I am delighted to announce that Essential Oils for the Whole Body (Published by Healing Arts Press, Inner Traditions, Vermont, USA) is a 2020 Janey Loves Platinum Award Winner (Book Category).
Find out more about the Janey Loves Platinum Awards here:
(https://imperfectlynatural.com/2020-award-winners/).
Here is a link to my recent UK Health Radio interview with Janey
Essential Oils for the Whole Body – Janey Interviews Heather Dawn Godfrey
More about Janey here: https://imperfectlynatural.com/
Behind the Brand question and answer profile
Tell us about your business
Aromantique incorporates three dynamic strands; workshops and training, aromatherapy treatments, and my essential oil book series.
My aromatherapy studio is based in Lyme Regis, the sea town nestled on the south Jurassic coast at the border between East Devon and West Dorset; thus, my clients are a mix of holidaymakers and local residence. I prefer to engage with students in person rather than via ‘virtual’ media, especially as much of what we do involves experiential tasks (it’s impossible to virtually ‘smell’ the scent of an oil, plant or flower).
My book series is published by Healing Arts Press Inner Traditions, Vermont USA: Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation (2019 Platinum Awards winner), and Essential Oils for the Whole Body (both translated to Chinese), and Healing with Essential Oils.
What were you doing in a previous life?
As my age determines, I have travelled a long and varied road. I learnt to meditate in the early ‘70’s, when I was a teenager, and, at the same time, serendipitously, was introduced to complementary medicine (or alternative medicine as it was coined then). I met and worked for Robert Tisserand, who originally inspired my interest in essential oils, and also met others who introduced me to acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy; I was young and fascinated, this was a whole new world to me.
I have four lovely grown up children, who now have children of their own! While my children were small, I did various part time jobs that enabled me to juggle being a mother and work to ‘help make ends meet’. For example, I was ‘Arts Coordinator’ for my local Council funded Arts Association, and worked for a T-shirt printing company, among other jobs. I was a parent governor at my children’s schools, and also stood as a candidate for the Green Party during local elections (more of a quest to encourage the other parties to take on green issues in those days, a strategy that did work in part).
As my children began to grow up, I was able to pick up the threads I began to weave earlier. I completed a BSc degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, then Masters’ modules in Mindfulness, and Supervision of Counselling, at the University of Salford, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Bolton Institute. During this period, I set up my aromatherapy practice. I also taught at various local FE Colleges: subjects included ITEC aromatherapy and reflexology, and PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). I was offered and accepted a post at the University of Salford in the School of Health Science and Social Care (now the School of Health and Society) and was Programme Lead for the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice degree, and Module Lead for Aromatherapy, and Supervision and CPD (among other roles). I worked at the university for a number of years as part of a team delivering degrees that straddled Complementary Medicine, Health Sciences and Counselling. My specific interest was, and still is, the psycho-emotional influence of essential oils in terms of maintaining health and wellbeing (my original dissertation explored The Role of Essential Oils in the Management and Treatment of ADHD, and my Masters assignments explored Essential Oils and Mindfulness and Supervision of Counselling).
My books are an accumulation of my years spent studying, teaching and working in this field. Essential oils seem to embrace so many dynamics – creative, artistic, sensual, emotional, anti-microbial, healing and nurturing, and have led me to delve into aspects I might otherwise have shied away from – organic chemistry, botany, pathophysiology – but which I find fascinating (jigsaw pieces in an intriguing landscape), so I am grateful for the nudge. I am, in this respect, a perpetual student – the adage ‘the more you learn, the less you know’ seems so true, learning seems a constantly unfolding process.
I moved from Lancashire to Dorset ten years ago (my children adults, with families of their own), settling in Lyme Regis; the West Country being where the roots of my extended family evolved (dad, a ‘Devon lad’ joined in the RAF as a teenager, met my mother, ‘a Dorset girl’, and my brother, sister and I spent our childhood and teenage years travelling with our parents wherever dad was posted). Lyme Regis sits neatly between both counties.
Why natural / organic / sustainable / holistic?
