Aroma Wisdom The Canadian Aromatherapy Journal
Winter 2020 The Holiday Edition
education, innovation, growth, support
Aromatherapy and Menopause
Deena Peters discusses using aromatherapy during this important life change
Doula & Herbalist Asia Mann covers A Herbalist’s Approach to Nourishing Your System During Stressful Times
Space Clearing with Essential Oils - Clinical Aromatherapist & Metaphysician Susan Cossi helps heal our spaces
Dec‘20-Feb’21
Interviews Melissa Housser talks with CAOA Directors Louise Dawson & Michelle Beukers British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy ISSN 2562-2218 $7.99 CND
Introducing the Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy The name request British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy dba Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy; BCAOA dba CAOA was overwhelmingly approved by the membership and was registered and approved by the Registrar of Societies BC immediately after membership voting closed. In speaking with members and potential members who reside outside of BC, the biggest deterrent to joining the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy (BCAOA) is that the name implies it is specifically a BC association. Although the Occupational Title is registered in BC, the trademarked titles are federally registered. According to the BC Societies the Board must have a minimum of one director, in an executive position, residing in BC. This leaves the door open to members from all across Canada to join the Board of Directors. There are two paths to membership with the CAOA: i) Membership Application from a Recognized Teacher: Once an applicant has graduated from the aromatherapy course identified in their application, the completed application will be reviewed. If the applicant is a graduate of a recognized teacher and the requirements for membership have been met, the application will be approved immediately. The registrar will then issue a certificate and wallet identification card. ii)
Membership Application from a Non-Recognized Teacher or school, or a recognized teacher or school that is no longer available to confirm course attendance: If the applicant knows that the teacher is no longer available or the school is closed, the applicant may indicate that fact on their application. In such a case the applicant must provide their complete course package to the Review Committee for consideration or write the CAOA Challenge Exam. Watch for our new website coming soon but come join us now at bcaoa.org!
Aroma Wisdom
The Canadian Aromatherapy Journal
Celebrating our second year in print
CAOA 3928 Michigan Rd, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 5Z6
Supporting aromatherapists everywhere The Winter Edition ~ December 2020
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Website Louise Dawson website@bcaoa.org
Directors at Large: Shannon Bachorick, TracyAnn Schuur, Wendie MacQuarrie Admin: Wendie MacQuarrie admin@bcaoa.org
Past President: Pat Antoniak
Aroma Wisdom is an educational resource published by the Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy (CAOA). It focuses on issues important to the alternative health care community with an emphasis on aromatherapy. Published in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, Aroma Wisdom is available digitally to our membership for free and to the global public for purchase as a single issue or subscription. To purchase, please see our web store at https://bcaoa.org/store/ or a local bookstore. For our full submission guidelines, go to https://bcaoa.org/membership/submissions/. For other forms of material submission, or if you have questions, please contact the Editor editor@bcaoa.org before submitting. Inclusion of an advertisement does not indicate endorsement of the company, person(s), service(s) or product(s) by the CAOA, its Directors, members, or Editor. The CAOA, its Directors, members, and Editor are not responsible for the claims of advertisers appearing in these pages. Advertising guidelines are at https://bcaoa.org/membership/submissions/, or e-mail the Editor for an Advertisers Agreement. Formats, size specifications, and deadlines for ad submissions are found within the Agreement.
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Contents 5 Our Contributors 7 President’s Message 10 A word from the Editor 15 Featured Writer: Aromatherapy and Menopause Deena Peters discusses using aromatherapy during this life change
23 Guest Writer: Nervines - Nourishing Your System During Stressful Times Asia Mann walks us through keeping healthy with herbs
28 Space Clearing With Essential Oils Susan Cossi hepls us heal our environment
33 Get to Know: Louise Dawson & Michelle Beukers Melissa Housser chats with CAOA Directors
39 BCAOA mini Media Kit 41 The Classifieds
DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE CAOA, ITS DIRECTORS, THE EDITOR, OR ITS MEMBERS. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. THE CAOA, ITS DIRECTORS, MEMBERS, AND EDITOR CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISUSE OF ESSENTIAL OILS OR ANY OTHER THERAPEUTIC METHODS PRESENTED HEREIN. THE CAOA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY ARTICLE OR ADVERTISEMENT SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSE ANY PERSON, PRODUCT, COMPANY, COURSE, OR SCHOOL MENTIONED HEREIN.
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Contributors Thank you to all our wonderful contributors for sharing their knowledge, wisdom, experience and creativity with our community through this journal.
Susan Cossi MIFPA - Susan has practiced holistic care, intuitive counselling and metaphysics internationally since 1993, treating clients across the globe, from the Middle East, to the UK and the Americas. She brings a unique set of teachings combining ancient Egyptian mystery school knowledge and practical earth-based approaches from around the world with a foundation of western integrative wellness. Susan's area of speciality is metaphysics and clinical aromatherapy, having received her accreditation from the esteemed Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy in the UK. She now operates a holistic health clinic, the Cossi Academy of Professional Aromatolgy, and an official satellite academy for worldrenowned Penny Price Academy, the only school in Canada recognised by IFPA. Her clinical background encompasses a full spectrum of psychology, physiology, anatomy, diet, nutrition, and a comprehensive understanding of medicinal plants and their uses in healing and their metaphysical properties. She is the only internationally accredited aromatherapist and teacher in Alberta, Canada. For more information visit www.holisticteachings.com Melissa Housser RA®, EOT® – Melissa first discovered the powerful, healing properties of essential oils while having her aura read at a festival. She was given a blend that resonated so strongly with her that she felt compelled to learn more. Since that time, Melissa has earned a Certificate in Holistic Aromatherapy, created a line of holistic aromatherapy products, and started teaching workshops about simple and natural self-care. More than ever Melissa believes that connecting the mind and body is essential in building a balanced lifestyle. Outside of Aromatherapy, she enjoys hiking, foraging, singing, guitar, yoga, and hopes to receive her horticulture certificate in the near future. Melissa can be reached at media@bcaoa.org or vice president@bcaoa.org. Asia Mann – Asia is a Community Herbalist, Birth Doula and Yoga Teacher currently enrolled in her second year in Phytotherapy at Pacific Rim College. She is passionate about sharing her love for conscious choices, natural living and birth empowerment throughout all her work. Her practice is internationally based through an online presence and physically located in Victoria, BC. She focuses her work on woman's health and educating others about how to live a more holistic, empowered life. For more information, go to www.asiamannwellness.com. Deena Peters - Deena started her own body products company, Serendipity Body Products, in 2014. While using essential oils to scent her products she became interested in their properties. In the summer of 2020, she received her Aromatherapy certification. An advocate of a healthy lifestyle, Deena enjoys running ultramarathons, eating plant based and using natural products wherever possible. You can contact her at serendipitybp@icloud.com 587-778-9750 serendipitybp.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 600-hour 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 2006-2012 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 CAOA Board of Directors, is a Director of the AIA Board of Directors, and sits on the Education Committee of the AIA. 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
EOT (Essential Oil Therapist) and RA (Registered Aromatherapist) are Trademarked Occupational Titles of the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy (BCAOA) doing business as the Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy
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President’s Message Winter 2020
CAOA President’s Message Dear Members, What a ride 2020 has been! Who would have thought at this time last year that the terms social distancing, lock down, selfisolation and cohort would be a part of our everyday language? We are in our second wave of COVID 19 and in most parts of Canada it is more devastating than the first. As aromatherapists, most of our services come out of “discretionary” income which is in short supply these days. I know this has created financial challenges and taken a huge emotional toll on almost everyone. With the holiday season around the corner I am re-evaluating what is important to me and more significantly who is important to me and what I can do to add value to their lives in a non-commercial way. Each of us is different, but I realized that I have been so focused on association commitments and my business that I’ve been “too busy” to spend a few minutes with someone who is lonely, scared or grieving a loss. I have missed getting together for a meal and conversation and laughter and sharing after our CE Events. And so, I would like to invite you for tea or coffee each Wednesday morning at 9:00am PST via GoToMeeting. It hasn’t been all gloom and doom though. We had an amazing 5-part series with David Crow this fall, as well as single webinars with Cheney Creamer, Colleen Quinn and TracyAnn Schuur over the past few months. Our virtual webinars have been very well received and we would love to offer more. If you know of someone who would be interested in offering a continuing education webinar, please have them get in touch with the Education Committee. In order to qualify as “continuing education” the topic needs to be over and above the core curriculum. We have not planned a Spring CE Event at this time. We don’t know whether we will be able to gather in person and even if we could, we do not have a CE Coordinator to organize an event. The approval by the membership to operate under the dba Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy (CAOA) will create new opportunities and help to grow the association. We’ve already had members express interest in some of the vacancies that will become available at the AGM in the Spring of 2021. In closing, I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to one another during the holiday season and after. We have an amazing community of kind and thoughtful individuals who really care about YOU. Thank you to each of you for being an important part of the CAOA and thank you to our hardworking Board of Directors and Education Committee Members. Wishing you a safe and healthy winter and I hope that when the time comes to write the next President’s message that the world is in a better place! Warmly,
Colleen CAOA President
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FOR W E N ! 2020!
