Ep. 108: How to Integrate Essential Oils into Holistic Practices with Sarah Bromham
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of the Vetiver Vibes podcast, host Nikki Fraser welcome Sarah Bromham, a seasoned aromatherapist based in the UK and the owner of Radiance Therapy. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field, Sarah shares her journey into aromatherapy, which began unexpectedly during a short evening class that ignited her passion for essential oils.
As we dive into the episode, Sarah discusses the integration of aromatherapy with other modalities, such as massage, reflexology, and holistic facials. Sarah emphasizes the importance of a detailed consultation to tailor the use of essential oils to each client's unique needs, ensuring a personalized experience.
Throughout our conversation, we touch on the benefits of combining essential oils with massage techniques, noting how oils can enhance relaxation and provide therapeutic effects beyond the physical touch. Sarah shares her approach to selecting oils, often allowing clients to choose from a selection without revealing the names, to avoid preconceived notions about certain scents.
We also discuss the importance of safety and proper training in aromatherapy, particularly regarding the internal use of essential oils, which is a topic of concern in the industry. Sarah expresses her frustration with the misinformation that can circulate, especially when it comes to recommending ingestion without the necessary qualifications.
As the episode progresses, we delve into the evolving landscape of holistic health, how many individuals are taking their health into their own hands. Sarah and Nikki discuss the significance of building a network of trusted practitioners and the importance of referring clients to the right resources when their needs extend beyond our expertise.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the world of aromatherapy, the benefits of integrating essential oils into various treatments, and the ethical considerations that come with being a holistic practitioner. We wrap up the episode by encouraging aspiring aromatherapists to start with a small selection of oils and to continuously learn and adapt their practices.
Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only celebrates the art of aromatherapy but also emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the power of scent in enhancing well-being.
Connect with Sarah
Connect with Sarah at https://radiancetherapy.co.uk/
Email - sarah@radiancetherapy.co.uk
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/radiance_therapy/
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00:00:00 - Welcome to Vetiver Vibes Podcast
Introduction of hosts Nikki Fraser and Rachael Dean, and the purpose of the podcast.00:00:14 - Sponsor Message: Essentria
Information about Essentria, an online school for aromatherapy.00:00:25 - Introducing Sarah Bromham
Introduction of guest Sarah Bromham, her background, and her business Radiance.00:01:20 - Favorite Essential Oil
Discussion about Sarah's favorite essential oil, Neroli, and its emotional significance.00:02:19 - Sarah's Journey to Aromatherapy
Sarah shares her unexpected journey into aromatherapy and her qualifications.00:03:57 - The Ebb and Flow of Life
Discussion on how life changes influence the journey into aromatherapy.00:05:01 - Integrating Aromatherapy with Other Modalities
Exploration of combining aromatherapy with other treatment modalities.00:06:32 - Choosing the Right Modalities
Discussion on the balance of using multiple modalities versus focusing on one.00:08:54 - Benefits of Essential Oils in Massage
Exploration of how essential oils enhance the massage experience.00:10:38 - Post-Massage Effects of Essential Oils
Discussion on the lasting effects of essential oils after a massage.00:12:45 - Reflexology and Essential Oils
Insights on using essential oils in reflexology treatments.00:13:46 - Different Techniques in Reflexology
Comparison of using oils versus dry techniques in reflexology.00:16:13 - Personal Styles in Reflexology
Discussion on the diversity of reflexology techniques and styles.00:17:25 - Adapting Treatments to Individual Needs
Importance of tailoring treatments to meet individual client needs.00:18:10 - Trends in Aromatherapy
Sarah shares her thoughts on trends and developments in the aromatherapy field.00:21:11 - Concerns About Internal Use of Essential Oils
Discussion on the safety and training required for internal use of essential oils.00:22:29 - Quality of Essential Oils
Importance of sourcing high-quality essential oils and understanding their properties.00:24:23 - Misleading Information Online
Concerns about the spread of misinformation regarding essential oils on social media.00:26:24 - The Role of Practitioners
Discussion on the responsibility of practitioners to provide accurate information.00:28:37 - Referring Clients to Other Practitioners
The importance of knowing when to refer clients to other health professionals.00:30:13 - Empowering Clients
Discussion on empowering clients to take charge of their health.00:31:40 - Starting with Aromatherapy
Advice for practitioners looking to incorporate aromatherapy into their practice.00:33:52 - Continuous Learning in Aromatherapy
Emphasis on the importance of ongoing education and learning in the field.00:35:03 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
Wrap-up of the episode and how to contact Sarah Bromham. -
SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Vetiver Vibes podcast, where your hosts, Nikki Fraser and Rachael Dean, certified clinical aromatherapists. We are excited to have you here on today's episode, where you know that you'll get the best essential oil scoop.
