An aromatherapy consultation is made up of several steps: holistic aromatherapy assessment, assessment review, treatment design and orientation and follow up. Understanding what to expect from your consultation can help you make the most of your appointment.

AROMATHERAPY ASSESSMENT

An aromatherapy assessment begins with the client filling out a detailed form covering the client’s holistic health history, conditions, reasons for seeking aromatherapy, application preferences, and other information. This information can be provided prior to the actual aromatherapy consultation with the aromatherapist.

AROMATHERAPY HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT REVIEW 

Whenever possible it’s preferable to arrange an in-person review. Face to face time reveals additional important information. Sometimes the aromatherapist identifies information that the client did not realize was relevant and, therefore, left off the aromatherapy assessment form. During the review the client and aromatherapist review and clarify the information on the form. The review session lasts about 20–30 minutes, but may last longer if the assessment form is completed during the visit. The review can be conducted on the phone for returning clients, but this is not preferable. Phone consultations and reviews are not recommended for first-time clients. All consultations are preferably done by Zoom or phone. If needed, can be completed in person at Peaceful Wellness Madison Studio.

DESIGN OF AN AROMATHERAPY TREATMENT/PRODUCT AND ORIENTATION

Following the review, the aromatherapist creates a unique blend and product to address the client’s needs and/or intentions such as to relieve stress, eczema or aches and pains. Products can take the form of massage or bath oils, balms, creams, personal inhalers, diffusers, etc. Clients are asked about their application preferences, and, if appropriate for the condition or issues, the aromatherapist will design the product and treatment regime according to those preferences. An effective application needs to take into consideration the client’s preferences in order to encourage compliance.

Blends and products are designed to take into account the client’s needs and unique characteristics (e.g., skin type), his/her preferred method of application, the therapeutic attributes of both the essential oils and carriers (the latter also have significant healing properties) and the best method of delivery for the specific product and condition Each product is accompanied with a detailed description of the product and directions for use. (See Glossary below)

FOLLOW UP

The aromatherapist follows up with the client for feedback on the treatment. Follow ups also provide an opportunity to check up on whether the product is helping the condition, and, if not, why not. Sometimes the treatment needs to be adjusted. In nearly all situations, more than one type of application will be appropriate, and essential oil and carrier blends can be altered and deliver an equally effective treatment. Depending on the condition and treatment regime, the aromatherapist will follow up within a couple of days to a week or ten days. Again, depending on the condition and regime, this follow up can take place over the phone or in person. Multiple follow ups are not uncommon. Additional reviews and treatment adjustments are likely with chronic conditions and long-term regimes.

GLOSSARY

Essential oil is the all-natural aromatic essence extracted from a whole or complete individual plant specie. It is hydrophobic (doesn’t like water) and lipophilic (loves lipid or fat) mixture of aromatic components. Essential oils are not actually oils or lipids. They do not leave an oily residue.

Carrier is a substance in which essential oils are diluted. Carriers have several functions. They possess their own nutritive or healing properties. They help to spread essential oils evenly and over a greater surface area, and they influence the rate of absorption. They can act as preservatives or antioxidants (depending on the carrier) and dilute essential oils that would otherwise be too potent or irritating to use at full strength. Typical carriers include coconut, almond and other oils, or shea, cocoa and other butters.