NEW
FOR 2020 !!
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CATEGORY: NON-AROMATHERAPY (8 CECs)
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TW OR
A Word From the Editor Well, dear friends, another year has come and gone. Can you believe it? It feels like I’ve been waiting for 2020 to actually start and here I am preparing to wave bye-bye to it in the rearview mirror of my life. And what a year it has been. I wish I could say that it has been an amazing year filled with love and light for the world but unfortunately it has mostly shown us sorrow and fear and brought out the worst in some humans. We’re standing in a moment in time in which we can decide to be better than we have been, to see different possiblities for our economic structures and how we perceive a successful business and life, or we can continue to cling to an outdated way of thinking that no longer serves us and our communities around the world. For more than a year now, I have been priviledged to work with and live near some of the finest people I have ever met. I have watched them model those better qualities that we all strive to have, but too often give up on, without a moment’s overweening pride or self-congratulation. Two of those lovely folks, Seamus and his beautiful wife Amanda, came up with an idea that has spread through our organisation like wildfire. It’s called Adpot An Elder and is a lovely way to help seniors in your community feel connected and remembered during what, at the best of times, is a stressful and lonely time of year for so many. And this is most defintely not the best of times. The idea goes like this: a senior or someone who knows a senior fills out a simple form that has 3 wishlist items and their information for delivery. The 3 items are then written onto tags, with only an indication of male or female (for preferences or sizing), and placed on a tree. People can come by and pick up a tag (or more!) then purchase an item off of it and return the unwrapped item to our work. It is then packaged up by Santa’s elves and will be delivered to the appropriate recipient right before Christmas. Sender and recipient are anonymous to each other, it’s just a do-good-feel-good event. When Amanda and Seamus started this, I wasn’t sure how much of a response there would be, given the pandemic restrictions and general grump level people are sitting at. However, within a short time almost 80 tags hung on our little Christmas tree in the lobby and people were coming in regularly to grab a tag or few. It was heartbreaking to see some of the requests for the simplest of items: fresh fruit, warm socks or slippers, a box of chocolates or tin of coffee. Things most of us don’t even think twice about buying were on another person’s wishlist. I’ll admit, staring at all those tags I felt a moment’s fear that these simple requests wouldn’t be fulfilled. Then the gifts started rolling in. The amazing generosity of all those people in our community has been incredibly uplifting. The majority brought in two, if not three, of the items on the tag or tags they grabbed. Then our plucky couple came in, plunked down on the floor and spents hours preparing gift bags and organising them to be delivered to all those seniors in our area. Co-workers will help with the deliveries as our area has some quite rural spots to get to – ‘cause even Santa has reindeer to help him! They are doing all this without a thought for giving up their own time that could have been spent with their children or doing something for themselves. Their kindness and generosity of spirit is something I wish everyone could see and emulate during these difficult, and sometimes dark, times. Think you could do this next year in your community? Check out https://www.ashcroftcachecreekjournal.com/community/lytton-rcmp-spreading-some-holiday-cheer-thischristmas-season/ or https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/gazette/lytton-rcmp-spreads-holiday-spirit-adopt-an-elder Former US Vice President Hubert Humphrey once said, “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.” This quote has been altered and re-shaped and attributed to various people, 10
probably since the day after he said it, and while he was speaking of governments and how they treat their citizens, it is no less true of society as a whole or people specifically, now. When our time comes to wonder if we can afford to buy a new pair of slippers, will someone like Amanda and Seamus be there to lend a hand? Will a kind stranger take of their time to make sure that we don’t feel forgotten and alone at a time when families gather and the pressure to have a perfect holiday can be so brutal? By all that is good and bright, I most fervently hope so. It doesn’t matter what you call this time of year, whether it’s a high holy day, just a great chance to have a wonderful meal or even simply another day that marks the end of one year and the start of the next. It’s a good time to remember the vulnerable, the sad, the alone; those who built the world we stand in and those who are coming up after us; the weak, the helpless, those without a human voice to speak for themselves. How we care for all of these beings will, in the end, be how we are all judged. However you celebrate it, may your holiday be bright, safe and comfortable (perfection is overrated!) and may you take a moment to do something kind for someone who can’t do it for themselves. Best wishes from my family to you and yours! No matter where you are or who you’re with, we’re thinking of you!