Nikki: This episode is brought to you by Essentria a leading online school for aromatherapy. If you want to learn more about how to become a clinical aromatherapist, check out the courses at www.schoolofessentia.com. Welcome to this week's episode of Better Vibes. Nikki Fraser here with Sarah Bromham and we're going to talk about integrating aromatherapy into other modalities. Sarah is an aromatherapist based in the UK and owner of Radiance. She qualified way back in the last century. When the well-being world was hardly talked about, Radiance was established in 2006, so soon venturing into the 20th year. Time flies. She's working from a home-based treatment room, using oils as part of the treatment process alongside other modalities. Welcome to the podcast!Sarah: Thank you, Nikki. It's really good to be here with you.
Nikki: Yeah. So before we dive into this week's topic, we always like to ask all of our guests, what is your favourite essential oil?
Sarah: I guess it's quite a predictable one. I love Neroli, just because for me, the way I use oils, I like to evoke memories. I like people to connect with the oils at like quite an emotional level. And for me, it just brings, takes me back to a holiday place. It's like one of my favourite places of the holidays. So it's, I've just find it, it's one of those oils that just feels very uplifting. And it just sort of, it's almost like brings a smile to your face when you smell it.
Nikki: Yeah, it does. It is one of those nice, light, uplifting ones. It's the other co-founder, Rachael, it's her favourite oil also. So always nice when people mention that one too. Absolutely. So in today's podcast, we're going to talk a little bit about integrating aromatherapy in with other modalities, but I'd love to know if you can share how did you become an aromatherapist? If you want to share your journey, why you became certified, kind of, you know, how did you get to where you are today?
Sarah: Yeah, I didn't, it wasn't a basically a career that I expected to be going into. even though, as I say, I qualified quite some time ago, probably about nearly 30 years ago. I think it was 96 when I took my exams. So, but I'd previously just fallen into like office jobs, admin jobs, wasn't really loving anything. And then I took a very short course. In the UK, you used to be able to take evening classes. which were short six week courses, just to sort of spark your interest to see where you would take other things. So, and I walked into the room, which was that particular class was just about essential oils. And within 10 minutes, I'm like, ah, now I found my home. And it just sort of went from there. So just for the first probably 10 years or so, I was training, then I had children. So then I stopped what I was doing. And then as they were venturing into school and through nursery, I was like, oh, I need to really think about what's next. By then I'd already qualified in aromatherapy. I had taken a beauty therapy course. I didn't really know which direction I was going to go in. So I took a return to practice course to settle myself back in and see if I still loved it. And I did. So yeah, it went from there. And then I set the business up from there. So it's been a long journey. It feels like it's taken a long time to get to where I am now. But it's worked brilliantly.
Nikki: Awesome. And I mean, everything happens for a reason, I always say. And so, you know, taking the original course was obviously meant to be. And then, you know, the ebb and flow of through life. And I find a lot of people, it's either when they first have children, where it's like, okay, looking for something to support themselves, their family more holistically, and which is where they find essential oils, or a lot of times kind of more so at the end of their career of looking for something to kind of just do part time, like almost like a hobby. And then it kind of they don't know what they want to do, but they love it and they just kind of want to continue in with it. And it kind of just ebbs and flows throughout life. And I really got that feeling for you of kind of, you know, different parts of your life. It came in when it was needed and you absolutely evolved with it, which is fantastic.
Sarah: Yeah, yeah, I totally agree. I think it's one of those, I think the beauty of being involved in anything holistically is it does fit in wherever you need it to. I think it just happens naturally. And I see so many, especially recently, so many new therapists coming on board who are still navigating that journey and still don't really quite know where they fit. And I guess it's not until I speak to some of those people, I actually realise how far I've come along the road.
