RBK AROMATHERAPY LLC
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Can You Help Me Please? I have this pain in my, "something"

3/17/2019

4 Comments

 
We as Aromatherapists see this every time especially when on social media like Facebook.  I actually saw a post by a fellow aromatherapist who talked about this same subject and she is so right so I wanted to give my take too.  I belong to many Aromatherapy groups and when I look at posts there is always someone saying: "I got this rash all over my body or I have not slept in weeks, or my toes hurt etc etc".  Then the next thing you see is 50 answers from well meaning people with so much advice it makes your head spin.  Some one says "Use Lavender it will allow you to sleep all night",   "Have you tried Almond oil it might help with the rash,"  "oh for your back have you tried Wintergreen?"  Has any of these well meaning people thought first:  Is she allergic to Lavender? how about that this other person might be allergic to nuts and you are now recommending Almond Oil?,  and last but not least for the one with back pain, umm, wintergreen essential oil should not be used with individuals on anticoagulant medication  because this chemical methyl salicylate which is in this oil,  can increase the effects of blood thinners which can cause hemorrhaging even used topically.  What if she is on a blood thinner?

Now if these 50 people told her she should talk to a trained Professional Certified Aromatherapist I guarantee you this would stop happening.  I am betting at least 3/4 of these people have not had enough education in Aromatherapy.  Some took a class or two, some actually read a book about Aromatherapy.  Certified Aromatherapists, lets see, It took me 1 year to be certified.  I went to a reputable school where I had to take a course (that actually took me months to complete) on Aromatherapy, pass a 50 question test,  do 20 case studies on humans and write a very large research paper, also take an Anatomy and Physiology Course (again months to complete and pass its 50 quite hard test) then I became certified.  Add to the fact I took another extensive certification course in aromatic medicine, plus the numerous other courses I took, and actually are still taking because things change all the time,  and to keep my certification where I am now a clinical aromatherapist, I have to take continuing education courses to keep my certification.   I am asking those out there to please think before you answer one of the questions thrown out on social media.

Also btw it is a profession.  Once I became an Aromatherapist I realized what doctors go through when they go to social gatherings.  Hey Dr Brown can you give me advice please my head is falling off my body, can you recommend what I can do?  as he spoons the dessert into his mouth at our friends wedding.   Well actually now I get the same thing when I go to a social gathering.  Robin can you please recommend an essential oil I can use for the dark spot on my face or the pain in my foot?.  LOL now a days I do not tell anyone what I do in social gatherings. And forget when I am on facebook, do people have radar? they know when I am on?  I open my ipad and all of a sudden I have 20 msgs and half of them are for advice?  Now I do not mind giving free advice occasionally but as long as it is general and educational but if you have a problem set up an appointment with me via the telephone or skype or see me in person and we can go over everything about you,  the meds you are on or not, the allergies you have to certain plants, which plants smell nice or not to you, and a few other things I need to know about the whole you.  Please do not get insulted when I tell you I will not give you free advice.  Dr Brown tells you to make an appointment at his office and he gets paid for that, well guess what? so do I.
We as Educated Trained Professional Aromatherapists, we work very hard at what we do and we are entitled to be paid for what we do.
​So to end I am asking everyone to take a step back and really read what I wrote and please do not be insulted it is not meant in anyway to insult, it is to educate, which is my main focus.
4 Comments

Frankincense What?

11/28/2018

4 Comments

 
Whenever I go to websites that sell essential oils or even blogs where they talk about oils, I always see the title as Frankincense Oil.  Buy our Frankincense Oil or Lets talk about Frankincense.. The wise men gave Jesus Frankincense, we see this everywhere.   It is wonderful, delightful bla bla bla.   What the heck is it? Which frankincense did the baby get?  is it Carterii, Sacra, Serrata, Frereana, Neglecta,  WHAT!  Actually for baby Jesus it is believed he was given Sacra since it comes from Oman which is closer to where Mary gave birth.  But for the rest of these sites, it is not a guessing game and we cannot read your minds on  which Frankincense you are talking about.

