oils, is incredibly helpful in this process. Firstly, some essential oils promote playfulness; Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) will be discussed in this article. Secondly, aromatherapy (like other holistic disciplines) promotes gathering information from many sources and thinking outside the box. The concept of adult play is best described by providing a discussion of its properties, as well as a discussion concerning the reasons that many adults choose not to, or feel that they cannot, play. According to Dr. Stuart Brown, one of the foremost researchers in this field, the properties of play are as follows (2009, p.17): • Apparently purposeless (done for its own sake) • Voluntary 51
• Inherent attraction
a grinding, mechanical existence organized
• Freedom from time
around doing the things necessary for survival” (2009, p.11). It is common for adults to consider
• Diminished consciousness of self
work to be the opposite of play but play theorist
• Improvisational potential
Brian Sutton-Smith claims that depression is
• Continuation desire
play’s true opposite (The National Institute for Play, 2014).
It is often because of these properties that many adults shy away from play. Although there is a
In addition to depression, a shortage of play can
large body of work showing otherwise, play is
lead to heightened risk factors for a variety of
still often considered to be unproductive and
different health problems including: stress
frivolous. There is a culturally supported idea
related illness (e.g. autoimmune and heart
that adults who play are lazy, superficial and
diseases), addiction, and overall personal
out of touch with the real world (Brown, 2009,
fragility. It can also lead to violence (The
p.147).
National Institute for Play, 2014).
Therefore, many people are made to feel guilty
Robinson, Smith and Segal (2016) discuss the
about spending their time in play because if an
negative effects that a lack of play can have on
activity does not result in something
personal relationships including: resentment,
productive, like building skills or making
hurt, lack of trust, poor communication, issues
money, it is deemed to be unworthy (Brown,
with boundaries, and poor cooperation.
2009, p.7).
“Without play […] the repertoire to deal with inevitable stress is narrowed” (The National
However, according to Margarita Tartakovsky
Institute for Play, 2014).
(2012), play is incredibly important even if it is seemingly purposeless. Play helps us to learn,
Play can be whatever you want it to be, but this
problem solve, create, refresh adult-adult
is often the difficulty. Adults who have spent
relationships and establish intimacy. It also
significant portions of their lives without play
builds trust, increases empathy and promotes a
often have no idea where to start. Brown
sense of belonging. Tartakovsky explains the
suggests two main things when it comes to this;
importance of being surrounded by playful
physical activity and constructing a play history
people as a way of keeping a playful mindset
(2009, p.150).
(2012). Physical activity is very helpful to increase The benefits of play stand out even more so
energy and uplift mood. A play history involves
against the potential consequences to a lack of
a “journey into the past” (Brown, 2009, p.150), a
play. According to Brown, “life without play is
meditation or visualization focusing on past 52
activities that gave you pleasure. The idea is
larger worlds (i.e. more meaningful connections
that you could return to those activities or try to
with others and a greater variety of interests)
apply the feeling that you got from those
and people who better understand themselves.
activities to something else. A life built in accordance with your core truth Chances are, if you are interested in activities
and play personality, leads to a life of incredible
that normally appeal to children, you are not
power and grace (Brown, 2009, p.12). This is an
alone. A recent article about Adult Fans of Lego
interesting concept given the hostility that is
(AFOL) explains how certain toys, typically
often directed toward play in adults, often
directed at children, are becoming very popular
leading to comments like “grow up” and “act
among adults.
your age”.