It’s a no-brainer. It’s impossible to be involved in complementary medicine (or, rather, integrated medicine or therapies) and not realise the intrinsic connection we have with our environment, nature and each other; that everything is, in fact, interconnected or interwoven; that we are influenced by what we eat and consume in various ways; and that we, in turn, influence the environment around us through our actions and behaviours. We are part of, not separate from, nature; we are dependent – for example, even the slightest change in levels of oxygen in the atmosphere would end our existence (we breath by virtue of plants and trees exuding oxygen); also, our bodies cannot function without the nutritional input of foods gifted by nature. Experiencing respect and reverence is as important to our souls as feeling unconditional love; in fact, these conditions are, I believe, are expressions of that love.
I selected my publisher, Inner Traditions, not just because of their prestigious professional reputation or that they publish books in my genre, but also because of their ecological values (https://www.innertraditions.com/greenpolicies).
Equally, I select suppliers whose oils and products are ethically sourced and, as often as possible, organic, especially my essential oils (for example, NHR Organic Oils , Oshadhi UK (among others). All -be-it ‘out there’, there is something about the energy and therapeutic quality of oils that are appropriately, respectfully sourced and distilled. Also, as well as sustainably grown and harvested plant material, appropriate length of distillation time and temperature are also significant determinants of the resultant quality of essential oils. Ensuring this quality sometimes means paying a little more for the oils, but if that payment supports this practice and finds it’s way back down the chain of supply (from plant to bottle to consumer) in fair remuneration to everyone involved, so we are all able to positively support each other, then so-be-it; quality and reliability are paramount with regard to my therapeutic practice.
What’s your USP? What sets you apart from your competitors?
My feeling is not to compete, but rather to focus on doing what I do well, and to meet and walk, share and exchange, laugh and love, with fellow travellers on this amazing journey through life. We each have special gifts to share and express; we set ourselves apart when we shine with heart-felt passion and integrity, when we master our skills. Most people find their own niche or area of special interest when delving into essential oils. I am fascinated and inspired, for example, by the way essential oils influence both physical and subtle elements (body and soul) at one and the same time, especially their psycho-emotional-spiritual influence, and how all of these dynamics influence mood, emotion, wellness and wellbeing .
Essential Oils for the Whole Body, and my other books too, provides a broad platform to ‘get the reader started’; a ‘one stop’ go-to handbook that will take the reader through the practical and subtle applications of essential oils so these elements can be readily adapted and applied according to need at any given time, safely and appropriately. Essential Oils for the Whole Body taps into the creativity and sensuality of essential oils, embracing dynamics such as colour and gemstones, which is useful and also fun, without trivialising these dynamics; as I have personally observed, this subtle dynamical approach can actually be very effective, especially psycho-emotionally or when needing to apply a gently approach.
As I state in my books, the boundaries between physical, psychological and emotional (body, mind, and spirit) often overlap. Indeed, feeling happy, relaxed and calm, positive and optimistic, demonstrably influences physical function; heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, endorphin release, digestion, ability to heal, and so on. Therefore, a significant aspect of our wellbeing, especially in terms of immunological support, and healthy function, is our state of ‘being’ – ‘being in stress’ or ‘being in equanimity’, ‘being in fear’ or ‘being in peace’. Indeed, we are often reminded that unconditional ‘love’ is an optimum state of ‘being’. Our state of ‘being’ influences our state of ‘body’. It is in this context that essential oils find a perfect niche, as they are shown to influence all of these dynamics at one and the same time.
Also, through my practice, training and teaching, I have come across situations in which essential oils, while extremely valuable, are contra-indicated in some circumstance; for example, among other reasons, perhaps because a person has certain serious underlying health conditions and/or is taking medication that certain essential oil components may negatively influence. Some essential oils, for example, can negatively potentiate certain medications, negate others, and/or increase risk of sensitisation and irritation. Hence, the practical grounded elements in the first part of the book, exploring the basic physiological function of the body, how essential oils are absorbed and excreted, which oils are not safe to use in certain contexts and those oils that are safe, are included. Information about how to blend the oils appropriately and how to apply essential oils subtly, with minimal risk (highly diluted, with just a hint of scent – olfactory receptors can detect very small amounts of essential oil molecules), along with complementary elements such as colour and gemstones, to positively but gently support the subtle dynamics of each completes the second half of the book.