Nikki: Yeah, and even myself, I haven't been around for quite as long as you have as an aromatherapist, but even myself, like looking back over the last 10 years, over 10 years, like it is, it, you know, it goes, it fits into so many different parts of your life and you can use it in every aspect. So it is that nice way. And with other modalities. So now you've paired aromatherapy with other modalities. And I know we've, I often hear kind of both sides of the story of only use one at a time so that you know what's working versus, you know, it's okay to pair one or two. You don't want to throw the kitchen sink at something. I always say that, you know, you don't want to start using Reiki, aromatherapy, reflexology, like, four or five different modalities at once, because then it is almost too much at the same time. The mind and body are just kind of being pulled everywhere. But, you know, combining two modalities at once, I think, can be beneficial at times. How do you kind of differentiate that when to use one versus more than one?
Sarah: Okay, so the three modalities I use are REM therapy massage, Reflexology, and holistic facials. So, all have an element of massage, just because that's sort of what I use. I'm using my hands all the time, so they've all always got that element. In terms of blending oils, for aromatherapy massage, I tend to, I do a very detailed consultation. where we look into all sorts of different things for the client. But I often give them, I will pick five oils and we go through an aroma sort of sense of picking oils. I don't ever tell them what they're sniffing or they're smelling because I don't want people to have that already preconception of, I don't like lavender, for example. Because then when they smell it, they're like, what is this? I don't recognize it. I'm like, great, that's perfect. So from there they tend to choose two to three oils, usually two, but sometimes if it's a blend that I think might benefit from one of those other oils that's in that selection then we'll add that there. So we use that in the massage. I also do use that same method in reflexology for something called aroma reflex. Not as often, to be honest. Sometimes we just use one oil in that sort of environment, but it depends what people are looking for. And then as far as holistic facials, that often comes in with a product range that I might use. So something that's very essential oil based. The brand I use are vegan and plant-based and natural. They have a lot of Mediterranean fragrances running through them. So that's something that again, people are quite drawn to. I do on occasion switch a facial oil. So I will maybe put some, I use a base facial oil and add some oils in there, but then that would just be one oil because obviously I don't want it to be too overpowering. So yeah, it's used in lots of different ways.
Nikki: Awesome. And so what would be the benefits of adding in those essential oils when you're giving those massages?
Sarah: I think it just gives you that added depth. I mean, a massager can only do so much. I mean, it's a physical thing. I think when you've got somebody that can connect with the oils as well, it just gives such a better depth of it. It was interesting last week, for example, I had a lady in last week and the oils she selected were absolutely spot on to the consultation that we've done. And I always explain to people why I've used that particular oil or why I selected that in the five. And when she picked her three, She was sort of like, wow, okay, that's interesting. And it was a different blend to the one she would normally have, because life's changed for her, her circumstances are slightly different. So we've mixed things a little bit. And she actually said afterwards, it was the best massage she's had for a very long time. And I said, and I just said, well, that's obviously the oils were right for you today.
Nikki: Right? And it does. I find it adds that extra layer, but it also, I find it's the essential oils that do the heavy lifting at that point. Like as much as, yes, it's, you know, it's as the, as a practitioner, it's our hands that are massaging, but it's the essential oils that are relaxing the muscles just as much as our hands. They're helping the mind and the body at the same time with the scent, You know, they've got their analgesic, they've got their anti-inflammatory properties, if that's what's being pegged, right? Like they have all of those that they can just do so much more. And that's why I always, when people ask, I would say, well, they do the heavy lifting. And I'm just there to kind of, to go along with the ride with the oils in applying them in a certain way.
Sarah: Yeah, I agree. And I think people often say to me that they're always very surprised. I do a very gentle massage. It's a very flowing massage. It literally just flows from one move to another. And I'm forever explaining to people, you don't often have to have a sports massage to be effective. You don't have to have the pain and the uncomfortable part. you can have a really lovely flowing massage and the oils will do the rest.
Nikki: Yeah, and it saves your hands and joints as well. You don't need that deep tissue because they're doing so much of the work. And also, after the massage, when they leave your table, those essential oils are still having an effect. They're still working for hours upon hours afterwards, which is what I know I tell my clients afterwards. If you can hold off on showering for a little bit, even better, because then they're just going to continue absorbing and continuing to work that much more.
Sarah: Yeah, definitely. Yeah, so it's always my advice is definitely don't go home and shower. One of the main bits of advice I give to most of my clients when they book in is just make sure you've got nothing planned for the rest of the day.
Nikki: I find that's a hard one because I'll have people come on their lunch break and then they go back and especially sometimes when it's I also do Ayurvedic Indian head massage and they know sometimes that like they'll just throw it up in a in a ponytail type thing because it's all greasy which they're fine with because they knew ahead of time but it's just like it's always a comment of I don't know if I'm going to be able to focus and work. Like they just want to kind of go home and veg out versus get back into like work mode.