Lilliane Not in the holiday spirit yet? Try a 16-day warm up to New Year’s with some of these! See if you can tell which ones are real and which ones aren’t… December 15th - International Tea Day; National Cat Herders Day (This often takes place during a thunderstorm); National Cupcake Day; National Wear Your Pearls Day December 16th - Barbie And Barney Backlash Day; Day of Reconciliation; National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (How is this not a worldwide holiday???!!); Vijay Diwas December 17th - National Device Appreciation Day; National Maple Syrup Day; Wright Brother's Day (I think they just winged this one) December 18th - Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (I kid you not); Arabic Language Day; Bake Cookies Day; International Migrants Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day; National Ugly Sweater Day December 19th - Goa Liberation Day; National Emo Day (I don’t know how I feel about this); National Hard Candy Day; National Wreaths Across America Day December 20th - National Sangria Day (Slainte!); International Bread & Cheese Day December 21st - Look On The Bright Side Day (It’ll be a short look today!); National French Fried Shrimp Day; National Coquito Day; National Crossword Puzzle Day (I really need to figure this one out); National Short Girl Appreciation Day; Winter Solstice Dec 22nd - Mathematics Day; National Cookie Exchange Day (How is this not a worldwide holiday, too?!!); National Short Person Day; National Fig Leaf Day Dec 23rd - Festivus; Kisan Diwas; National Christmas Movie Marathon Day (Oh, yeah! I’m there!!) Dec 24th - Christmas Eve; Eggnog Day; Purple Scotch Day Dec 25th - Christmas; A'phabet Day (Something’s missing here); Grav Mass Day December 26th - Boxing Day; Kwanzaa; National Candy Cane Day; National Thank You Note Day; Proclamation Day (G’day, mate!) December 27th - National Fruitcake Day (Why? Just… why?); No Interruptions Day December 28th - National Call a Friend Day; National Chocolate Candy Day (Again, not a worldwide holiday??!!); National Download Day December 29th - Still Need To Do Day (I’ll get to this tomorrow); Pepper Pot Day December 30th - National Bacon Day (Do I really need to say anything?); Bicarbonate of Soda Day December 31st - Hogmanay; National Champagne Day; New Year's Eve; Make Up Your Mind Day (I wasn’t sure about this one…) 11
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!!
CAOA Sponsored Events CE credits are granted for attendees of events There are no events planned at this time For non-CAOA sponsored events: According to CAOA Guidelines, every full day of attendance at a recognised seminar, workshop, or webinar is equivalent up to 8 CE Credits. Please contact the registrar at registrar@bcaoa.org if you are unsure of an event’s status. Continuing Education Credits: Please refer to the above CE Activity guidelines. Proof of attendance can be sent via hardcopy or email. Please make sure to include the title of the specific event along with your name and address.
The following are for information purposes only. Inclusion DOES NOT imply CAOA recognition. Be sure any course/workshop/seminar etc., qualifies for credits before taking it. Sedona Aromatics - Sharon Falsetto: Offers various types of courses and workshops. Ongoing. Information and Registration: https://sedonaaromatics.com/botanical-aromatherapy-programs/ Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Herpes and Shingles - a downloadable short, easy introduction to the treatment of Herpes, Shingles and Genital Herpes with Essential Oils. 24-page pdf for printing and onscreen viewing. Information and Registration: https://www.pacificinstituteofaromatherapy.com/ Other links to explore for upcoming events: Alliance of International Aromatherapists - https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/ The Canadian Herbalist Association of British Columbia - https://www.chaofbc.ca/
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Image from Pixabay
Welcome to hot chocolate weather.
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Image from Pixabay
Aromatherapy and Menopause Menopause is accompanied by symptoms that can affect the quality of life for many women. Deena Peters looks at using essential oils to ease their impact.
Abstract Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system and are essential for many functions of the body. Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, triggered by changes in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. For most women, menopause is accompanied by symptoms, and when severe, these can affect the quality of life. Some of the many symptoms include sleep problems, headaches, mood swings, depression and loss of libido, although hot flashes or night sweats are the most common symptoms. Although hormone replacement therapy is quite effective, it comes with significant risks. Essential oils with hormone balancing, toning, nervine and stimulating properties are thought to reduce menopausal symptoms. Those with hormone balancing and nervine properties in particular should reduce hot flashes. Studies using Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara) by inhalation were found to significantly reduce menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) was found to significantly reduce depression in menopausal women. Aromatherapy through inhalation is a safe and effective way to balance hormones, reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Introduction Every woman will go through menopause, usually starting between the ages of 40 and 55. Many women will experience symptoms resulting from changes in hormone levels as we age, as both estrogen and progesterone decrease. Hot flashes are the most common symptom and can significantly affect the quality of life. Menopausal symptoms are allopathically treated using hormone replacement therapy which is associated with many serious risks. Essential oils may be a safe and natural way to help balance hormones and relieve symptoms. This paper will review the role of hormones involved in menopause, what menopause is and menopausal symptoms, with a 15
focus on hot flashes. It will also review which essential oil properties would be beneficial in controlling hormones and symptoms, the essential oils with those properties and their contraindications. A summary of scientific studies and their results will be provided. And finally, there will be a short discussion on the different delivery systems for essential oils in aromatherapy treatment. Hormones Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system that are used in many of the body’s functions. The main hormones involved with menopause include progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, insulin and the thyroid hormones (Sidlo, 2018). As we age, progesterone decreases more than estrogen and an estrogen dominance frequently occurs (Clanton, n.d.). It is the imbalance of these two hormones that is responsible for menopausal symptoms. Progesterone is important in preventing osteoporosis, increasing physical desire, maintaining energy, relaxing smooth muscle, affecting brain function, promoting a feeling of calmness and helping with pain tolerance (Sidlo, 2018). A decrease in progesterone can lead to anxiety, hot flashes, headaches, irritability, weight gain and bloating.
Image from Pixabay
Estrogen plays a role in about 400 bodily functions. Some of these functions include mood, energy production, muscle strength, intestinal function, libido, brain function, and bone density (Sidlo, 2018). The estrogen level can fluctuate in perimenopause and decreases in menopause. Low estrogen can lead to anxiety, brain fog, depression, mood swings, hot flashes, low sex drive, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, weight gain and sleep issues. Cortisol is a stress hormone and when imbalanced, it affects insulin and thyroid. This leads to lower immunity and energy and can play a role in leaky gut and memory problems (Sidlo, 2018). Cortisol levels are affected by stress, blood sugar, emotions, exercise and alcohol (Sidlo, 2018).
Insulin removes sugar from the blood and takes it to cells. When insulin is high it raises cortisol, triggers high blood pressure and thickening of the blood vessel walls, increases water retention, contributes to depression and inhibits estrogen metabolization (Sidlo, 2018). It causes hormone imbalances and therefore an increase in headaches, PMS, hot flashes and night sweats and leads to an increase in breast and ovarian cysts and the risk of cancer (Sidlo, 2018). Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and affect energy level and heart rate. Low levels can cause anxiety, brain fog, depression, tiredness, low sex drive and weight gain (Sidlo, 2018). Menopause Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, when the ovaries stop producing estrogen, and is defined as the first year without menstruation. Postmenopause is the last phase which starts after menopause and continues for the rest of a woman’s life. Perimenopause usually happens between the ages of 35 and 50 and lasts 5-10 years before menopause (Clanton, n.d.). Although some women experience no menopausal symptoms at all, 85% of women experience at least one symptom (Woods, 2005, as cited in Sussman, 2015). The average age for starting menopause is 51 and symptoms typically lasts 6-13 years. The changes in hormone levels lead to a wide variety of symptoms including but not limited to hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, irritability, mood swings, dry skin and mucous membranes, anxiety, loss of libido, headaches, depression, edema, weight gain, vertigo and muscle and joint pain. There is also an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis in menopause. Hot flashes, or night sweats, affect 50-85% of menopausal women worldwide (Kazemzadeh, 2016). They may be experienced a few times a year, or up to 20 times per day for a few months or up to 10 years (Clanton, n.d.) and , hot flashes affect quality of life as they can disrupt sleep and 16
cause embarrassment. They are caused when the hypothalamus attempts to stimulate estrogen production, but the ovaries don’t respond due to the lack of eggs (Clanton, n.d.). The hypothalamus then releases epinephrine which triggers the sympathetic nervous system, a reaction to acute stress (Kazemzadeh, 2016). The heart pumps faster, blood vessels dilate, and skin temperature rises, and the face, neck and chest become flushed (Sidlo, 2018).