There are 18 species of Frankincense Trees.  You cannot just say Frankincense.  You can say "Frankenstein", there was only one of him. You need to understand also each one has different therapeutic properties and also different chemical makeups.  You can go back to my Frankincense page and read each one, I have a bunch on there and you can download the Frankincense Resins PDF that has all 18 of them there.
​So please if you see it written anywhere as just Frankincense- tell the person or persons WHICH ONE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
4 Comments

February 06th, 2018

2/6/2018

1 Comment

 

Forest Bathing

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Forest bathing
For more info take a look at
https://www.webmd.com/…/forest-bathing-harnesses-nature-to-…


forest bathing.” Known as shinrin-yoku, it literally means "taking in the forest atmosphere." Researchers, mostly from Japan and Korea, have shown that the practice can lead to impressive health benefits, not only lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol, but also lowering blood pressure and boosting your immune system
Forest bathing seems to work on a variety of levels to calm, boost immune functioning, and improve several aspects of health, researchers say. Among their findings:
* Walking in a forest environment is linked with lower levels of blood pressure, the stress hormone cortisol, and a lower pulse rate than walking in a city environment, according to Japanese researchers.
They sent 280 men and women to both environments, then compared the responses. The forest environment won out. Lower cortisol, for instance, reflects less stress, which can play a role in a number of conditions, including headaches, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
* Forest bathing boosts so-called natural killer cells, which help stave off disease. In one study, men who took two-hour walks in the woods once a day for two days had a 50% increase in the activity of natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections and cancer.
* Forest bathing has a healthy effect on something known as heart rate variability, which looks at how healthy the balance is between the sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight") and the parasympathetic system (the "recovery" system that lowers blood pressure and heart rate). These two systems need to be balanced so you're not constantly in a stressful fight-or-flight mode.
* Aromatic things that trees and other plants in the forest produce, such as phytoncides, have also been linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and brain-protective benefits.
* Forest bathing is also linked with increased creativity, problem solving, and improved mood, other studies find.
*

So when you get a chance, take a leisurely walk in a forest, take in the smell and look of the trees, when you come out it might change your whole perception on life.
Also as you are taking all this in, you might come across some resin from trees that you can pull off and take home. Just take a little bit without totally disturbing or hurting the tree
1 Comment

January 12th, 2018

1/12/2018

0 Comments

 
     I have been selected to as one of the best 100 blog sites on  the Alternative Health Blog Website.  I am number 75.   You can see it Here
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August 22nd, 2017

8/22/2017

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Top 75 Aromatherapy Blogs and Websites.

5/31/2017

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I have been picked to be on the Top 75 Aromatherapy Blogs and Websites.  I am number 70



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May 30th, 2017

5/30/2017

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Five years ago I became an aromatherapist. I was always interested in alternative medicine and how it could help when conventional medicine failed or was too invasive or debilitating. I felt the earth had more to give us than the use of manufactured synthetic products. I made sure my family ate well and emphasized natural foods so they would grow up healthy and wise. I tried to follow my convictions but unfortunately I became sick with a blood disease and found I had to take prescription drugs as there was no other way to help me. Although I had no choice but to take the drugs, I did have a choice on how I was going to approach the pain I was having. I researched many methods before I came across the properties and potential of essential oils. I found by using the oils it greatly helped me with pain and with the stress I experienced. I learned how to use them correctly and safely and wanted to share that with friends and family. I decided I needed more and went to a renowned school in the field and became certified. Now mind you, I was 60 years old when I decided to go back to school. Never did I dream I could study again, let alone delve into the sciences; chemistry and physics but I got through it. I have taken many courses since getting my certification and I am now enrolled in several advanced training courses.

I worked with many people but I felt there was missing something. I saw an ad on line from the Stein Hospice Group in NJ looking for a trained Aromatherapist. I applied for and was awarded the position. I had to go through additional training as I was working with the terminally ill. This organization is extremely caring and decided to try Aromatherapy with their clients to help them and their families get through this difficult time of their lives. I am so glad they chose me to help them and I enjoy working with their team. They all have hearts of gold and really care about their clients.