Sarah: Yeah. Yeah. I think one of the questions I ask actually, if I have a morning or afternoon or lunchtime client in, I'll always say like, what else are you doing today? Because that may impact the oils we're using.
Nikki: Yeah. Yeah, that's true. Having some more invigorating oils during the massage to kind of help them focus for the afternoon also. Exactly. Now, you mentioned reflexology as well. I am certified, registered as a reflexologist also, so I'd love to know, do you usually use the oils throughout the whole treatment or just kind of at the end, kind of like in a little, almost more massage, a few minutes at the end?
Sarah: It can depend on the clients, to be honest, and what they are needing. Generally, as a rule, I would mix it into a lotion rather than an oil for reflexology, just because I think it's not quite as slippy. It just gives you a bit more focus on pressure points. But yeah, it tends to be mixed in as a blend or with a single oil into a lotion if I'm using it. Sometimes if somebody's going through a very emotional time, we might keep it just for the end or just at the beginning because it will be too overpowering for them. So again, it's holistic. Everybody's different.
Nikki: Yeah, no, and it is. And I think that's a really important thing that you're bringing up is you need to look at each person individually and meet them where they're at. But that also made me think too of, over in the UK. You guys actually, in reflexology, you actually use like a cream or a balm or a lotion throughout your entire reflexology, don't you? Yeah, we're not trained that way in Canada. We're trained to do it dry because it was always, you know, you can't feel the points quite as much. And I've done it both ways and I do prefer the dry method actually. I mean, I'll usually start dry and then sometimes if the feet are really dry, I'll kind of add stuff to my own hands and go. But yeah, I always found that interesting. That's interesting. Yeah, yeah.
Sarah: So originally, when I first trained in reflexology was, again, quite a while ago. And one of the mediums we would use would be talc. Yeah. So, so yeah, exactly. And then we and then we moved to corn starch for a while. But Generally most people do use an oil or a lotion here. There's not very many people that would do dry. I think it's partly because it's become more out of the beauty industry a little bit more and a move on from like foot massages and pedicures and things. So I think that's probably why that's happened and that's evolved in that way. And I always find it quite fascinating how different everybody's style of reflexology is. It is. I trained quite some time ago with the guy that trained me was quite a character. And I hadn't realized the sort of training I was just very new to reflexology. So I just went along with the training. But I have quite an Asian style of reflexology. So which I hadn't realized until I was actually on a beach on holiday in I think it was Borneo or somewhere like that, had a reflexology and like, oh, that's my routine. What are they doing? And that's just the way I'd been taught. And there's not many people that do a very similar style to me in my area. So yeah, I think we, and we just pick up things as we go along as well.
Nikki: Yeah. And that's one thing I always say too is, you know, once you have the training, And because the training is so that you at least know you're doing it safely, you, and you know, when you're using essential oils, you're properly diluting, you're doing full health history, you're making sure there's no contraindication, things like all of that. But then once you're there, again, it comes back to the individuality of every person. what is needed most for them. So you can tweak it for every single person, no matter what you're offering, it can always be tweaked so that you're meeting them where they're at. Like if they're having shoulder issues and you're giving an aroma massage or even reflexology, like you're gonna spend more time on the shoulders. Like you don't need to spend more time on, you know, the digestive system if that's not an issue. Like you, this is the beauty of it, which is really, really nice.
Sarah: Yeah, definitely. I mean, and I think that's why I love it so much, I think, because it is so adaptable and suitable for pretty much everybody in some form, you know, even, even with some of the contradictions, there are ways around most things. Yeah. And you've just got to have the knowledge.
Nikki: Yeah, there's so many different options of essential oils out there that there's always a different oil that you can pick. And I mean, worst case scenario, you just don't pick an essential oil also. If there's so many different medications or health concerns or things like that, or you can turn to Hydrolats and just, you know, spray, have a couple spritz in the air and that in itself is going to be relaxing and offer so many benefits without needing the essential oils themselves. Yeah, I agree that that option is, you know, going to always be really, really nice. Have you noticed any trends or developments in aromatherapy over the years that either excite you or make you cringe even?
