Hello Lovelies,

We are so happy to now be in the Upper, Central and Lower Lonsdale areas of North Vancouver with Mandala Essentials because this allows us to serve the North Shore, West Vancouver and entire Lower Mainland as well. With easy access from Highway 1 and Lonsdale Avenue.

Lately we have had some interesting conversations with new clients where it occurred to us that although lots of people have now heard of essential oils and the benefits, not a lot of people know what we as Registered Aromatherapists actually do.

So I’m here to give you a little more insight on what I do and how that might help you and your family.

What is Aromatherapy?

The therapeutic use of plant derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well being. It is sometimes used in combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of a holistic treatment approach. I feel it is very important to mention here that using essential oils that are safe, clean, organic and thoroughly tested is a priority to me in my client practice because I want the purest natural tools to help my clients with their health and wellness.

Among those I work with are new born babies, elderly people and those who are battling major health complications. Not all essential oils are the same and this is why we choose ours carefully and with purpose. If we don’t have an oil that you want it is often because it is not available in its purest form and we won’t compromise on that.

What is an Aromatherapist?

A Registered Aromatherapist is someone who has studied Aromatherapy at a registered institute. This will include a set number of study hours as well as working with many case studies and clients prior to certification. Most boards also require examinations in multiple areas.

I have been studying healing modalities for the last 16 years. To gain my Aromatherapy training I studied for a year at Langara College in Vancouver on their Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioner Certificate (HAPC). It is the only hands on course in Vancouver that is approved by the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapists (BCAOA). The course included case studies with clients over a period of a year plus in clinic hours with clients for 6 months. I am also Certified in the AromaTouch Technique as both a practitioner and a trainer.

An Aromatherapist understands the science of essential oils and the contraindications some oils may have with someone depending on their health and the medications that a client may be taking. They understand the natural chemical make up of the oils and their direct use upon the physical and emotional systems of the body. They have knowledge and experience of the different ways to use the oils and the various applications and then they combine this with the creative holistic approach of working with the mind, body and spirit. They also know how to make the oils effective, yet safe for all their clients, young or old. A baby doesn’t need the same amount of essential oil as a full grown man. With essential oils, less is most definitely more and we work with diluting the oils for each individual client that we have.

What does an Aromatherapist do?

We help you to improve your physical and emotional well-being with the holistic modality of using therapeutic grade essential oils through various methods including topical and aromatic application. We begin with a patient consultation which can happen either in person, via a web video platform or on the phone.

After the intake part of our session, we make a plan together that we will guide you through. We will explain how to use your oils, when to apply them and why. We allow you to be part of this process because essential oils are a very individual experience and so there will be some oils you love the smell of and some you don’t. It is important that when we create blends for you that they are pleasing to your sense of smell otherwise you are less likely to use them consistently.

Creating blends is an art and a science and something that Aromatherapists are trained in. An essential oil on its own can be powerful but when more than two oils are mixed together a synergy is created which can be more powerful and more targeted to the issue you are dealing with.

We start to link smells to memories from the moment we are born and so smell plays a pivotal role in our day to day lives. Thankfully many of the essential oils have similar crossover properties so that if you don’t enjoy the smell of one oil, we will definitely have another we can use that will be just as efficient.

Sometimes a headache is not just a headache. As Aromatherapists, we work with our clients to figure the root rather than just trying to fix the problem so that we can create long term solutions. The beauty of essential oils is that each one can target many of the bodies systems and can help emotional issues too. We help you easily integrate essential oils into your every day self care routine.

What is a Consultation?

This is a 30-45 minute session that allows us to meet you, take a look at your health history, get to know your health and wellness goals and work with you to create a plan to help. We offer short term and long term plans.

What kind of treatments would I receive in an Aromatherapy session?

After your initial consultation we can make a plan that is right for you. We offer many treatments from hot and cold compresses, therapeutic massage, reflexology, AromaTouch Technique (which is similar to massage but with light touch and essential oil application to bring the body back into homeostasis), to creating blends, protocols and education on how to use the oils. When we create blends and products, they are tailored to suit you, your lifestyle, your needs and then we guide you on how to use them.

How long is an Aromatherapy session?

The time for a session varies on the treatments being given but most sessions are generally 60 minutes. However, you may find that after the initial consultation a 30 minute session with custom blending is what you need.

What are the benefits of Aromatherapy?

-Boosts your immune system
-Can help reduce your toxic load
-Helps you to manage pain and discomfort
-Improves the quality of your sleep
-Reduces anxiety, stress and agitation
-Improves digestion and bowel movements
-Soothes sore joints and muscles
-Eases pregnancy discomforts and labour
-Improves respiratory issues and breathing
-Can increase energy levels generally
-Promotes healing and homeostasis
-Improves emotional health and balance

What are the benefits of working with an Aromatherapist?

We aren’t trying to give you a quick fix but rather work with you to find the root of the issues so that we can promote healing on all levels. We are here to guide you through the process and help you establish a self-care routine that is easy and manageable.

Who can benefit from seeing an Aromatherapist?

Everyone, young or old, who wants to find a more holistic approach to wellness can benefit, including:

-Athletes / those with active lifestyles
-Pregnant Mums
-Postpartum mums
-Babies
-Kids
-Parents
-Families
-Pets

Those working with emotional issues such as:

-Anxiety
-Stress
-Sadness
-Depression
-Overwhelm
-Mental fatigue

Physical issues such as:

-Sleep
-Digestion
-Pain
-Tension
-Respiratory issues
-Allergies
-Immune challenges
-Skin conditions
-General healing

We love connecting with our community so if you have any questions contact us.

Starting this fall we will be offering free weekly Aromatherapy and Essential Oils information sessions in Lower Lonsdale, to ensure that everyone can come and learn in a neutral group environment. In these group sessions you will get samples and learn how to use the products while getting your questions answered.

Check out our events page for all the latest and enjoy a free download of one of our eBooks.

Plus we just added even more to our services page with the other modalities we offer.

With love,

Lou xo