'Harvest to Hydrosol' - Debut Book by Ann Harman

Ann's book has finally been released! Here is the description:

"Harvest to Hydrosol" is a unique book which includes the proven practices of the author, including research conducted by the author’s organization, the Circle H Institute.

Q&A with APA Graduate and Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner Sunita Teckchand

Do you know Jin Shin Jyutsu? It is an ancient Japanese practice that balances the body’s energy, by using the fingers and hands to eliminate stress, create emotional equilibrium, relieve pain and alleviate chronic and acute conditions.

This summer, we are very happy to have visiting practitioner and APA Diploma Course Graduate Sunita Teckchand in our school to hold an exclusive short course about this healing art.

Prior to her workshop in July, we had a little chat with her to find out more:

Aromatherapy Case Study: Recognising the Psychological Needs behind Physical Problems

The following case study was conducted by one of APA's students for her final Diploma Course exam. She kindly allowed us to share her successful treatment process which highlights that physical problems can be a reflection of one’s psychological condition.

TCM and Aromatherapy: A case study on how a combined treatment of TCM and Aromatherapy can help a patient heal

The following case study was conducted by one of APA's students for her final Diploma Course exam. She kindly allowed us to share her successful treatment process with us which highlights the successful combination of TCM and Aromatherapy to help the client heal:

與香薰精油藥劑學(證書班) 鍾榮晟導師 (Henry)的問與答 - Q&A with our Essential Oil Pharmacy (Certificate Course) Tutor Henry Chung

我們今天很高興邀請到本校香薰治療證書班 鍾榮晟導師 (Henry) 暢談他的香薰旅程及將於2014年2月22日任教的DIY綠色護膚工作坊。

We are very happy to have Henry Chung, one of the EOP tutors in our Certificate Course teaching team, to talk about his aromatherapy journey and his newly launched "DIY Natural Skin Care Workshop" (Cantonese Class) which will start on 22 February 2014 here at APA.

Sole Connection: The Art of Reflexology and Foot Reading with Monika Dobler

We are very excited to have expert reflexologist Monika Dobler back at APA in October/November for some very informative workshops and wonderful treatments!

Monika was running her own practice in Switzerland and is now living in London. Her passion and heart lies "within the feet" and she lets herself be guided by her hands and intuition to find insight into a person’s wellbeing. She has been with Asia-Pacific Aromatherapy teaching reflexology under the topic of Holistic Views for over 10 years, sharing her precious knowledge in this aspect to our students.

In our Aromatherapy Q&A, Monika told us about her journey into the art of reflexology and foot reading, how our feet can help us to understand ourselves better and why she is passionate about Qi Gong:

Stretching the boundaries: How to massage pregnant clients safely & effectively

Massage has great potential benefits for an expectant mother and her growing baby. But therapists need to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge in order to massage pregnant clients safely, respectfully and effectively.

On APA’s bookshelf: Understanding Hydrolats by Len and Shirley Price

Today we take a closer look at one of our newly arrived books in our library. “Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy” is an exhaustive guide for aromatherapy students & graduates as well as health professionals who are interested to learn more about the art of distilled waters and their uses.

Treatment Highlight: Pain Relief with Bowen Therapy

If you suffer from chronic or acute pain with musculoskeletal or neurological origins, you might want to give the Bowen Therapy a try. This unique treatment was developed by the self-taught Australian "healer" Tom Bowen in the 1950's who treated thousands of patients in his clinic in Victoria each year.

Essential Oil of the Month: Benchmark Thyme

Common Thyme

Known as a medicinal and culinary plant to all the early civilizations in the Mediterranean, our Essential Oil of the Month is highly bactericidal and an excellent remedy for treating all forms of infections: colds, sore throats, respiratory infections and infections of the urinary tract. It is also a digestive stimulant and intestinal antiseptic, valuable for gastric infections. It stimulates the production of white corpuscles, so strengthening the body’s resistance to invading organisms. Our Essential Oil of the Month is Benchmark Thyme.

Q&A with Anatomy & Physiology teacher Carolyn

Today we sat down with Carolyn Gomersall who is teaching the very important (but often dreaded) subject "Anatomy & Physiology" to our Diploma Course students.

Carolyn is a UK trained registered nurse specializing in neurology and neurosciences. She has worked as a Nurse Manager in London before coming to Hong Kong in 1993 where she completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Health Studies from the University of Surrey. Carolyn has been with APA since last year and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with our students in an informal and fun way with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Relaunch of APA's popular Sharing Sessions

We are very happy and excited to announce the relaunch of our popular "Sharing Sessions"! Starting from next month students, tutors, graduates, friends of APA and all those interested in aromatherapy & holistic health are welcome to join our monthly get-together to discuss various health topics in a relaxed atmosphere including delicious homemade food and drinks.

Carrier Oil of the Month: Argan Oil

Photo Credit

This month's carrier oil has gained increased popularity in recent years and is known as a cosmetic oil particularly beneficial for hair and skin. In Africa, where it is from, the highly nutritious oil is widely used as a culinary oil for salads or dipping bread. Very rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, this nutty-flavored oil can contribute to the body's health in many ways: Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

On APA’s bookshelf: Aromatherapy & Asthma Management

Eucalyptus globulus

According to a recent report of the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital 40% of Hong Kong children currently suffer from different kinds of allergies; 10% alone are asthmatics. In fact, international data shows that the number of asthma sufferers is five times higher in urban areas than in rural ones. This is due to the absence of natural ozone absorption by plants. Exposure to ozone, even at low levels, induces airway inflammation and lung damage. 

Read the following excerpt of the article “Aromatherapy and Asthma Management” from IFPA’s aromatherapy journal to learn how essential oils can help in the management of asthma:

Carrier Oil of the Month: Camellia Oil

Photo Credit

This month’s carrier oil is known as the “Tree of Spring” and was the best kept beauty secret of the Geishas in old Japan. In fact, this exceptionally silky and fine oil has been used for centuries in Asia for skincare due to its richness in anti-oxidants and fatty acids: Camellia Oil.

Essential Oil of the Month: Inula graveolens

Are you currently fighting off a bad cold & flu? This month’s Essential Oil is not widely used, but has powerful mucolytic, antispasmodic, expectorant and astringent properties: Inula graveolens.

 

Carrier Oil of the Month: St. John's Wort

Photo Credit: Glyn Baker

This month's carrier oil has exceptional healing and soothing properties, dating far back to the ancient Greece where it was used as medicine for a variety of illnesses including nervous disorders: St. John's Wort Oil.

The plant is usually in full bloom on around 24 June, the birthday of John Baptist from whom St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) got its name.

Q&A with Aromatherapy Certificate Course Student Susanne

Today we have a little chat with Susanne, one of our first aromatherapy Certificate Course students who is currently enrolled in Level II and will soon be perfectly qualified to use around 20 essential oils safely and effectively. We talk about her experience with the class so far, her favorite essential oils and her tips for all those interested in taking this aromatherapy course:

Product Highlight of the Month: Cold Air Nebulizer for Essential Oils

It's this time of the year again when essential oils especially the ones with anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties help us through the cold & flu season. One of the most powerful diffusion methods to kill bacteria, fungus and other airborne micro-organisms is our product highlight of the month: the Cold Air Nebulizer.

APA live on RTHK Radio 3's Kwok Talk!

Exciting news! Our lovely Essential Oil Pharmacy teacher Shireen Calucin and Executive Director Caroline Fan will be on a live interview on RTHK Radio 3’s Kwok Talk today Monday at 1:15pm.