Sylla’s Aromatic Thoughts Today
This interview was originally published in the Aromatika magazine (11.1. 2024. SPRING)
The Aromatic Mind Book was published in 2008, and it focuses on aromatherapy and mental health – a very up to date issue these days in most of Western societies. How relevant is the book today? What can we do with aromatherapy to stay mentally healthy in uncertain times like nowadays?
This book may be more relevant today as more and more people are exposed to essential oils and hype. The information is relevant to home and professional use for those mental health professionals that may wish to safely enhance their therapeutic potential as well as for their own use during sessions. This book along with the Aromatic Spa book are small books specifically designed for industry professionals who don’t wish for an entire course. Essential oils provide excellent resources for simple relaxation, enhancing clarity and aiding uncertainty and can enhance any mental health situation for patient and therapist.
What was your philosophy in teaching aromatherapy? In other words, what does the word 'aromatherapy' mean to you?
Having started with a rigid science course like PIA and learning all about the medicinal uses based on chemistry, I sought to offer a more rounded approach because I was a massage therapist and put the oils into my practice in a wholistic manner. For me it means using essential oils for health, beauty, and well-being. In teaching I felt that students needed the how to and the wisdom from a practicing therapist, besides the chemistry and science. I took the holistic approach and used all modalities I have available to treat the whole person. Sometimes just a sniff can change a person’s outlook or reach a deep memory that needs to be processed.
If you had to choose one essential oil/hydrosol or any aromatics to take with you to a deserted island, which one would it be? And if you were an essential oil?
Patchouli is my all-time favorite oil and preferred scent. I mix it with other things for my personal blend, but patchouli is what stands out and people notice. My trademark scent is over 40 years old and people still comment that they smelled me in the local hardware store or in the airport elevator…..
I would have to be patchouli, dark and mysterious yet uplifting and inspiring!
What do you think about the present trends in aromatherapy – worldwide and in the US?
I have faith in the organizations like ARC to continue to promote safe use and that as more people learn about essential oils, that they understand the proper use and safety from the start. Since the growth of the multi-level companies has spurred a global overuse, I hope sustainability remains at the forefront.
How do you envision aromatherapy in 10 years? And 20 years?
I see a more organized global field where the Registered Aromatherapist (RA) is the standard of practice and we finally have accreditation via ARC.
I do hope we have less sensitized people as the awareness increases of over use promoted by the large companies to sell oils.
What did aromatherapy mean in the US when you started your career?
No one knew what it was!
They thought I was saying “roman therapy” and I think I may have been the first one in Tampa, even though Emilee Stewart had an aromatherapy practice in central Florida and Natures Symphony (Pat Ashford/Gerri Whidden) was our first true aromatherapy store in South Florida.
In the USA we were few and far between until the first Association started up. Again, we didn’t have social media, but we did have the IDMA mail list to network and begin communication with like minds. Martin still keeps these, and the AGORA http://www.agoraindex.org/ was created to share information and remains as historical documents of our start.
What would be your tips for a new or upcoming aromatherapist new to the field?
Be curious/learn from all teachers you possibly can. No single school has it all, you need a rounded education. Once you have that, get the RA designation to set yourself apart. Then, if you feel drawn or have a question run with it. I had many questions and answering those and sharing the information is paramount to further our field. Don’t worry, even the silliest idea like aromatizing Manhattan can manifest in a global reality. Think global, act local, do what you can to help others in your own neighborhood.
What do you think about the bridge between allopathic and alternative (complementary) medicine?
I have seen this bridge grow where oils and therapies are now in hospitals, hospice care and other types of wellness centers. As we continue to prove ourselves, I would like to see more acceptance of simple aromatic uses in minor cases in the medical setting when we know our oils would be more appropriate. And as we work toward accreditation in our field through ARC, one day we will have what it takes to take our place more readily in healthcare.
What are your thoughts about CO2s in practice and their future in aromatherapy?
Being they are so new to us and they are slightly different than essential oils I think we need more research on their constituents and use. I am fine in practice if we realize the safety aspects. Being a bridge between herbs and oils they do have a place in our therapy with knowledge which is growing.
Where do you think energetics fit in the framework of aromatherapy?
Absolutely! Energetics definitely play a part in wholistic healing. My second course was Unani Tibb Ayruvedic Aromatherapy, and I learned kinesiology early in massage school. I do believe we need all the tools in our tool box that we can get including energetics. I have used energetics in some form or another most of my career. I even created a Magical/Energetic/astrological/chakra index in my Practitioner Manual because I wanted all this info in one place. I also use my intuition and it’s rarely failed me.
What are your aromatic plans for the future?
I think I can rest now. I plan on continued gardening and appreciation of life while maintaining and improving my health with daily bike rides where I can appreciate all the smells of nature! And I will always use oils in the air in my home.
Writing up these aromatic memoirs for future generations is a gift of love I am grateful to give, and I hope inspiring to others. It sure helps me feel complete and I realize how full my life has been and for that I am truly grateful.