Some essential oils contain phytoestrogens (compounds found in plants with a similar structure to estrogen) which have been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms (Hur, 2007). Essential oils with hormone balancing properties can ease hot flashes and irregular menstrual cycles while those with nervine properties can ease mood and mental imbalances (Clanton, n.d.). Toning and stimulating essential oils can ease headaches and fatigue (Clanton, n.d.).
The body begins to sweat to get rid of the excess heat then it cools off and your brain believes that the temperature has regulated (Sidlo, 2018). A hot flash can also trigger chills, shivering, anxiety, tingling and weakness. According to Sidlo (2018), “anxiety, fear and emotional stress can increase the chances of hot flashes and night sweats� (pp.47-48).
For hot flashes then, it would make sense that essential oils that are hormone balancing, nervine and contain phytoestrogens could help prevent or control hot flashes. Table 1 demonstrates which essential oils have these properties.
Aromatherapy The allopathic treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. While effective, many of the synthetic hormones increase the risk of heart disease, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, decreased blood sugar, stroke and gallstones (Life Science Publishing, 2014). Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy for treating menopause, and involves using essential oils for their therapeutic properties, with minimal to no side effects. Essential oils are aromatic compounds found in the seeds, leaves, flowers, bark and stems of plants. These compounds are usually extracted and distilled and are very concentrated. Essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically. When inhaled, the molecules travel to the brain causing it to release neurochemicals that trigger positive changes in the body (Thompson, 2012). Applied topically, the molecules enter the blood stream and are carried throughout the body. Inhalation can be used for insomnia, hot flashes/night sweats and mental and mood imbalances (Clanton, n.d.). Essential oils can be used topically for bloating, headaches and hormonal imbalances (Clanton, n.d.). To balance hormones and help relax, essential oils can be diluted and used in a bath (Clanton, n.d.). Hot flashes can be treated with a spray and vaginal dryness can be treated with a cream (Clanton, n.d.). Symptoms are treated the same way in all phases of menopause.
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Table 1 Essential Oils and Their Properties for Use in Menopause
Additionally, the use of cooling essential oils such as Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) could help relieve hot flashes. Research Only a few studies have been conducted on the effects of essential oils on menopausal symptoms. Most studies have used Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, on its own or in a blend, however one study was found using Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara) and another with Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea).
The effect of Lavender on hot flashes was studied in a randomized clinical trial that used Lavender and placebo aromatherapy on menopausal women in Iran. The women inhaled Lavender for 20 minutes, twice a day for 12 weeks. This study found that hot flashes decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (Kazemzadeh, R., 2015). Another study in Iran gave participants either a 2% Lavender dilution or a placebo which was inhaled for 20 minutes before going to bed, for four weeks. Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, palpitation, fatigue, insomnia, depression, headache, etc.) decreased significantly in both groups but the decrease in the Lavender group was significantly greater than the placebo group (Jokar, 2018). A study was conducted on sleep problems in menopause using Lavender wipes and Lavender scented pillows in Turkey for 15 days. The women were asked about their sleep before and after the study and the results were statistically significant that Lavender increased sleep quality (Demirbag, 2019). A clinical trial on aromatherapy massage was conducted on Korean menopausal women using a blend of Lavender, Rose Geranium (Pelargonium roseum), Rose (Rosa damascena) and Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) essential oils at 3% dilution. The experimental group were given a 30-minute massage once a week for 8 weeks and there was no treatment given to the control group. The mean scores for all menopausal symptoms decreased in the aromatherapy group with significant reductions in hot flashes, paresthesia and melancholia (Hur, 2007). However, it wasn’t clear if the improvements were due to the actions of aromatherapy, massage or both.
significantly decreased (Lee, 2014). There are minimal hazards and contraindications of using these essential oils to reduce menopausal symptoms. Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) should be avoided in endometriosis and estrogen-dependent cancers and Jasmine and Melissa (Melissa officinalis) can irritate hypersensitive skin (Tisserand, 2014). Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) has possible drug interactions with tamoxifen, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, amphetamine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, haloperidol and thioridazine (Tisserand, 2014). Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and Angelica (Angelica archangelica) can be phototoxic for up to 12 hours (Tisserand, 2014). The remaining oils mentioned in the table above are considered safe for use. The hazards and contraindications for oral use and in pregnancy should be researched before using. The use of aromatherapy is effective in significantly reducing menopausal symptoms and can improve the quality of life. It is also safe, easy to use and without risks (except as mentioned above). Lavender by inhalation seems to be effective at reducing symptoms and particularly hot flashes. It may also be effective topically or by massage. Neroli also appears to be effective for decreasing symptoms such as low libido and hot flashes when inhaled. Lavender and Neroli both have hormone balancing and nervine properties. These and other oils with similar properties are likely best for reducing hot
This study also showed that vasomotor symptoms improved significantly after treatment with 0.1% Neroli oil, likely due to its anti-anxiety properties (Choi, 2014). The Clary Sage study examined the effect it had on depression by measuring levels of cortisol in menopausal women. After inhaling Clary Sage, cortisol levels were 19
Image from Pixabay
A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial tested the effects of inhaling Neroli at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5% in 63 postmenopausal women for five days. This study found that inhaling Neroli led to decreased menopausal symptoms, decreased blood pressure and increased sexual desire but had no significant difference on serum cortisol and estrogen levels (Choi, 2014).
flashes. Clary Sage is effective for reducing depression. Many of the other essential oils in Table 1 are likely to be effective however no studies have been found at this time. Other considerations for treating menopause symptoms include a diet low in fat and high in vegetables, exercise, calcium rich foods or supplements and relaxation techniques (Thompson, 2012). Conclusion There are a number of hormones that affect menopause. As we age, our levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, leading to a variety of symptoms, especially hot flashes, which can affect the quality of life. Symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy, but the risks are high. Aromatherapy is a safe and easy way to balance hormones and treat menopause symptoms. Essential oils with hormone balancing, toning, nervine and stimulating properties can be used by inhalation and topically to improve the quality of life. Research indicates that Lavender and Neroli are significantly effective at treating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms and Clary Sage is effective at treating depression. More research is needed on testing the effectiveness of other essential oils on menopause symptoms, as well as on topical application.