Sarah: There's been a few things. I mean, there's been lots over the years. I mean, when I first started, certainly aromatherapy was a bit like, oh, it's a bit, a bit odd. And then as time went on, you saw essential oils or aromatherapy being just marketed so much in whether it was in, I don't know, washing powder or soaps or shampoos and all sorts of things. It would be half that written on bottles, which I'm always slightly skeptical over. It's like, well, actually how much, like really what's in there. But I think my biggest bugbear, I mean, I'm, not a clinical aromatherapist. We have a very clear distinction in the UK of the difference between a clinical aromatherapist and an aromatherapist. So clinical for here is very much, it's a much higher level of training. It's degree level, university level, whereas mine was, I think, a two year training course. So this just takes it to another level. Clinical aromatherapists in the UK are the only people who are allowed to recommend ingestion of oils. And obviously it's in a medical environment. And I get really frustrated when I see other aromatherapists recommending it, because I just don't think it's safe. It's not safe. You don't know what you're doing with them. We're not medically qualified. It's what I tell people all the time.
Nikki: I'm laughing internally. I am trained in internal use of essential oils. It's not something that one I ever use. And I took it because as an owner of a school, I wanted to have that education. I wanted to have that advanced level. To really make sure that I can support my students to the best of my ability so I did I went out and I got it And I can't even use it in Canada. Actually. It's not legal to use in Canada. You can't get insurance because they don't They don't know the safety around it enough, so they don't want to them. It's more of a liability than anything, and they don't want to take that on, which I fully understand. And I'm thinking of the last, I think, how long it's been since I've been even qualified in it. It's probably been at least five years, six years since I've been qualified in it. And I there's two incidents that I have used it, and that's it. And they were on family. So it wasn't like any anyone. So I, you know, I can use it on myself and my own family. But it was after IV antibiotics didn't work. It was after like weeks long of so many different things and it was on my husband himself and like full consent. But there's so much more safety considerations that come into it. And 99.999% of the time, you don't really need internal use.
Sarah: I was just about to say that. I mean, there are so many amazing herbs and things that you can use internally, you know, and just dietary things that we can adjust to make a huge difference. And I'm always a bit sort of like, why do you need to? Right?
Nikki: Like have you exhausted, really exhausted everything else before going to this? That would be like my thing. And I know like the two instances, like we, like if IV antibiotics weren't doing anything and like the hospital was kind of shaking their head of like, they didn't really care. I'm like, well, okay, well I'm taking this into my own hands now. Yeah, you get to that point. Yeah. But again, right, like it's 99.99999% of the time, it's the aromatic benefits that are going to have the biggest effect. It's the topical you like we're getting those benefits. And that is usually way more than enough.
Sarah: Yeah. And I think I think sometimes as well, I think some people that are selling oils in that sort of realm and giving that sort of advice, I don't think they're really understanding what essential oils are about and what they do. I don't think they understand how the limbic system works. I don't think they're getting all of that because otherwise they'd know that they don't need to do it. Um, so yeah, I, I find it quite frustrating when I hear people who are selling oils and they're giving misleading information cause they haven't had the right training and the experience in using them. Um, but, We have very little restriction on that sort of thing in the UK.
Nikki: Same here in Canada.
Sarah: Yeah, I think it's always just sold as like, well, it's your personal responsibility to find out.
Nikki: Yeah. Which is fine. And I get that too, because you can walk into any grocery store, any health store, and just pick up a bottle of supplements too. And it's your responsibility to educate yourself. Is this actually a supplement that I need? Is it safe to take? Is it going to interact with any of my medication? It is up to each individual person to learn that, to make those decisions themselves a little bit first. But it's important that wherever you're getting your oils from, they are trained and they know what information they're sharing is accurate and safe.
Sarah: Yeah. And I think it's also making sure you're getting quality oils as well. I mean, there's so many oils that you can buy from all over the place. And you have no idea how they're made, what else has been put in with them, you know, all of those sorts of things. And just making sure that you get your safety data sheets and that sort of thing. So you actually have confidence in who you're buying from.
Nikki: I know. I've seen essential oils here at like dollar stores and like big box stores where it's like you know three dollars for you know a 15 bottle of frankincense and i'm like um if that's costing three dollars i'm i'm wondering how much of that is frankincense yes yeah yeah no absolutely um and also the uh what you had mentioned, some of the recipes online, the formulas online, it made me think of that. Your one comment of, I remember when I first started and I had started when my kids were, when I was pregnant and it was this 10 milliliter roller bottle and it was something I think it was something for like ADHD. It was something like squirrel, I don't know, squirrely something. I don't even remember what it was. But they had between 75 and 85 essential oil drops in a 10 milliliter roller bottle. And then it was like top with carrier oil and apply that all over your child, like your teeny tiny babies. And I'm like, Like I wasn't even qualified at the time and I remember reading that being horrified of like, there's no way that is safe.
