[əˌrōməˈTHerəpē]
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are concentrated plant extracts, for healing. Essential oils are distilled from plants and valued for their therapeutic effects and healing scents.
Using aromatherapy for healing
Scent is strongly connected to memories and emotions
The science behind your nose
Our sense of smell has a unique link to memory and emotions that sets it apart from the other senses. A scent or aroma has the ability to evoke vivid memories with immediacy, often surpassing visual or auditory recollections. This phenomenon may be attributed to the olfactory system’s direct connection to the amygdala and hippocampus, bypassing the thalamic relay utilized by our other senses, which likely contributes to its strong association with emotion and memory.
The human olfactory nerve begins on the roof of our nasal cavity and ends with the olfactory bulb located on the underside of the frontal lobe of the brain known as the olfactory cortex. The olfactory cortex includes the amygdala (seat of emotions) and the Entorhinal cortex (connected to memories). From here the scent, made up of chemical molecules of information, is sent to the prefrontal cortex and the thalamus, which helps us distinguish different odors. Aromatic information is also shared with the hypothalamus and the brainstem.
Our senses are complex and play a role in supporting emotional and physical healing.
15 minutes after inhalation essential oils influence the autonomic nervous system, which can cause changes in pupil dilation, blood pressure, muscle tone, pulse rate, skin temperature and brain activity. These responses can enhance overall well-being.
What is a Certified Aromatherapist?
I completed my Level One Aromatherapy certification, which included 265 hours of in-person study covering anatomy, physiology, chemistry, taxonomy, and Latin for plant identification. I engaged in supervised case studies, passed multiple exams on chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and wrote a research paper on grief and essential oils, which was later edited for a blog titled "Essential Oils and Grief."
In 2017, I obtained my certification, complementing my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Building upon this, I have engaged in the practice of aromatherapy, developing both aromatic and topical formulations designed to support physical and emotional well-being.
In addition, I have experience with distillation and oil infusion, as well as incorporating plant-based medicine into my esthetics practice. I create nutrient-rich serums for skin care, prepare herbal steams to cleanse pores and ease sinus congestion, and create facial masks using ingredients sourced from the garden.
I specialize in formulating essential oil blends designed to support individuals coping with grief and loss. In 2019, I completed training and certification as a death midwife to enhance my expertise regarding end-of-life care and the dying process.
Email me w/ aromatherapy inquiries @ kldazllc@gmail.com
Humans have been distilling essential oils for more than 2000 years
The term "essential oil" stems from the ancient Latin phrase "quinta essentia," meaning the fifth element. The fifth element refers to the spirit or life force coexisting with the four classical elements: fire, air, earth, and water.
The extraction of essential oils is regarded as separating the plant's essence for use in medicine because of its therapeutic benefits.
The Alchemy of Distillation
The photos above feature Rose Geranium, or Pelargonium graveolens. Learning the Latin names of plants is important for safety, as each species has its own unique chemistry. For more information on essential oils and safety, check out my YouTube video on Essential Oil Safety.
I distilled the leaves of the rose geranium plant to create hydrosol. Hydrosols are water-based solutions made by distilling fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. To distill for hydrosols or essential oils, the plant material is added to water and heated to create steam. The medicinal oils from the plant come from the plant's pores (stomas) which open from the heat and carried by steam through a refrigerated coil, then collected in a clear glass container. The steam holds the medicine, and once it cools the essential oil separates from the water and floats above it. The infused water contains about 20% of the plant’s active compounds, preserving its therapeutic effects and aroma. Skin friendly hydrosols are gentle and can be used in place of skin toner.
I completed my studies through Stillpoint Aromatics in 2017.