In this article, Dr. Shimi Kang explains the
There is nothing inherently wrong with
importance of play, and how the busyness and
maintaining some of our childlike qualities; the
stress of adult life goes against our human
most responsible, intelligent, grounded, well-
intuition to slow down. Not only does she find
rounded adults often have the best relationship
adults playing with toys to be no cause for
with their inner child (Brown, 2009, p.78).
alarm, she feels that “[it] is a sign that we are moving closer to our humanity and what
Just as play can be described as the vital essence
optimizes our brains” (Hodges, 2016).
of life, aromatherapy involves the vital essences of plants. Scent is a very powerful sense and,
According to Brown, “play is the vital essence
when inhaled through the nose, essential oil
of life” (2009, p.12). An individual’s play history
molecules enter the brain in just a few seconds.
speaks to their deepest truth (Brown, 2009, p.11)
These molecules evoke powerful memories and
and everyone has a specific play personality.
emotions because they directly enter the body’s
Brown has developed a list of play personalities
limbic system (amygdala and hippocampus).
based on neuroscience and zoological research, and understanding play personality can help
Inhalation of essential oils has various effects
individuals work through their play histories.
including: stimulating memory, altering mood and feelings, influencing hormonal responses
As a brief example, some people can find play
and stimulating the brain centers associated
in physical activity, exploring, creating art or
with learning (Mulcaster, 2014, p.45).
music, and telling stories or jokes (University of
Aromatherapists, and creative counselors, often
Michigan Counseling and Psychological
use scents with their clients to induce a certain
Services, 2018). The properties of play –
state of mind (Creative Counseling
especially the idea of decreasing self-
Aromatherapy, 2015).
consciousness – help to create people with 53
For these important reasons, aromatherapy will
play, and a playful attitude encourages creative
prove to be of great assistance to those wishing
and innovative uses for essential oils.
to add a sense of playfulness to their lives, or possibly meditate on their play history.
Experimenting with aromatherapy also fits well
Aromatherapy is also suitable for many
within Scott Eberle’s six-step play process
different play personalities from those that
(Brown, 2009, p.19). The following list of six
prefer exploration (reading about and
steps has been modified by the author to reflect
experimenting with essential oils) to those that
how this process can relate specifically to the
prefer more kinesthetic playing (combining
use of essential oils:
essential oils with massage, acupressure, etc). • Anticipation – excitement and curiosity As previously mentioned, aromatherapy is a
about new essential oils, which ones might
field that teaches you to think outside the box.
work for you, or what new blends you can
When experimenting with essential oils, the
come up with.
only real ‘seriousness’ required is with specific regard to ethical and safety concerns. Otherwise, this field is very open to play. It is an
• Surprise – the discovery of a new oil or exciting new blend. • Pleasure – having a great new blend to
inherently creative field bringing together
use and knowing that you are being
information from multiple disciplines (e.g.
proactive about your wellbeing.
chemistry, botany, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, etc).
• Understanding – acquiring new knowledge about essential oils, yourself and your health.
The fact that essential oils are chemically
• Strength – a sense of mastery. Knowing
complex also lends itself to the diversity and
that you are honing your skills as an
variation of people and their play personalities.
aromatherapist.
Working with essential oils involves true
• Poise – a sense of balance. Knowing that
experimentation. There are a multitude of
essential oils help you to work on your
different essential oils, and even more ways to
spiritual, mental and physical health at the
blend them together.
same time.
Being a holistic field, there are no ‘one size fits
It is interesting to note that seriousness is not
all’ solutions in aromatherapy, leading to a
actually required for mastery. In fact, Brown
greater potential for experimentation and play.
explains that “without a sense of play, most
As Brown says, play is important for both
people can’t make themselves stick to any
creativity and innovation (2009, p.6).
discipline long enough to master it” (2009,
Aromatherapy and play go hand-in-hand.
p.143). So if you wish to be at the top of your
Experimenting with aromatherapy encourages
game, play is not just important but imperative. 54
There are many essential oils that help to
Bergamot FCF is a good option for those
rekindle a sense of play, as well as combat
wishing to use this oil on the skin (diluted
stress, promote relaxation, and provide
appropriately in carrier oil, of course).
stimulation and upliftment. However, for the
Grapefruit is another incredibly uplifting oil. It
purposes of this article, two essential oils will
is what aromatherapist Casey Mulcaster refers
be profiled: Bergamot and Grapefruit. These
to as “the laughing child of essential oils”
oils are known for their ability to successfully
(2015).
prevent, or reverse, a darkening of mood which is something that is associated with a lack of
Gabriel Mojay (1997, p.81) suggests using
play (Brown, 2009, p.43).
