I’ve been busy of late fulfilling orders, researching new products, testing new recipes, and finalizing the Winter, 2014 catalog that will feature many of Untamed Alchemy’s new creations. As a result, I’m thrilled that the next few days provide a much needed break from my desk and blending table in the form of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists’ (NAHA) 2014 conference, Beyond Aromatics.
The conference allows aromatherapists to come together, share, connect, and discover the latest in the field of holistic aromatherapy. (This year’s conference is held at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, where we’ll have medicinal gardens and a reflexology walking labyrinth to enjoy, too!)
According to NAHA:
The purpose of NAHA’s Beyond Aromatics conference is to provide opportunities for aromatherapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, reflexologists, complimentary health practitioners, students and individuals interested in aromatherapy to meet, network, share, and learn about holistic aromatherapy approaches in practice and for self care.
As an aromatherapist, herbalist, and massage therapist, I am so grateful for professionals, groups, companies, and organizations like the NAHA whose work reflects my own values: grounded in safe, effective, holistic and clinical use of essential oils and herbs. In a field where some companies and representatives choose to take the low road in terms of marketing, suggested use, ingestion, and the like, those who choose to be deeply invested in using essential oils responsibly and creating products that are thoughtfully sourced are welcome, cherished allies.
Professional organizations like the NAHA and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) offer invaluable support to clinicians determined to work appropriately in the aromatherapy field. Essential oil companies like Aromatics International, Stillpoint Aromatics, and Plant Therapy provide quality essential oils with GC/MS reports and relevant recommendations for usage, precautions, and contraindications; many provide blending recipes to help inform your use. Herb companies like Mountain Rose Herbs offer quality dried herbs, spices, clays, and teas that are organically sourced or pesticide-free. Individuals like Robert Tisserand, Andrea Butje, Gabriel Mojay, Valerie Worwood, and Jade Shutes serve as invaluable sources for safe, effective aromatherapy offering demonstrated wisdom and expertise in a field that has been otherwise muddied by multi-level marketing companies and unethical practices. (I’m positively goofy that Andrea, Gabriel, and Jade will be speaking at Beyond Aromatics this weekend!)
As a Professional Member of NAHA and a Clinical Member of AIA, I enjoy a powerful network of resources. I’m grateful for the information they provide and their efforts to stem the tide of misinformation. If you’re working with an aromatherapist, I urge you to find someone who chooses to represent ethical practices and defensible, safe use of essential oils (as opposed to a “salesperson” or “distributor” marketing for the benefit of a company with questionable practices). If you are an aromatherapist, I encourage you to BE that practitioner: one with an uncompromising commitment to safety, wellness, integrity, ethics, sustainability, and the highest possible outcome for your client.
I’ve got to fold laundry, pack a bag, and hit the road! I’ll share the best of what I see at Beyond Aromatics upon my return! There’s also an epic post on aphrodisiac herbs, foods, and oils underway….. Bless and blessed be!
Kristina, the Untamed Alchemist
