Sara Holmes
First Do No Harm; Safe Alternatives to Neat Application of Essential Oils in Massage and Spa Treatments.
March 11, 2010

The tele-conference presentation will focus on why Aromatherapists should be concerned about the safety issues of using undiluted essential oils for massage and dermal application on clients. There are a variety of opinions and evidence based propositions that Aromatherapists support.

We need to discuss this very important issue in depth so that our profession can come to some sort of serious consensus on the safety and ethics of undiluted use.

First Do No Harm; Safe Alternatives to Neat Application of Essential Oils in Massage and Spa Treatments.

The tele-conference presentation will focus on why Aromatherapists should be concerned about the safety issues of using undiluted essential oils for massage and dermal application on clients. There are a variety of opinions and evidence based propositions that Aromatherapists support. We need to discuss this very important issue in depth so that our profession can come to some sort of serious consensus on the safety and ethics of undiluted use.

I had a very successful experience converting a high profile spa that featured RDT to a similar technique by creating a safe and pleasing alternative that left clients and therapists feeling safe and satisfied. I am sure other Aromatherapists have had similar experiences and opportunities that they would like to share too. 

This tele-conference will promote sharing ideas that encourage more therapists to use safer alternatives. With increased education, guidance and support Aromatherapists can make safe educated choices by replacing the sensitizing oils with safe substitutes, incorporating skilled blending, and creative diffusion.

Sara will be available to compile any additional questions, feedback and suggestions pertaining to this topic via email for future presentation and discussion. Please contact Sara via the NAHA Online Feedback Form.

Sara will offer tele-conference attendees a special 10% discount on all of her Harmony Bath and Body Products; which include; spray mist, bath and body oil, lotion, and bath salts.

About Sara Holmes:

Sara graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Greenville College in Organizational Management and Leadership, where her final research paper was focused on the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils. She is a certified and Registered Aromatherapist and Licensed Massage Therapist. Sara owns Botanical Healing Arts where she offers a variety of holistic modalities to assist clients.

Sara also teaches Aromatherapy Certification and Continuing Education and Complementary Therapies in Healthcare at Parkland College in Champaign, IL. 

Sara enjoys gardening and loves to make her own infusions and tinctures for her massage and aromatherapy clients. She also loves to read, write, and volunteer for organizations that make a positive change in the world. She lives in Tuscola, IL a central Illinois farming community with her husband Chuck. They have four children and four grandchildren who also love aromatherapy and gardening.

Sara's most recent project is a children’s book that focuses on the joys of gardening with an introduction to aromatherapy. The book is due to be available this fall.

To contact Sara you may email her at botanicalhealingarts@hotmail.com,
Call 217-253-2468 or check out her website at www.botanicalhealingarts.com