Sarah: And so I think that… I think people forget actually what essential oils are. I think they just see it as, I think they see them as just a fragrance sometimes. and think that, okay, they're not going to do anything else, but they're forgetting the properties of them and they're forgetting what they're capable of doing.
Nikki: Or they see it as a natural thing, right? Natural means safe. Natural is safe. Natural is good. It's not.
Sarah: No. It's not. It's really not. I mean, I've recently in the last probably six months or so, I used to use a diffuser in my room, my treatment room. But I started thinking, I actually don't use one anymore because I don't want it to interfere with the oils that somebody else is experiencing anyway. But also just an overload for myself. I was like, I don't need to be exposed to that many all the time.
Nikki: Yeah, no, that's true, right? And as a practitioner, you need to take your own health also into consideration. You don't want to inundate your own body with essential oils all day long, which is a really, really important thing to keep in mind.
Sarah: Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Yeah, definitely. It's interesting you saying about when you were pregnant. So when I trained, I hadn't had any children, but I was in a really boring job, hated the job. So I actually went to work as a therapist at a spa. just because I thought, well, this is the route I'm going to go. I may not have children. Let's see what happens. And removing that stress of that job and being in the environment of the spa, I was pregnant in the first month.
Nikki: Wow. Right. Stress has a huge impact. Like people don't realize how much stress impacts the mind and body. Like how much our mind impacts our body. Like if our mind is constantly stressed, It's, yeah. Yeah.
Sarah: So, so yeah, it was, um, that was interesting because obviously early pregnancy wasn't, wasn't great trying to be an aromatherapist.
Nikki: No, cause you definitely have to be way more cautious. Like, okay, and let's just kind of move a bunch of these ones here aside. Um, but, and it is true of just, you know, needing to protect yourself as the therapist. I know Rachael, when we were for our aroma massage course, she shared that she always picked, when she would give a massage, an essential oil that would also benefit her. That's what we say, when you pick out that handful of oils that the client can pick from. Make sure they're oils that also, like, yes, they're the first person to keep in mind as you're meeting what their needs are, but pick oils that you enjoy also. And that's something that I always do. Like when I have something, I don't like patchouli. So I very, very rarely give that as an option to clients because I just don't, want to to work with it often not in a massage now if it was like a roller bottle or Massage blend to send home with them. No problem whatsoever But yeah in that reflexology or massage, I'm like, yeah, no, you don't get that patchouli option. Sorry I don't want my room to smell like patchouli afterwards.
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Sarah: That's really funny. I had delivery of two oils today. I buy oils as I need them. I don't tend to buy a big stock or anything. And I buy quite small bottles. But actually patchouli was one that was delivered today.
Nikki: There you go. I'm still trying to embrace patchouli. Every now and then I do try it. I have not embraced the patchouli yet.
Sarah: I think geranium is my one like that.
Nikki: Okay.
Sarah: Yeah, I'm not a fan of geranium.
Nikki: I used to be, patchouli and geranium were actually my two lowest. And then my last pregnancy, which I'm trying to think of when it was a surrogate journey. So I'm trying to remember when it was. So I'm like, I don't have baby to remind me of how old he is. He'll be four in November. But it was during that pregnancy that I fell in love with geranium. It went from my second hated to my number one oil in that pregnancy. It was so interesting to see that flip of like my body just loving it and has loved it since.
Sarah: Yeah, yeah. I always find it interesting with babies when you've carried them and you've used oils, like how they then react to oils later on. Yeah. Yeah, I think it's quite interesting that whole process of Any pregnant mum who goes through any sort of treatments, whether it's reflexology or arabiotherapy, I think you definitely see a difference in those babies.
Nikki: Yeah, it's interesting because my first pregnancy I didn't use anything. And each I've had four pregnancies each pregnancy has gone like more holistic with each one and part of me really wishes I was like and I mean my pregnancies also went easier with each one along with my deliveries And that's where I'm like I can't see the the last two as to how they're growing up or anything like that because they're they were surrogate journeys, but like just to see that progression of easier and just more knowledge too as you go through. But, I mean, my deliveries were so different each one and oils had a different level in each one, which I always find interesting, again, of how, you know, again, incorporating oils into different areas and how that helps.