Grapefruit to assist with feelings of tension, frustration, irritability, and moodiness. He says
Bergamot is an incredible anti-depressant. Peter
that the oil is helpful for people who struggle
Holmes (2016, p.136) cites emotional disposition
with the expectations that they put on
as one of the primary uses for Bergamot
themselves and their lives, and who often feel
essential oil. According to Salvatore Battaglia
let down. “Such feelings are often followed by
(2011), its fresh and floral scent has the
those of guilt and depression, and an urge to
interesting property of being both a sedative as
pacify and comfort the hidden vulnerable part
well as uplifting, thus being perfect for nervous
of themselves, the criticized or shamed [inner
tension.
child]” (1997, p.81).
Battaglia also discusses the Bergamot
Grapefruit promotes a sense of lightness that is
personality type who is youthful and fresh –
important for play as well as general health. As
“they are not necessarily young in years, but
Brown points out, the loss of that lightness
they are always young at heart and have a
should be a warning sign, just as alarming as
joyful approach to life” (2011, pg.170).
chest pain (2009, p.149). It would be a great idea
Worwood explains that Bergamot encourages
to keep a Grapefruit inhaler on hand for times
not only concentration, but also happiness
when things feel a bit too serious. It is good to
(1999, p.206).
be aware of potential phototoxicity issues and to be cautious when applying this oil to the
One of the easiest ways to use Bergamot is in a
skin.
personal inhaler to help boost mood on low days. According to Holmes (2016, p.139)
Contrary to the belief held by many adults, play
“Bergamot on inhalation at first never fails to
does not actually trivialize any aspect of the
relax tension and overcome any emotional
complexity of adulthood (Brown, 2009, p.101).
frustration that may be present”.
Due to the fact that it stimulates multiple areas of the brain (Brown, 2009, p.102) even
Because of the potential for phototoxicity, 55
complicated subjects like aromatherapy can be
learned through play.
history’ and ‘play personality’ are available to help adults remember the activities that they
Seriousness often prevents people from being
used to enjoy – as well as the positive feelings
okay with making mistakes which is a common
associated with those activities.
cause of stress. Brown’s advice is to “allow yourself a really big waste basket” (2009, p.140).
The discipline of aromatherapy is also
and try not to judge yourself for making errors.
extremely helpful in this regard, especially
After all, “play is called recreation because it
because it encourages us to think outside the
makes new again, it re-creates us and our
box. While playful experimentation is
world” (Brown, 2009, p.127).
important to the study of aromatherapy, the essential oils of Bergamot and Grapefruit
For most adults, learning to play will involve
provide an excellent starting point. Used along
creating new, healthy thought patterns in place
with play history meditations – and as mood
of negative, unconstructive societal views. Play
boosters throughout the day – these oils can
has nothing to do with biological age but,
help adults rekindle a relationship with their
rather, the youthfulness of the heart. To quote
inner child.
George Bernard Shaw “we grow old because we stop playing”.
References: Battaglia, Salvatore. (2011). The Complete Guide to
Since many of the benefits of play include stress
Aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Brisbane, Australia. The
relief, improved brain function (memory and
International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.
problem solving), boosting creativity (activating the imagination), relationship building, and emotional health, it is important to think
Brown, Stuart. (2009). Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul. New York, NY. Penguin Group.
critically about any ideas that suggest that nothing good comes without a struggle.