Resources List Choi, S.Y., Kang, P., Lee, H.S., & Seol, G.H. (2014). Effects of inhalation of essential oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on menopausal symptoms, stress, and estrogen in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Natural Health Research Institute. Clanton, M.A. (n.d.). Menopause: Understanding and managing the transition using essential oils vs. traditional allopathic medicine. [Diploma of Aromatherapy 401, Australasian College of Health Sciences]. American College of Healthcare Sciences. Demirbag, B., & Calik, K. (2019). The effect of using lavender wipes and pillows on sleep problems in menopause. ResearchGate. Hur, M.H., Yang, Y.S., & Lee, M.S. (2007). Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in Korean climacteric women: A pilot-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. Jokar, M., Zahraseifi, Baradaranfard, F., Khalili, M., & Bakhtiari, S. (2018). The effects of lavender aromatherapy on menopausal symptoms: A single-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. ResearchGate. Kazemzadeh, R., Nikjou, R., Rostamnegad, M., & Norouzi, H. (2016). Effect of lavender aromatherapy on menopause hot flushing: A crossover randomized clinical trial. ResearchGate. Lee, K.B., Cho, E., & Kang, Y.S. (2014). Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and cortisol plasma levels in menopausal women after inhalation of clary sage oil. (Abstract). PubMed. Life Science Publishing. (2014). Essential oils desk reference, 6th edition. Sidlo, A. (2018). Aromatherapy for menopause success. Saddle Mt. Healing Arts Press. Sussman, M., Trocio, J., Best, C., Mirkin, S., Bushmakin, A. G., Yood, R., Friedman, M., Menzin, J., & Louie, M. (2015). Prevalence of menopausal symptoms among mid-life women: findings from electronic medical records. BMC women's health. Thompson, C. (2012). Aromatherapy certification course AT201. Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety, second edition. Churchill Livingstone.
In 2014, Deena Peters started her own body products company, Serendipity Body Products. While using essential oils to scent her products she became interested in their properties. In the summer of 2020, she received her Aromatherapy certification. An advocate of a healthy lifestyle, Deena enjoys running ultramarathons, eating plant based and using natural products wherever possible. You can contact her at: 587-778-9750 serendipitybp@icloud.com serendipitybp.com
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Nervines A Herbalist’s Approach to Nourishing your System during Stressful Times Asia Mann, Certified Birth Doula, Western Herbalist and Yoga Teacher, offers advice on how to care for yourself with nourishing herbs during these momentous times. 2020 has been a difficult year for us all. High stress levels are common due to the current global pandemic, so in these times of collective hardship everyone would benefit from some extra nervous system support. A well-supported nervous system is a resilient organism, capable of defending against exposure to stress, change, and pathogens. An undernourished nervous system on the other hand is not. The nervous system is intimately connected with all systems of the body, but especially with our digestive system and indirectly, our immune system. Our nervous system has two subdivisions within its autonomic branch. One, when activated, promotes the “Rest and Digest” branch within our parasympathetic system and the other promotes the “Fight or Flight” aspect of our sympathetic system. Our body doesn’t know the difference between a real physical stressor and an emotional trigger. Things like financial insecurity and tight work deadlines trigger our sympathetic system the same way running from a hungry tiger once did. Image from Pixabay
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Heightened nervous systems that are in a sympathetic state
Depending on the dose, type of nervine, and your unique
promote hormonal changes in the body which take time
threshold the effects can be quite variable ranging from
and energy to return back to a baseline normal. Thus
grounding, calming, relaxing, and/or sedating.
energy, time and resources are taken away from digestion, healing, and the immune response to combat the stress
Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap) – this nervine has a
response.
tonifying action on the nervous system helping to replenish an overactive mind and body. I love using Scutellaria for
Burnout is a product of the stress response. The
those with muscle tension caused by stress or trying to stop
parasympathetic branch
compulsive and
on the other hand helps
ruminating thoughts. You
the body assimilate its
can safely use anywhere
food and promotes
between 2-10ml/day if
healing of our body’s
prescribed by a herbalist. It
tissues. It signals
tends to be a herb that is
peristalsis in the
energetically colder and
gastrointestinal tract and the absorption of vital
has no contraindications. Image from Pixabay
nutrients. These nutrients are essential to optimize the
Passiflora Incarnata (Passionflower) – a step up from
functions of our cells and even our immune response.
Scutellaria lies Passionflower. This nervine tends to be more sedating than skullcap when comparing doses, but is
Antibodies are proteins created from what we take in from
amazing for individuals that have cyclical thoughts. If your
our diet and our nervous system dictates how well we
mind keeps racing and you are constantly getting stuck in
actually absorb them. If you constantly drain your body
your head this herb is a must-try. You can "drop dose" this
and deplete your energy stores through daily stress you
herb instead of having a therapeutic dose so that you don’t
have no reservoir of energy and nutrients to optimize your
feel sedated. I encourage you to experiment with the
cells leaving you vulnerable to illness.
dosage range and find whatever feels good for whichever purpose you are using it for. This herb combines with
Taking care of our nervous system is like taking care of a
Scullcap and/or Ganoderma beautifully in a tincture or
young child - the more time and attention we give it each
makes a great cup of tea with some Avena.
day, the more support it has when challenges do arise. Avena sativa (Oat Straw/Seed) – this nervine is similar to In Herbal Medicine there is a special group of herbs (one
Skullcap in its ability to replenish the nervous system but
which is a staple in every herbalist’s cabinet) called
the seed also has a thymoleptic action to it. Thymoleptic
nervines. Nervines are any herb that acts on the nervous
herbs help create an energetic upward, uplifting energy
system. Some, like coffee can be stimulating whereas others can be grounding and nourishing. The nervines I will be writing about are the herbs that ground the parasympathetic system. You can take a higher dose (within the recommended range) to help promote restful sleep or you can experiment with a few drops during the day to feel a shift in your mental state towards a more relaxed, calm experience. 24
into the consumer’s mind helping to relieve depressed
Ganoderma lucidum – this mushroom has a deeply
states of mind. The straw of Avena is said to be more
grounding energy to it and similar to Ashwagandha, is also
relaxing to the mind, whereas the milky seeds are known
an adaptogen. Like all adaptogens, it has a wide affinity to
to be thymoleptic. Avena works well specifically for the
many of the body’s systems. It is an immunomodulator
overworked, wired and tired individual and those who are
herb, helping to stimulate an underactive immune system
recovering from addictive behaviors, including work.
and suppresses an overactive one. It also supports the liver’s ability to clear metabolites and has anti-viral
The straw is best in tea form and the milky seed is best in a
properties that are especially effective against herpes
tincture. You can have up to 18ml per day of this herb of a
simplex viruses.
1:3 ratio in the tincture form or as many cups as you want in the tea form. There are no contraindications for this herb
I love using this herb whenever someone needs some extra
but there is a caution with patients with Celiac disease.
grounding and/or immune support on a daily basis. It can also be taken in capsule form, two capsules two times per day or as a tincture 1-16ml/day. Ganoderma should not be combined with pregnancy and lactation unless advised by a herbalist. Please check with your local herbalist before beginning a regimen if you have any chronic health conditions and to ensure the herbs you are taking are safe for you. Other non-herbal supports for the nervous system include getting a good night’s sleep, exercise and supplementing with magnesium. Watching your thoughts and actively changing your internal narrative is essential for nourishing your whole being and directing your hormonal response.
