WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant essences and extracts to improve health and well-being. Essential oils are concentrated plant essences that have been produced by steam distillation, cold-pressing, solvent extraction, or carbon dioxide extraction. Aromatherapy is not a plug-in air freshener, scented candles or the use of synthetic smells, such as "fragrance oils" to freshen the air. These are pleasant but they have little or no therapeutic value. In fact, these synthetic fragrances can contain chemicals toxic to the human body.
Essential oils have positive, direct effects on the skin, nervous system, and organs of the body. There is much research on this. Being so concentrated, it is important to use them safely for the best results. And yes, they smell great (well, most of them)!
What does an aromatherapist do?
To begin your aromatherapy journey, we will discuss what conditions you want to address with essential oils. During the intake consultation, I find out what medications you are on to check for contraindications, your medical history, your emotional/psychological conditions and your familiarity with aromatherapy as well as your favorite oils/scents. We will discuss your diet, your level of exercise and habits that contribute to health and/or illness. This information will help me come up with a formulation blend that is personalized for you as well as make recommendations to optimize your health. The essential oil blend could be a topical formulation, an inhalation blend or both. This is a holistic approach which is intended to maximize your results. Oral intake of essential oils is not recommended but also, it is not necessary with the other routes of administration which are very effective. Additionally, I help people set up their own home aromatherapy kit for their personal use through consultation and recommendations.
DALE PARKER
I have worked as a health educator and counselor for most of my working years. My passion is for essential oils, and I've been using them for most of those years. As part of my retirement, I decided to get my certification as an aromatherapist to effectively help others.
With my own health challenges, I found that Western medicine didn't have all the answers. I needed something more to "fill in the gaps." I also wanted something natural with fewer or no side effects. I have had amazing results using aromatherapy in many areas of my physical health, psychological health and general well-being. It is a powerful complement to my existing medical care.
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In helping others, my approach is based in the science of essential oils which is the result of much reviewing of scientific research studies. I also use my intuition based on information you provide, our interactions and my knowledge of your situation. I use a holistic perspective, knowing that all body systems, including the emotional body, affect each other and need to be seen as a "whole" if positive change is to take place.
With the help of several friends, I started my aromatherapy service, "Root Leaf Blossom Aromatherapy," here in Boulder, Colorado. My practice is in the Boulder and central Colorado area. I offer personalized aromatherapy blends for health and wellness as well as aromatherapy education so people can use essential oils safely and effectively at home. In blending for others, I use natural ingredients; organic or wild-crafted, no petroleum, other toxic, or hormone-disrupting chemicals. The carrier oils and butters I use are unrefined and cold-pressed which preserves their nutrients and medicinal properties. The skin butters, essential and carrier oils I buy are sustainably grown and harvested, are eco-friendly, and from producers using fair trade practices.
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If any of this sounds interesting, please read on. You can read a bit about the science of aromatherapy on my "Why Aromatherapy?" page. I also cover many topics on my blog page. I would love to hear from you if you have questions or comments.
