We had a fantastic time at the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy Conference in San Francisco in February, and returned chock-full of information!  Here are just a few highlights!

Anesthesiologist Dr. James Geiger  talked about his aromatherapy training, and how he now always has a bottle of Ginger oil in his pocket to help his patients with nausea. 

Mark Webb, author of Bush Sense, spoke about medical applications of Australian Aromatics - specifically Eucalypts, Fragonia, Kunzea, Sandalwood and Balm Mint.

We were delighted to learn more about Fragonia's properties as it is so new on the market.  Besides being excellent for upper respiratory issues, it seems (from anecdotal studies) to also have some excellent anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, to regulate and influence the female menstural cycle, be anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and immune system strengthener, good for the lymphatic system, and helpful for jet lag and body clock regulation.

Dr. Nancy Brandt DVM, gave us all a wake-up call by talking about the tremendous increase in cancers and other illnesses our companion animals are bearing due to the toxins in our environment.  She also spoke about the detoxifying effects of essential oils and hydrosols that can be used to help our pets.

We acquired a new tool from Robbie Zeck called Aromatic Kinesiology.  She reminded us of the strong relationship between mind and body, and then bolstered our understanding on the link between olfacation and memory, moods, thoughts and emotions.  Essential oils (of course!) have the
ability to create positive change through these links.  The combined use of essential oils, essential oil reflections and acupressure emotional release points help clear emotional upsets and restore balance to the meridians.  You can learn more from  Robbie's book, The Blossoming Heart.

Pam Taylor, a naturopath, spoke about using essential oils with her elderly patients who have chronic diseases.  She noted that as essential oils are easily and quickly distributed throughout the body, it is easy to determine whether the protocol will be effective within a matter of minutes.   She additionally stated that because essential oils are easy to use, it increases patient compliance.

A ray of hope streamed across the room as Scott Franzblau talked about the efficacy of essential oils with multiple drug resistant tuberculosis.

Our short highlights list would be incomplete without mentioning Dr. Jeffrey Yuen.  He held the room spellbound with his talk on Chinese Medical Aromatherapy for Chronic Degenerative Diseases and Auto-Immune Conditions.  He patiently described the disease pathology and process (stressing the word process); and explained that the Chinese medical model treats individuals, not diseases.  He explained that each essential oil represents a profile, or a signature of a person - describing the physical ailment as well as personality traits.  Dr. Yuen then went on to describe treatment strategies and the essential oils to use at each point in the treatment process.   My brief description here does no justice to his talk - and I highly recommend that you attend any talk he is giving, should you have the opportunity!

We have quite a few of the conference materials, and these will be available for you to peruse at upcoming classes.