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) – this Ayurvedic herb
Light walking, meditation and hiking are excellent tools to
is an amazing adaptogen and nervine. It is a nervous
restore your mind, body and energy too.
system and adrenal tonic and is a superb herb for stressful times and an overworked system. It is also an immune
Feel into whichever self-care acts align with you and
stimulant herb that helps the body not get sick in the first
designate the time each week to actually do them. The
place. Ashwagandha is also very nourishing and has a
more time you take to nourish your nervous system the
considerable amount of iron in it. I love giving this herb to
more resilient you will be when it comes to coping and
anyone needing strength to get through their day or
adapting to this ever-changing world and foreign times.
mothers in postpartum. This herb is contraindicated for some hyperthyroid and autoimmune conditions, as well as in pregnancy. Most herbalists also advise that you discontinue any adaptogen herbs when you’re sick due to their vast array of effects on the body. Instead, many herbalists would encourage the body to focus its energy towards healing and recovery. I personally love this herb as a capsule taking two in the morning and two at night. 25
www.asiamannwellness.com
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Space Clearing with Essential Oils Susan Cossi, Holistic Health Practitioner, Metaphysician, and Registered Clinical Aromatherapist discusses clearing residual energies using essential oils. Use Basil (approx 52MHz) to bring luck into your home Everything in the universe vibrates at a certain frequency, it’s the law of vibration in action. This is how we perceive things on our planet and how we distinguish them as human, creature, mineral, object or colour. Even diseases possess their own frequencies! A healthy human body has an approximate frequency of 62 – 78 MHz. Thoughts and Emotions are often ignored in many studies but scientists have documented they are similar to radio waves and they do indeed hold a frequency. Therefore, they will affect their immediate environment including the empty space which, thanks to Quantum Physics, we now know is as full as can be. Thoughts and emotions can have both a negative and positive effect: either a very beneficial effect on your psyche and environment or a devastating one. A negative thought can lower your human frequency by an average of 11 MHz whereas a positive one can improve your personal frequency by 11 or 12 MHz. You can’t see it but, by golly, you can sure feel it! Many of us have experienced walking into a room and, although there is no shouting or physical proof of an argument, you can sense that the people standing in the room have just had some sort of a disagreement. It feels awkward and icky
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and you may react to this feeling with concern and ask if everything is okay. In a different scenario, you may walk in to a room and interrupt a couple who have sneaked off for a little bit of fun. Although you have neither seen nor heard a thing, you can feel something is going on and you will react to it. You might bashfully apologise for the interruption with a smile or just quickly close the door. What you are experiencing is the emotional frequency emanating from within the space, even when the nucleus has left that space, the emotions and thoughts can still reside depending on how intense they were and how embedded the imprint was. Thoughts and Emotions: They can be viewed like throwing a stone into a still lake, with first impact you will see ripples that are expanding equally in all directions. However, if they come in contact with another field as they expand, smaller waves will be seen. This causes what we call a sympathetic vibration which will go on until the energy field is diluted by other waves. The amplitude of the energy wave is, of course, dependant on the size of the stone and the force it was delivered into the water. (CAPA Space Clearing Course, 2011) Sometimes a space can become saturated with thoughts and emotions as they are absorbed by the physical matter they come across, such as furniture and walls. This energy can linger on far longer after the people and their actions, thoughts and emotions have left the space. When others enter the room, they can be affected by the energy left behind, either positive or negative. If unaware, we are all susceptible to this energy with a strong negative atmosphere having a negative influence on a person’s energy field.
Thoughts and Emotions have Energy and so do essential oils! Scientific research has shown us that plants in the form of essential oils possess some of the highest frequencies of any natural substances known to man; for example, Rosa damascene measures a frequency of 320 MHz. Essential oils can create an environment in which it has been stated that disease cannot live so they are masters of changing frequencies because they are capable of changing the surrounding environment. You can use essential oils to clean up your environment by learning how to blend essential oils specifically for space clearing. The effects can be miraculous! I have witnessed relationships improve within days; families reconnect via authentic communication (cypress); people become well and noticeably happier; and businesses and working relationships improve.
Try this! 1. Close your eyes and focus on you breathe, become aware of your body and how it feels. 2. Start to assess your thoughts and emotions, this is what you are outputting into the very space you are presently in. 3. Figure out what would you like to clear or change about the space and ask yourself some questions;
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o
How could your influences or others be affecting the atmosphere of your space, such as a room or a house?
o
How are the feelings of others that enter the space?
o
Are they influencing your space?
o
Are they affecting your space in a positive or negative way?
o
Are small accidents happening in the space?
If you want to change it, act now. Think about what is it you want to rid the space of and how you want the space to feel. What do you require from that space? Write this down. Use intention when clearing. There are many ways to space clear and I often combine methods. For a quick space clearing with a re-energising dualaction, I use a few drops of my chosen essential oils diluted in 120ml Rose hydrosol, however filtered water will suffice. Here are some essential oils and a very brief description of their space clearing properties to get you on your way. You can diffuse these oils with intention, or make air sprays, or learn how to place them in specific points of the room. Enjoy and have fun using the tools you love! •
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - Expel negativity and brings good luck; brings happiness into a new home
•
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) - Confronts fear; engenders courage; provides positive attitude for change
•
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - Improves communication; stimulates healing
•
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) - Aids in spiritual development; breaks the links of the past; purification and protection
•
Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum) - Dispels fear; protects buildings
•
Roman Chamomile (Anthemis noblis) - Releases anguish
•
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - Dispels general negative thought forms
•
Lavender (most species) - Increases understanding of spiritual love; invokes good health; promotes devotion and fidelity in marriage
•
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) - Dispels self-pity and self-centeredness
•
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - Purifies the human energy field; powerful Cleanser and protector; prevents nightmares
•
Rose otto (Rosa damascena) - Encourages letting go of the past especially redundant or negative relationships and unhealthy emotional dependency.
There are many other essential oils not mentioned here that can be used for space clearing and personal cleansing. Plants can be used in so many different ways and their healing strategies always amaze me. They can promote positive thoughts and emotions that will influence a healthier atmosphere. Invite them into your space and let them amaze you, too!
Susan Cossi, MIFPA, has practiced holistic care, intuitive counselling and metaphysics internationally since 1993, treating clients across the globe, from the Middle East, to the UK and the Americas. She brings a unique set of teachings combining ancient Egyptian mystery school knowledge and practical earth-based approaches from around the world with a foundation of western integrative wellness. Susan's area of speciality is metaphysics and clinical aromatherapy, having received her accreditation from the esteemed Shirley Price International College of Aromatherapy in the UK. She now operates a holistic health clinic, the Cossi Academy of Professional Aromatolgy, and an official satellite academy for world-renowned Penny Price Academy, the only school in Canada recognised by IFPA. Her clinical background encompasses a full spectrum of psychology, physiology, anatomy, diet, nutrition, and a comprehensive understanding of medicinal plants and their uses in healing and their metaphysical properties. She is the only internationally accredited aromatherapist and teacher in Alberta, Canada. For more information visit www.holisticteachings.com
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Edu
cati
on O
Too Busy to Attend a CE Event?
n Th e Go
We’ve got you covered!
!
We now offer recorded events for purchase at our online store https://bcaoa.org/store/videos-andaudio/
Explore our new educational products then buy and download to watch or listen at your own pace. Presenter: Patricia Antoniak Date: September 10, 2017 Length: 4 hours, 44 minutes (In 2 parts) Description: The Dynamics of Addiction This 2-part webinar discusses the use of aromatherapy with addiction, addictive personalities, and some of the causes and expressions of this difficult and damaging disease.