Creative Counseling Aromatherapy. (2015). Creative Counseling 101. Retrieved from:
As well as being vitally important to childhood
http://www.creative_counseling10.com/creative-
development, play is imperative to a healthy
counseling-aromatherapy.html
adult life. It is Stuart Brown’s hope that the vast amount of research about play will one day be
Hodges, Nicole. (2016). Building with Lego: Adult’s
consolidated into the field of ‘Human Play’ (The
Play. Montecristo Magazine. Retrieved from:
National Institute for Play, 2014). Many adults find the idea of play much more
http://montecristomagazine.com/culture/buildingwith-lego Holmes, Peter. (2016). Aromatica. A Clinical Guide
complicated than they did when they were
to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Volume I: Principles
children. However, the concepts of ‘play
and Profiles. Philadelphia, PA. Singing Dragon. 56
Mojay, Gabriel. (1997). Aromatherapy for Healing
2018. Your Play Personality. University of Michigan.
the Spirit. Rochester, Vermont. Healing Arts Press.
Student Life: Counseling and Psychological Services. Retrieved from: https://caps.umich.edu/article/your-
Mulcaster, Casey. (2014). Amarna Holistic Centre:
play-personality
Module 1 – Part A, Aromatherapy Theory. Victoria, BC.
Tartakovsky, Margarita. (2012). The Importance of Play for Adults. Psych Central. Retrieved from:
Mulcaster, Casey. (2015). Shame on You? Island
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/11/15/the
Woman. Retrieved from: http://islandwoman.ca
-importance-of-play-for-adults/
/shame-on-you Worwood, Valerie Ann. (1999). Aromatherapy for The National Institute for Play. (2014). Retrieved
the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and
from: http://www.nifplay.org/
Essential Oils. Novato, CA. New World Library.
Robinson, Lawrence., Smith, Melinda., Segal, Jeanne.
Cooper Morrison Dael – BSc., BA (hons), RA®, EOT® is a Registered Aromatherapist, acupressurist, and writer with a background in chemistry, biochemistry, and osteology. Her main interests lie in traditional and holistic therapies, and she plans to continue her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She can be reached at thecooperdael@gmail.com
(2016). The Benefits of Play for Adults. HelpGuide.org. Retrieved from: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotionalhealth/beneftis-of-play-for-adults.htm
57
We are proud to introduce our members to The BCAOA Essential Oil Safety Brochure Special thanks go to Lynne Edel and Colleen Thompson for all their hard work creating the educational and valuable information contained within it.
To download your copy, please click on the image or go to http://bcaoa.org/safety/ You will find it listed under “Resources for Safety Information� 58
The Classifieds Welcome to our Classifieds Section. To send in a classified, email the editor with “Classified� in the subject line. WANTED: Casaroma Wellness Clinic is looking for an Aromatherapist as a full time addition to our team. We specialize in helping people cope with pain and stress using state of the art health devices like PEMF, LED light therapy, Brain Tap reprogramming, Biofeedback Therapy, and of course our own brand or aromatherapy products formulated in our parent store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Casaroma Wellness Centre. If you think you would enjoy helping people feel better in our beautiful waterfront location in Gibsons, BC, this may be your dream job. We currently offer Aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, and reiki, as well as other modalities of health care and would welcome people who have experience in helping people attain better health. Training will be provided on all our current devices, and we would welcome someone who could teach us other ways to help people as well. Please forward your resume to Peter Caron at casaromawellnessclinic@gmail.com SELLING: BUYING: Your AD Here! Or Here!
Name This Journal Contest - Open to all current members. See details on page 35
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The British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy Board of Directors Contact List President Colleen Thompson
president@bcaoa.org
Vice President Drena Drenic
vicepresident@bcaoa.org
Treasurer Louise Dawson treasurer@bcaoa.org Secretary Kathleen Shaw
secretary@bcaoa.org
Registrar Leah Ursic
registrar@bcaoa.org
Continuing Education Events Coordinator Betsy DeLucca
cecoord@bcaoa.org
Social Media Coordinator Tracey Lewindon
media@bcaoa.org
Editor Lilliane Graie
editor@bcaoa.org
Directors At Large Michelle Beukers Jennifer Roberts Lynne Edel Past President Pat Antoniak
Mailing Address British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy 3928 Michigan Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5Z6
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