What’s your Big Dream?
At my age, to fulfil the typical (perhaps age-related) cliché, my big dream is a cottage, flowers around the door, with a lovely big welcoming kitchen and a massive garden where I can grow things and distil essential oils to my hearts content, and, of course, live happily ever after!! Meanwhile, back in the real world (although I still hold this aspiring vision); to continue to write and share through teaching; that all my books are successfully published; that I have sufficient funds so can spend less time working so I can afford time to delve into my other passions too, for example, art (I love drawing, photography, and creativity) and creative writing; to explore and appreciate the world around me. I do not envisage that I will stop working completely because I love what I do, but I have a feeling something amazing is about to happen that I may not have even envisaged; after all, each day is a unique moment full of unimagined possibility.
What Kind of feedback have you received from clients?
Feedback from Clients
Heather is a very talented and experienced aromatherapist, she intuitively blended a sublime mix of oils specifically for me and gave an amazing massage. I left with both my body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated. An absolutely delightful experience, thank you Heather.
Jess B.
Wow! Went to Heather for a massage last week. It was an amazing experience, incredibly relaxing, and very healing. Heather is incredibly professional, whilst at the same time, extremely warm and welcoming, instantly putting you at ease. The treatment took place in her studio, which is warm, cosy and peaceful. A full body massage is just that and I felt that every part of my body benefited from the gentle massage using the essential oils that Heather and I chose together. By the end of the session I felt as though I had been wrapped in a little cocoon and was very reluctant to leave! Have already booked my next treatment. Thank you so much, Heather. I shall be recommending you to all my friends x
Clare S.
Feedback from Readers
Essential Oils for the Whole Body
An impressive and comprehensive presentation of what essential oils are, how they work, and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!
Christopher Vasey, ND, author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
In times when most aromatherapists are going back to using simple recipes based on the biomedical paradigm, this book opens up another way of looking at topical applications and absorption dynamics. These areas are actually more complex than mechanical interpretation allows and require a book with a holistic, and even spiritual, background combined with scientific insight. It will surely build stronger relationships with the ‘whole body’.
Martin Henglein, Naturopath, Aromatherapist, and Osmologist
This book offers a beautiful bridge between the science of aromatherapy and esoteric application. Godfrey presents a truly holistic approach that explores how to support the whole self, from the physical to the emotional and spiritual.
Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice
A lovely book packed full of information about the form and function of the human body and the ways essential oils can interact with it. This book builds on the author’s previous work, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, to create an invaluable guide for those who wish to understand essential oils and use them creatively and safely.
Sophie (Petit-Zeman) Olszowski, Ph.D Author of Doctor, What’s Wrong? Making the NHS Human Again, and Editor, NHS Researcher, and Director of SPZ Associates Ltd
I am an avid believer in using essential oils in many different aspects of body health and home use so I was thrilled to receive this book for review. What I found here is a great complete education on Essential Oi . The author has included blending of oils, safety as well as even the chemical contents, which are good to know for those of us that use oils in our daily lives. I highly recommend the instructions for making creams, ointments and skin care product’s, which was so fun to learn so much more then I knew. The recipes are brilliant and easy to follow. There is also information on diffusing oil’s, which I am already using and enjoying. A ‘definitive’ book on essential oils this book I highly recommend for all who use oils and wish to educate themselves on both the oils, the process and the creation of recipes. Out of all the books on Essential Oils I have read over the years this is my favourite.
C.C. Netgalley
The content of this book is full of very descriptive information about essential oils. It would make a great reference book in any home as well as the local public library. This book would also be a well-used addition to any person wanting a more in-depth knowledge of oils. It will also help those like me who dally somewhat with oils but do not fully comprehend all the intricacies. Might keep someone like me from handling the oils improperly.