Presenter: Peter Holmes L.Ac., M.H. Date: April 2018 Length: 9 hours, 53 minutes (In 8 parts) Description: Day 1 Topics - Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Medicine: Exploring the psychological and physiological functions of essential oils. Fragrance Qualities and Pharmacology: The psychosensory approach to using essential oils as remedies Day 2 Topics - Essential Oils as Bioactive Remedies: Evaluating the integrity of essential oil production and identity. Symptom Versus Terrain: Differentiating treatment priorities with the six diagnostic conditions 31
Presenter: Dr. Timothy Miller ND. MAc, LAc, RA Date: April 2019 Length: 9 hours, 53 minutes (In 7 parts) Description: Day 1 - AromaChemistry: Get ready to see chemistry in a whole new light! Dr. Tim is going to show you how fascinating AromaChemistry is and how you can use it in a profound and impactful way. Some of the basics of chemistry is revisited, as well as explore functional groups and their generalized therapeutic indications. This will help enhance and deepen your understanding of chemistry and AromaChemistry. Day 2 - Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetics is how the body interacts with essential oil components and how these compounds are metabolized and excreted from the body. A vital aspect of aromatherapy and can enable practitioners to maximize the effects of their treatments, and can guide the oil(s) and interface(s) which they might use.
Presenting The BCAPA Proceedings Manuals 2001-2014 Between the years 2000 and 2014, the BCAPA published the presenters’ notes from Continuing Education Events and meeting notes of Chapter Group forums in a bound format as their annual Proceedings Manual. The hard copies of the Proceeding Manuals were discontinued in 2015 but the they contain such a wealth of information that, now that the BCAPA and CAOA have amalgamated, we are able to sell them at a very affordable price online in digital format. These wonderfully informative manuals are available singly or buy the whole collection for an amazingly discounted deal! Journal Update: We have some back issues available in print for purchase and all previous editions are available online at Issuu. Thank you all for your support! Essential Oil Safety Booklets: These lovely and profitable publications are always available in print to order or online at Issuu. 32
Get To Know: Louise Dawson
Social Media Director & VP Melissa Housser interviews our own Director, Louise Dawson. MH: Where are you located? LD: Whitehorse, Yukon.
MH: How long have you been practicing aromatherapy? LD: 17 years.
MH: Where did you receive your training? LD: Mount Royal College, Calgary.
MH: Do you practice any other modalities? LD: Yes. Reflexology and various other energy healing modalities like Healing Touch, Reiki, Rahanni Celestial Healing, and Access Bars, and I also offer Energy Readings.
MH: What is your favorite aspect of essential oils/aromatherapy? LD: Like natural medicines and herbs, aromatherapy has the aspect of combining formulas to enhance their individual properties and actions, thereby tailoring the treatment for each individual and their specific requirements for healing.
MH: What inspired you to begin learning about essential oils/aromatherapy? LD: I loved the combination of science and woo.
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MH: Who and/or what has been most influential along your journey and through your learning process? LD: My teacher at Mount Royal, Robbi Zeck, Valerie Anne Worwood.
MH: Do you have a favourite ‘fun fact’ about aromatherapy or Traditional Chinese Medicine you’d like to share? LD: They really like being grounded and having a connection with their environment. I store them with a couple of rocks from my backyard.
MH: Do you have a favourite plant? LD: Plants are like your own children – there are no favourites. Some days you love them, some days you tolerate them.
MH: What qualities do you find most valuable when working as an aromatherapist? LD: EO take my energy healing practice to a whole new level. I love that they “speak” to me when I am choosing a selection for a client blend. Very often clients won’t tell you the whole story because they are not consciously aware of what is relevant. The oils know!
MH: Any advice for those considering pursuing a career in aromatherapy? LD: Love, understand and respect the oils. Love, understand and respect your clients.
Louise’s Bio: I am Louise Dawson, a retired accountant and Integrative Energy Practitioner. I developed an interest in complementary health care about 20 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. Most of my work with essential oils comprises creating esoteric blends for meditation and connecting with other multidimensional beings from other realms. My absolute number one passion in life is to show newly awakened people how to integrate their transformation into their daily life so they can realize their highest potential. I am very practical and understand the importance of being grounded; having a solid foundation before you go off to play in the ethers. I usually tell my clients “You can’t fly kites if you’re standing in quicksand”. I recently started working with clients around the globe using the wonderful world of technology, mentoring, teaching and energy healing. I have a couple of Facebook pages and groups where I run challenges and boot camps, and I am starting to grow my presence on Pinterest. https://www.facebook.com/louisedawson44/ https://www.pinterest.ca/luludaw/ For more information please visit my website: www.louise-dawson.com
And a special holiday treat for our members! Melissa got the goods from a second one of our own members! 34
Get To Know: Michelle Beukers
Melissa Housser chats to past BCAPA and BCAOA Director, Michelle Beukers. MH: Where are you located? MB: I reside in Cloverdale BC. My practice is a bit of mobile mixed with out-of-my-home. From a business perspective, I have not really done too much since I have become a mom. Over the years, I have been on the BCAPA board as CE Coordinator and on the BCAOA board as a Director at Large. Though I stepped down last year, I am optimistic that I will put that energy back into my practice.
MH: How long have you been practicing aromatherapy? Where did you receive your training? MB: I was introduced to the oils in 2000 when I took my first bodywork/massage class from Linda Henderson’s “Aromatherapy Massage”. Fast forward to 2012 when I completed my Professional Aromatherapy course from West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy with Beverly Hawkins. I have worked on a baby care/mommy line that has been on hold for my family’s sake, however I still blend for my massage clients.
MH: Do you practice any other modalities? MB: Actually, I am a bodyworker before an Aromatherapist, though the oils complement the massage that I offer my clients. A custom blend is established for the specific treatment and if/when a client needs more than the hands-on, I will then do a separate blending consult. My baby and meditation is when my client is on the table.
MH: What is your favorite aspect of essential oils/aromatherapy? MB: Simply the magic of the plant medicine. How the plant matter can uplift, ground, heal and neutralize. I have witnessed so much of this over my time working with the oils, and I have a lot of respect for the medicine they produce. 36
MH: What inspired you to begin learning about essential oils/aromatherapy? MB: My introduction to the oils was hand-in-hand with my bodywork journey, so it only made sense for me to expand on the blending for my clients. I jokingly used to call myself the mad scientist when it came to blending! But when I increased my knowledge that was when my respect and awareness for the oils increased. I feel It is about wisdom and growth, evolving the knowledge to the practice. Our clients are growing spiritually and emotionally while receiving our work, why shouldn’t we as well?
MH: Who/what has been most influential along your journey and through your learning process? MB: I feel very blessed to be in a time with so many wise practitioners and educators who have been a part of the grassroots movement of aromatherapy being a profession. There is a long list of educators that I hold a high standard of respect for.
MH: Do you have a favorite "fun fact" about aromatherapy/essential oils you like to share? MB: Hmmm, fun fact… I like to choose an oil for the day that works with the intentions that I have set out. And if I need a little assistance, I pull a card from Jennifer Jefferies Aromatherapy Insight cards.