People that need hospice are going down the last trail of life. Many have fears and anxiety of what is going to happen next. Many have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia and cannot take care of themselves anymore. It is not just for those who are passing on. Aromatherapy is an excellent alternative as long as it is done safely. I learned that many of these organizations do not know how to use Essential Oils correctly. While their intent is to help patients, improper use can actually make it worse. This lack of adequate training has manifested itself in the use of the oils neat (undiluted) on people whose skin is very thin and cannot handle the intensity. Others are using Oils in diffusers but with the wrong dilution (too many drops). I have the ability and have chosen to help this hospice organization use the Oils correctly so as to provide the most effective care to these very special patients

Some patients with Alzheimer’s disease talk to themselves about their past experiences or find themselves living in the past and it can be quite frightening.

Prior to seeing residents, the Hospice sends me an intake form that gives me medical info, allergies they may have, likes and dislikes. This helps me evaluate what is needed and also helps me to decide what oils can be used safely. It is not easy trying to figure out what is needed for each individual. I first have to check to make sure that the selected oils will not negatively interact with or counter the effects of the medicines they are taking. I have to query the family members to determine if there is a smell they like or dislike. I have to be sure they are not allergic to any specific plant.

 I am hoping through the seminars I give and my work at these nursing homes, more will open up to the potential of essential oils, hydrosols and how Aromatherapy can help them or those they love or care for.

It touches my heart that aromatherapy can work for both the elderly and those who are waiting to move on. I will continue to help those in need, despite the difficult paths I must follow.

If you want to take a look at the paper I wrote that explains more please go to

https://aromaticstudies.com/aromatherapy-experience-hospice-patients/
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Marvy Moms Blog

3/14/2017

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My good friend Emily Carpenter has this wonderful Blog called Marvy Moms.  It started out as a coupon blog and became so much more. Now it is all about Aromatherapy and Herbal facts and has wonderful information on it.  Recently she started  a section called "Snapshots of an Aromatherapist" and has been interviewing those who are Certified in Aromatherapy.  She recently featured me.  I am putting in the website but please read all that is there.

http://marvymoms.com/snapshot-aromatherapist-meet-robin-kessler/

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Sensitization

8/23/2015

1 Comment

 
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Skin sensitization is a type of allergic reaction. The oil may not produce any reaction on the first contact, however once the allergen has penetrated the skin, the body’s immune system reacts to fight off the invader causing a rash on the skin.Sensitization reactions can also take the form of inflammation, breathlessness, nausea or headache. It is actually possible to become sensitized to any essential oil even Lavender which is supposed to be one of the gentlest of all Essential Oils. The other problem that arises is you can be sensitized for life from an essential oil and can NEVER use this oil again. 
One should also do a “patch test” prior to using any oil so you know in advance if you may be allergic to that oil.  You can do this by applying the essential oil (with a carrier oil) to the inside of your elbow.  If there is no reaction within a days’ time you should be fine.  
6 drops of Essential Oil  = 1 large lemon
It  takes around 30-60 roses to make 1 drop of oil- and therein lies the price of rose, and the intense concentration
7 lbs of Lavender to make 30 mls (1 oz)


Would you consider rubbing 60 roses on your skin?  I would hope not!

This is why it is so important to use a carrier oil and to dilute the oils properly.
There are certain oils which are more high risk to sensitization.  They are as follows:  Bay Pimento racemose,  Cinnamon bark Cinnamomum zevlanicum, Clove Bud Syzgium aromaticum, Citronella Cymbopogon nardus, Cumin Cuminum cyminum, Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus, Lemon verbena Lippia citriodora, Oregano Origanum valgare,  and Thyme ct. thymol Thymus vulgaris.  Please use great care when using these oils.


1 Comment

How Aromatherapy has helped me.

6/5/2015

29 Comments

 
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Everyone says Aromatherapy works, I know that by those I have worked with, including myself and my family but I would like to know from all of you how it has helped.  Please describe what you use essential oils for, and how it has made a difference in your life.  Please put a Reply in the form below.  Thank You.

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Contact Info: RBK Aromatherapy LLC
Robin B. Kessler, CA (Clinical Aromatherapist)
By Appt Only during Regular Business Hours
Cell: 908-420-9088
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All the material provided here are for informational or educational purposes only.  Please seek the advice of  your healthcare professional or physician first.