Mary. Goodreads
This book is a great resource for anyone wanting to dig deeper into essentials oils, you get tons and I mean tons of resourceful information I cannot express how much detail and research this author did just for this book. You get recipes, for creams, lotions, and perfume oils. The author doesn’t only use essential oil, but she also gives you a list of gemstones to use every day, you get worksheets and much more to help you in your study and lifestyle.
Laurie. Goodreads.
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation
There is a unique way to enhance psychological well-being waiting to be explored. This book tells you how meditation and aromatherapy, classic tools for modifying the mind, can work together to maintain a state of calm and insight. Familiar oils like rose and frankincense add serenity and inspiration to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Diffusing an essential oil during meditation practice can even return your awareness to that meditative mode if you smell the aromatic oil again later.
The author is an aromatherapist who not only uses essential oils professionally but also conducts research into the effects of these powerful plant ingredients. The reader will find out how knowledge of traditional practice and subjective experience, backed by scientific evidence, is an ideal path for discovery; how mindfulness meditation and essential oil inhalation relieve anxiety or calm the mind, as explained from the perspectives of ancient history, religious practices, and modern complementary medical practice. Scientific studies involving human subjects and essential oils tested in laboratory models are described in easy-to-digest detail that adds value and validity.
Advice on how to use the pure essential oils comes with a thorough briefing on dose and safety–a prerequisite for these concentrated and potent plant extracts. In passing, learning about the many everyday food, drink, and cosmetic products that contain essential oils is an eye-opener on the hidden influences on the mind and body. This book is bound to have a long-lasting impact on both meditation and aromatherapy practices, thanks to its inspired author, Heather Dawn Godfrey.
Elaine Perry, Ph.D., professor emeritus of neuroscience at Newcastle University and co-author of Your Brain on Plants: improve the way your think and feel
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation fills an important gap in the field of essential oils. Where many other books are contented with the properties and the handling of oils, Heather Godfrey provides us with a profound scientific background of the different oils and opens up the field toward awareness and meditation. This book is a wonderful guide to using essential oils as valuable helpers for everyday life, as a source of knowledge for well-being professionals, and for a deeper understanding of oneself and nature.
Ewald Kliegel, author of Crystal Wands and Holistic Reflexology
This interesting book melds the science and alchemy of essential oils and their use in meditation with a mix of personal anecdotes and evidence. Taking the reader on a journey through these highly topical disciplines, it is a timely reminder and how-to guide of the importance of stepping back from the maelstrom of modern life to find a sensible inner balance.
Sophie (Petit-Zeman) Olszowski, Ph.D Author of Doctor, What’s Wrong? Making the NHS Human Again, and Editor, NHS Researcher, and Director of SPZ Associates Ltd
This book is an impressive and comprehensive presentation of what are essential oils, how they work and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses, but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!
Richard Vasey Author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
Godfrey, an International Federation of Aromatherapists fellow, skilfully explains how scent works on the brain to create relaxation and how this affects our well-being. Odors that stimulate brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA, trigger composure, concentration, deep breathing, and a meditative state to reduce stress and anxiety. Research is presented on rehabilitative techniques to remove negative emotional states, like regrets, traumas, fears, and anxiety. Charts and discussion show the brain’s hemispheres and the actions of a few essential oils are mentioned, although no recipes are suggested. There are also guidelines for use, healthy foods, and methods, techniques, and tools for application.
American Herb Association Quarterly
This book is an informative guide to the use of essential oils as an accompaniment to meditation/mindfulness. It finishes with a chapter on other forms of achieving wellbeing – nutrition, exercise and relaxation. There are footnotes and a bibliography for further information. As such it’s very comprehensive but as a newcomer to essential oils I didn’t find the content intimidating.
Tina. Goodreads
A great guide for beginners wanting to learn more about mindfulness and meditation and how to use essential oils for relaxation. A good reference book to have on hand with well organised tables for easy access to information. Great background information on mindfulness and using essential oils for those that are just starting out.
Kat. Goodreads