MH: Do you have a favorite plant? If so, why and what do you use it for? MB: Oh, that is a broad question. I do however love Rosmarinus officinalis… the beloved West Coast Rosemary This is a plant that I use all year long. From stews and soups to harvesting for hydrodols this is one of my trusted tried-and-trues, along with my thyme and oregano for back-yard beloveds. This year however, I have added helichrysum italicum to the table… and will try a hydrosol from what I have to harvest. Stay tuned!! Michelle’s Bio: I am Michelle Beukers and I sat on the BCAOA Board of directors as a Director at large, specifically focused on supporting the Continuing Education Coordinator. Previously, I was the Continuing Education Coordinator for the BCAPA, as well as the Chapter Lead for the Surrey-Langley-Delta group. Aside from being on the Boards, I am a mom of two young active girls ages 8 & 9, and am employed by the Municipality of the Township of Langley, where I have enthusiastically worked as an auxiliary employee for the past 6 years in many different departments, gaining skills and knowledge that supported my role as a board member of the BCAOA. I have been working with aromatherapy since my introduction to it in 2000. I first learned about my beloved oils through one of my massage certifications and, since then, have never separated the two gifts. Bodywork + plant matter = a greater understanding of what needs to be healed within the client as well as the practitioner. After my initial intro in 2000, I decided in 2009 to dive deeper into essential oil education. This is where I discovered Beverly Hawkins and her West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. This happened to coincide with our choice to start a family. So along with completing the WCIA program, I took a leave from my practice to focus on our family. Peeking in from time to time, however, sparked an interest to attend a BCAPA event with Valerie Ann Worwood (and what a time to peek in!!!). Embracing Valerie’s teachings – along with the energies of my fellow aromatherapists – I realized that I would like to do more to support what had supported me in my practice. So, after Suzanne Catty’s weekend on Hydrosols, I decided to join the BCAPA as the Continuing Education 37
Coordinator. From there, I facilitated the BCAPA 2017 CE event with Mark Webb; the Fall BCAPA CE event with Pat Antoniak; and the 2018 CE event with Peter Holmes. After the amalgamtion with the BCAOA , I contined to support our association by joining the new board as a director at large. In that role, I assisted the CE Coordinator, Betsy De Lucca, with the 2018 Fall CE event with Glynnis Osher; the 2019 Spring CE event with Dr. Tim Miller; and the Spring and Fall 2020 CE Events with Peter Holmes and David Crow, respectively, both of which unfortunately have been postponed due to the pandemic. I stepped down from my role with the BCAOA board of directors at the 2020 AGM in April to work on a few neglected paths in my personal endeavours. As I had not fully engaged back into my business in quite some time, I was hopeful that a shift in energies would assist in sparking new visions towards this goal. I am very grateful for the time I was able to be involved with both the BCAPA and BCAOA Boards. And feels so important for the membership to come forward with their skills and ideas to assist in the continuous growth of the BCAOA. It is the climb of the mountain that has the most beauty and lessons. The top of the Mountain holds the view, however, you need to know what you’re standing on to fully take that view in. Love and light Michelle
~ Melissa ~ď Ź
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We are excited to invite you to join us as our brand expands in online and print. Our content explores topics of interest to professionals in not only aromatherapy but our sister industries such as herbalism, CAM and other healing-related modalities. We reach a global target audience of independent professionals running their own businesses, and they are looking for your business to support theirs, as well as their personal and family lives. Experienced, well-trained and caring, our members range in age from early twenties to late seventies with more than 90% of them being women. That puts them in the majority age group for women in BC. They are knowledgeable health professionals who run their own successful businesses and handle clients and suppliers on a daily basis. Our members know quality when they see it and aren’t afraid to search it out.
Mature, independent and capable Our members are busy professionals, who are looking for ways to keep their businesses and lives running smoothly. With educations in not only aromatherapy, most of our members work in multiple modalities, and so need companies that can support them in all that they do. Easily finding what they need and want is crucial to keeping the balanced lifestyle that our members know is key to their success, both professionally and personally. When it comes to buying for their businesses or their homes, they want to be able to get it done without stress. While many of our members are located in beautiful British Columbia, we also have those who reside across Canada and around the globe. And as we expand, we know we’re going to see more members from other countries join our growing association! Putting out 4 editions per year is a wonderful way to ensure our readers always want to see what’s next. We keep each one themed around the seasons with Spring – The Blossoming Edition; Summer – The Blooming 39
Edition; Fall – The Harvest Edition; and Winter – The Holiday Edition. Our Winter edition sells out every year, making it sought-after by readers and a fabulous place to promote your holiday sales. Every edition offers our members the opportunity to catch up on association news as well as articles and research pertinent to their lives and businesses. This gives you the chance to catch their eye, and their interest, with your ad.
Create your ads to work with the seasons Giving your ads a seasonal touch will give them a unique look that our members will appreciate! Time-sensitive offers geared around our release dates will ensure that your specials get noticed and help make the most of your sales. Using online media to reach an ever-growing audience allows us to promote our association, events, members, sponsors, and advertisers. Sister associations promote us and we promote them, ensuring that our journal gets into the hands of many independent professionals in the Complimentary and Alternative Medicine industry.
Ongoing Advertising Every Spring we host a two-day event for our members which gives local companies the opportunity to advertise their wares through donations for door prizes. Our journal gives businesses a place to advertise all-year round to all our readers, allows them to tailor sales blasts to seasonal or holiday themes, and offers our readers the opportunity to find just what they’ve been looking for quickly and easily. Many of our advertisers choose the yearly option to get the most bang for their buck and always be sure their ads are reaching a target audience. Go to https://bcaoa.org/membership/submissions/ for more information.
Non-Member Rates* Ad Size
Dimensions (w x h)
1, 2, or 3 Editions
4 Editions
1/4 page
4.3x5” (10.92x12.7cm)
$60 per edition
$240
1/2 page horizontal
8.5x5” (21.59x12.7cm)
$80 per edition
$320
1/2 page vertical
4.3x11” (10.92x27.94cm)
$80 per edition
$320
Full page
8.5x11” (21.59x27.94cm)
$140 per edition
$560
Two-page spread
17x11” (43.18x27.94cm)
$280 per edition
$952
Inside front/back cover
8.5x11” (21.5x27.946cm)
$200 per edition
$680
Outside back cover
8.5x11” (21.5x27.94cm)
$300 per edition
$1020
*Members receive a 50% discount on base prices. **Donors to our CE Events receive an additional 25% discount.
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The Classifieds Welcome to our Classifieds Section. To submit a classified, email your information to the editor with “Classified” in the subject line.
SELLING: SELLING:
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: We are now accepting applications for Volunteers for our upcoming Committees. Join us in making our association stronger! Committees require less time than a Board position and you earn benefits. Fill out an application today at https://bcaoa.org/for-members/committeevolunteering/
CHAPTER MEETING CHAIRS WANTED: There are several openings for in-person Chapter Meeting Chairs, as well as one online. Spread the joy of aromatherapy! Information on Chapter meetings can be found at https://bcaoa.org/for-members/chapter-meetings/
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Want to Learn more about Aromatherapy?
Our recognized schools and teachers offer professional level courses that give you the solid education to allow you to build a business, or just feel secure knowing you are using essential oils safely. The advantages of attending a recognized course and studying under a recognized teacher might include rapid membership processing; no cost for membership application review; and it ensures students have access to teachers with a specific level of knowledge and practical experience who have agreed to teach to the CAOA’s core curriculums. To see a list of our recognized schools, courses, and teachers, please go to: http://bcaoa.org/education/recognized-courses-teachers-and-schools/ If you would like to apply to have your school or course recognized, please contact us at secretary@bcaoa.org to request an application and the appropriate core curriculum.