Sarah: Yeah, amazing.
Nikki: That's lovely to have that insight. It is, you can go back and really ponder on that. When people are starting to add aromatherapy into their practice, because we do sometimes get like chiropractors or reggae practitioners or reflexologists or head massage practitioners, things like that, who want to just start learning about the oil, start using them. Would you have any kind of like recommendations on how to kind of start that out?
Sarah: I'd start with a very small number of oils, to be honest. Just, you know, maybe maximum 10, but maybe start even with just five and really get to understand those oils, you know, find out how they work, what they're doing, see the reactions that people have with them. Because we can learn so much in the classroom, but it's not until we actually get them on people and clients and that sort of thing that we can actually see how they work. both of my training with reflexology and aromatherapy, I had to do a lot of case studies, which was great, but I still don't think you really learn until you're on your own hands on in the treatment room. So yeah, my top thing would probably be to start with a few oils. And you never stop learning. Like you're never going to know everything. you're never going to know anything about the oils, you know, whether that's because there's more research happening now. So we're all learning more about them or whether it's just oils that you come across. So, um, I think the other thing is to speak to other therapists as well. Learn from other people. It's a really big thing for me.
Nikki: Yeah. I love that. Thank you. Um, and it's so true. You don't need to know all of them. Um, you know, start with that small handful. If, if you don't want to, expand your aromatherapy past that. Now, if you want to go full in aromatherapist, and then do it that way, absolutely. But yeah, if you just want to incorporate those few essential oils into your practice, just take that introductory, a kind of like foundational course of learning all the safety, but just that handful of essential oils is going to be absolutely beneficial and really focusing on those. I think you made a really, really great point about that. And it just makes it nice to, they have options this way.
Sarah: Yes. Yeah. And I think, I mean, obviously answering that question, I was assuming that people would be taking a training course.
Nikki: Yeah.
Sarah: Well, I mean, I wouldn't want anybody to be going in just like full on, just going, Oh, I quite fancy trying these. Like, no, you need to be, you need to be training.
Nikki: Yeah. Like I know our foundation course is exactly for that of like, here's a handful of oils, but then, but like, you have all the training with how to use them properly and safely. Not just, you know, that starter pack that you can find on the big box store shelf of like, here's three, five, 10 oils, and you just pop that and start using them. Because, please don't do that. Just don't do that. No, don't do that. Right? So many do, and that's where I love that people are wanting to incorporate holistic modalities into their life more and more and more. I think a lot of people, especially here in Canada, are feeling very disappointed in our healthcare system. very let down, you know, without turning this podcast into that, but they're starting to take their health and wellness into their own hands, which I applaud, and I think that's how everybody should always be. You should always, you're going to be your most, your biggest advocate. So taking your own health and wellness in your own hands is fantastic, but then it's just learning how to do that properly and finding those practitioners who are actually qualified and reaching out to those people.
Sarah: Yeah, no, I absolutely agree. And we have a very similar feel here as well that I think, certainly since COVID, I think people have recognised that they actually need to take more responsibility for their own health. I think it was a bit of an awakening up for a lot of people. But there's been a shift anyway, within the whole wellbeing industry for the last 10-15 years, you know, social media has taken over the whole of that. And I think in some ways that's really good, but there are some downsides. And I think as long as people are going to the right practitioner and understanding that health is a combination of all of these things, it's not just one thing will fix everything for everybody. And I guess it's one of my only other fears within the wellbeing industry is that how there are some people who think they can fix people. Yes. And we're not into fixing people. That's not quite how it works. But I think giving people the power to do things for themselves is empowering. That's what it is.
Nikki: It is.
Sarah: I think if we can facilitate that, then all the better.
Nikki: Yeah, no, I agree. Love social media, love TikTok. You know, I'll be there doing the Doomsday Scroll on TikTok sometimes. Absolutely. So, you know, don't get me wrong. But you have to pick and choose. what is safe to follow. TikTok is not a practitioner. Social media reels are not a practitioner. They can't give you that individual support. Even what we post as a school, it's for general knowledge, for the standard healthy individual. As soon as you start taking medication, as soon as you have a pet in the house, a child in the house, any kind of health concern, you're not an adult in full health, you're not the general population, like you have to really individualize it that way. And that's why you always have to take what you find online with a grain of salt, you know, great information. Now, maybe confirm with the practitioner, hey, is this actually something I saw this? Does this make sense? Should I do this? Is there a better option for me and kind of go from there?
