THE ART OF AROMATHERAPY
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women can work in a healthy working
environment. Additionally, our partner is
also in the process of trying to help these
women’s family members get legalization
papers so that the families can be
together,” he says.
Integrating Aromatherapy
When selecting the right aromatherapy
product to add into one’s retail
collection or use during treatments,
Howard advised to make sure that it
passes the “smell test.”
She explained that before performing
any of Aromatherapy Associates' treatments, the therapist will conduct a
"smell test" to select which blend is
most appropriate to use, so they can be
sure guests are really getting what they
need for that day. Aromatherapy
Associates has an extensive range of
blends designed to cover a huge variety
of concerns, such as stress, sleep,
energy levels, emotional challenges, skin
conditions and even digestive issues, so
there is no need to custom-blend for
every individual client. Howard said she
believed relaxation and stress cannot be
covered with one essential oil alone and
advised spas to have a selection to fit
the need of the individual client.
Similar to Aromatherapy Associates
that do not offer custom-blending
options, Kneipp formulates its products to
offer guests’ desired effects.
“We train all accounts on the plant
ingredients that we use in Kneipp formulations. Kneipp has on-staff chemists,
naturopathic doctors, herbologists and
AROMATHERAPY TRENDS
TREND: Healthy Living “Recently, aromatherapy has been moving in bold new directions and
playing a greater role in the treatment of mood enhancement, sleep therapy, pain therapy, massage and
cognitive function,” Fensterstock says. Consumers are increasingly demanding products that can help
them relax, sleep better and de-stress during or after a busy day, and aromatherapy is the perfect fit for
the industry as it trends toward holistic fixes.
TREND: Artisanal and Organic Oils “As people become increasingly informed, the demand for
organic certified and artisanal oils is on the increase. People generally love to feel connected to the
source and story behind the products they use, and with aromatherapy, this ties directly into the land
and the way we treat the planet. Knowing that an essential oil has been produced without the use of
chemicals and artificial fertilizers is an important aspect for consumers, and the pay back is that with just
a little extra investment on their part, they can expect much better therapeutic results,” says James.
Leber agrees, adding that consumers want to know the story behind the product. “Consumers want
to know what the ingredients are—in plain English. They want to know where they come from and how
they are harvested,” Leber says.
TREND: Home Stress Reduction “One of the uses of aromatherapy is to strengthen the self-healing
processes by preventative methods and indirect stimulation of the immune system in order to have a
positive effect on the spiritual and overall medicinal well-being,” Fensterstock says.
In addition, Howard said consumers are demanding products that can help them relax, sleep better
and de-stress after, or throughout, a busy day. Sleep and stress in particular are huge concerns for many.
TREND: Customization Spa consumers are increasingly demanding a greater degree of
customization in aromatherapy. “Scent has a significant impact on memory, emotion and body, and
marketers understand the validity behind wild harvesting the most effective botanicals for use in
aromatherapy,” Fensterstock says.
Trend: Aromatherapy Tech Consumers are constantly looking for new ways to use aromatherapy
blends and new gadgets to facilitate healing. Ultrasonic essential oil-diffusers are a particularly big hit
according to James, due to their quiet, heat-free and elegant designs. “This revolution has brought
aromatherapy into fresh perspective for many consumers,” he says.
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March/April 2016