Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?
Characteristics of Essential Oils
What Conditions Can Aromatherapy Help?
How Does It Work?
Iris Healing Arts Works With Clients In Several Ways
How Ancient is the Art and Science of Aromatherapy?
Safety
Healing Stories

At Iris Healing Arts I practice the French method of Aromatherapy. While Aromatherapy has become popular in the United States for use in consumer products such as air fresheners, cleaning and bath & beauty products, the French method of Aromatherapy differs because it is a medically-based model.

French Method Aromatherapy is 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.

There are important differences in the two approaches. Most of the Aromatherapy products available to the American public are chemically scented; that is their scent was created in a laboratory not in nature. On the other hand, pure essential oils, those used for therapeutic purposes, are derived from plants, trees and shrubs and are the healing essence of these plants. These oils give the plant its smell, taste, potency and any medical or healing properties.

Because there are so many synthetic products on the market, many people have developed sensitivities to scents and will avoid using essential oils. In the majority of cases, the sensitivities stem from artificial or synthetic scents and a person with these sensitivities will have no difficulties or negative reactions to pure essential oils.

Characteristics of Essential Oils:

• Plant-derived medicine: natural, chemical-free, alcohol free
• No side effects
• Safe for children, elders and pets when formulated by a professional Aromatherapist
• Antiseptic; many are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
• Boost and strengthen the immune system
• Can be used alone or in combination with other healing methods
• Do not have an unpleasant ‘oily’ quality

What conditions can aromatherapy help?

Aromatherapy is ideal for dealing with the conditions caused by stress and lifestyle choices. Some examples are:

• Arthritis
• Migraines
• Pain, both chronic and acute
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Digestive disorders such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation
• Eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
• Insomnia
• Grief and trauma including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Menopause symptoms – both male [Andropause] and female

How does it work?

For Aromatherapy to be most effective, the essential oils need to enter the body in two ways: through the skin and inhalation, i.e. sense of smell. The aromatherapy blends are used by rubbing them into the skin. Once the oils come into contact with the skin, they are assimilated into the bloodstream within three minutes or less, then carried to various body systems and organs.

Because of their potency, essential oils are diluted in a carrier base before being applied to the skin to prevent any adverse reaction. The carrier can be a lotion, vegetable gel, or fixed oil. The carriers quickly absorb, leaving behind no oily residue.

Iris Healing Arts works with clients in several ways

One-on-one consultations include an intake interview and preparation of a custom-formulated Aromatherapy blend targeting the client’s unique constitution and conditions. The blend may be applied in a treatment session at the time of the consultation or taken home by the client to be used over a directed period of time and frequency.

Phone consultations are offered for clients who cannot come in for treatment due to geographic locale or other reasons. A Phone Consultation consists of an intake interview and the first steps in their Vibrant Health Plan.

Treatments and consultations are private, confidential and protected by HIPAA standards. The treatment environment is welcoming, safe, professional, and nurturing.

How ancient is the art and science of aromatherapy?

Greek physician and surgeon Pedanios Dioscorides wrote extensively on the medicinal value of botanical aromatics. His renowned herbal text De Materia Medica (60 A.D.) was the standard textbook for Western medicine for 1,500 years. The Medica contained detailed information on some 500 plants and 4,740 separate medicinal uses for them, including an entire section on aromatics.

Safety

“You cannot have a highly effective medicine and have it also be benign.”
—Karen Reilly, NCMT

While essential oils are natural, plant-derived medicine, they must be used with caution and care – preferably prepared and recommended by a well-trained, experienced and professional Aromatherapist.

Iris Healing Arts products are derived from only the highest therapeutic grade, pure essential oils and are blended with organic oils whenever they are available.

Note:These statements have not been approved or disproved by the FDA and are intended for educational purposes only. They are not meant to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any disease or condition.

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that promotes health, healing and vitality. Aromatherapy is a companion treatment and is not meant to replace medical care or advice. Patients should always seek a medically qualified practitioner for any worsening ailment or serious illness.

Contact Heather Michet to schedule a consultation, treatment, or for additional information.

Healing Stories

“I feel like you’ve opened the flood gates for me on so many aspects of my life in just the short 45 minute session that we had on the phone. I needed that gate to be opened so I can begin my healing process both physically and emotionally.”
Erika P., San Jose CA

“Thank you so very much for the treatment I received in February. I did not even realize how tense my back was until experiencing the relief I got from your treatment. The exercises you taught me are working well. The back pain has not come back and it is June!
Richard J., Sandy OR

“Your treatment, aromatherapy take-home medicine and your suggestions have greatly helped me and I’m thankful. Things are looking way better on my leg [MRSA sore].”
Janessa C., Gladstone OR

“Just a note to let you know that my allergies are 99% better!!!!! Your potions are magic! Keep them coming!”
Sue M., Sandy OR

“Since I’ve begun using Heather’s aromatherapy blends – both those she custom-formulates for me and her general population blends, I don’t use Neosporin. As a matter of fact, I don’t use any Rx meds anymore. I love that. Thanks, Heather!”
Mary N, Pendleton OR

“Your ‘Crud Remover’ [custom-formulated aromatherapy blend] worked well and knocked the nasal congestion and lingering cough right out.”
Jeff C., Sandy OR

“After injury to my wrist, I was left with two fingers that were numb and had limited mobility. The hand surgeon felt this could be a lifelong condition due to nerve damage. I was totally amazed with the results I had after only one Aromatherapy session. I applied Heathers blend of essential oils during the session to my wrist, within seconds the palm of my hand started to tingle. This tingling feeling continued every time I applied the blend. After about six weeks all numbness was gone and I had total mobility back in both fingers. Heather is a compassionate and truly gifted healer. Thank you Heather!”
Jan J. Gresham OR