Sarah: Yeah. And I think that comes in with all different types of practitioners as well. I think, you know, I used to call it my kit bag of other practitioners, like people that I would refer to. So it may be that a client comes in and actually they need to see a nutritional therapist. They don't need their own therapist. And it's having that knowledge to be able to know when not to treat somebody as well.
Nikki: Yes, which not a lot of people realize that because they just want to, and I think, and it doesn't come out of a bad part. I think they just have such a big heart that they want to be able to help the person, but you need to stay in your lane and ethically, you know, follow your ethical standards of when is this past my knowledge and when should it then get, you know, pass the baton onto the next person. And yeah, I had the same thing of, We have a great community group online for small businesses in my town. And even at that, just through the years, different networking events, things, right? Like, you know, I can easily refer like, okay, go see this nutritionist, go see this, you know, naturopath or chiropractor or osteopath or whatever, whatever the case, herbalist, you know, whatever the case may be and, and go from there. So I think that's a good point of referring out is sometimes. Yes.
Sarah: Yes. And it's also, I think it instills more trust with your client as well, because they actually appreciate the fact that you're maybe not trying things that you already know aren't going to work. They actually trust you much more if you're able to say, I'm not the best person for you, but I can tell you somebody who will be great for you. They're the people that will always come back as well. They now trust you. They trust your judgment.
Nikki: Or the other thing that made me think of too is when someone asks me a question, I don't know the answer. Like don't pretend that you know the answer either. Be like, you know, that's a great question. Not 100% sure. I can take a kind of an educated guess this way, but let me double check and I'll get back to you. Like it's okay to say, hey, let me get back to you on that question. Great question. but just want to make sure that I, you know, I give the right information. Yeah, definitely. Yeah, absolutely. Um, well, I think that's a great spot to kind of wrap this up. If people do want to get in touch with you, how can they find you? Okay.
Sarah: So, um, I'm on Instagram. Um, so my handle is at radiance underscore therapy. Um, and I've also got a website, which is radiance therapy.co.uk. So, Yeah, that'd be great. Yeah, so either of those. And I would say I'm based in the south of England, so in Berkshire for people that know where that is. So yeah, and I work from home. I've got a home-based treatment room. So that does mean that I am able to give people more time. I'm not restricted by clinic hours. Which is lovely.
Nikki: It is. I work from home also. My practice has always been home-based and I've really gone back and forth. Do I go into a clinic? Do I stay home-based? Do I go into it? And especially with young kids, it's hard being a home-based. It's so hard having a home-based and I'm definitely limited to when my kids are not home at the moment. But it allows more flexibility fits into my schedule more. And that's another great point that you bring up of, for practitioners, what's going to be best for you is home-based versus the clinic. So I always love seeing other people who have home-based practices too.
Sarah: Yeah, it's great. And I must say, my children have grown up now, but as they were growing, it was brilliant to be at home. I had the ability to go to work within school hours and all of those sorts of things. So it's just that flexibility of being able to do that. But it's interesting how as they have grown, the business has changed and grown as well. So they just evolve together, they do. It does. It just happens.
Nikki: It does. Don't make a big plan, it just happens. And I mean, and it should though too, because like any, I remember even when I was working in the school board, like I evolved with how my position evolved with how the students did, with how education did, with the either the amount of kids or you know just the as a counselor that the mental health needs of the kids like it my position evolved and i think you know as any kind of practitioner it's the same thing you kind of evolve with your community and where you're at in your life so absolutely yeah Well, thank you again for coming on the podcast today. And absolutely, if you want to contact Sarah, please find her contact information in the show notes. And I hope everyone has a fantastic day. Have a great day, everyone. Bye.
SPEAKER_00: Thank you. Thank you for spending your time with us here at Vetiver Vibes. This episode was brought to you by Essentria a leading online aromatherapy school. Don't forget to check out some of our free resources at www.schoolofessentia.com.
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This podcast is for information purposes only. We are certified clinical aromatherapists and holistic health professionals. If you have a medication concern, please refer to your health team. Everyone’s health is unique to themselves, so the topics and suggestions stated may or may not apply directly to you. Please reach out to an aromatherapist to work with or consider training to become one yourself!
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