“A natural love of all things stimulating to the senses” – an interview with Amy Cannata
September 4th, 2009 | Published in Features, Interviews | 1 Comment
Amy in a lavender field in Provence
Amy Cannata is from Chicago and has been living in Grenoble for almost four years. Her previous occupations include art educator, early-childhood educator and interior designer, but now she is setting up her own aromatherapy business. Grenoble Life wanted to know more.
Grenoble Life: What does aromatherapy mean to you?
Amy Cannata: Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils therapeutically. An essential oil is the concentrated ‘essence’ of a particular aromatic plant which is obtained through steam and/or water distillation. Essential oils have therapeutic properties that are a result of the natural chemistry of the plant. For example, Chamaemelum nobile – Roman chamomile – contains a lot of chemicals called ‘esters’ which have been shown to have anti-spasmodic properties; therefore, Roman chamomile would be a good essential oil to use in cases of muscle cramps or spasms. Aromatherapy is a natural way to treat many common ailments and to increase overall well-being – both physical and emotional.
GL: How did you become interested in aromatherapy?
AC: Over many years I gradually became interested and educated myself in aromatherapy. I think my interest stemmed from a natural love of all things stimulating to the senses (you might call that hedonism!), my desire to connect with the natural world and to share with others the healing abilities of this natural therapy.
After my move to France, I was in a transition phase in my professional life. I joined organizations such as WWNG (Working Women’s Network of Grenoble) through which I took workshops which helped me to make the decision to seriously study aromatherapy.
GL: Where did you train?
AC: I trained at the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy in London. This school uniquely combines holistic aromatherapy study with massage therapy training and study of Oriental Medicine (TCM) for diagnostic purposes. I have also taken extra courses on Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure and will soon take a class on Infertility, Gynecology & Aromatherapy. I am a member of IFPA, the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists.
GL: How can we book an aromatherapy session with you?
Anyone interested in booking an aromatherapy treatment with me, or to get more information, can email me at dna9@mac.com.
GL: Describe the process for such a session.
AC: I always start with a detailed consultation to insure I use the appropriate oils and techniques. Then we create a blend of essential oils specifically tailored to the needs of the client. All of the essential oils and carrier (vegetable) oils I use are therapeutic quality and most are organic. The massage techniques range from the Swedish-style therapeutic massage that most Anglophones are familiar with, to deep tissue and acupressure techniques (the experience is quite different from a ‘relaxation’ massage routine an esthéticienne might give you at a French spa). I encourage clients to communicate freely with me so that they can get the maximum benefit out of the treatment. I often create blends for home use for my clients which might consist of an ‘aroma-inhaler’ or small bottle with a roller top to use on acu-points, etc.
Each client can expect to be treated holistically (considering mind, body and spirit together) – I focus on the person, rather than only on a particular condition. Aromatherapy and massage therapy can be extremely effective in counteracting the consequences of prolonged stress – the effects of which most of us living the modern Western lifestyle are dealing with. The “modern life-style diseases” which arise from these stress overloads are the ones which conventional Western medicine often does not successfully help us to prevent and cope with (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, heart and skin conditions, asthma, allergies, etc.). These are complicated conditions which are usually not of a purely physical nature. As we know, unhealthy stress affects all areas of our lives and will worsen any physical or mental/emotional aliments we have. The perspectives of Oriental Medicine (traditional Chinese medicine) that I work with give a different view of our health and well-being than conventional Western medicine does – treating the whole person, not only their symptoms. Combined with aromatherapy and massage, this allows for a uniquely comprehensive holistic treatment.
The value of creating the time and space for someone to get ‘out of their head’ and back in touch with their true nature – to just be, without having to do – can’t be overestimated in terms of it’s impact on stress and for overall health and well-being.
GL: What kind of feedback have you had from your clients?
AC: Some recent quotes from clients:
“The massage was wonderful and very calming and relaxing. I felt my anxiety lessen significantly and this seems to have had a knock on effect at home … I have been calmer, thus the baby has been calmer.“
“I wanted to give another feedback regarding the last massage session. I do not wake up during the night anymore! … This is amazing … and great! It did not happen for ages (I cannot even remember when I had such a full night sleep !) … I have no idea whether it is the massage, the oil, both… but it works very well ! … I think you have found “my” perfect oil !) Thanks again!“
“A wonderful massage, really relaxing, really enjoyed the blend of oils. Your use of stretches and pressure was really nice and added another dimension to the massage.”
“Thanks again for a wonderful treatment last Friday – it left me feeling very much ‘in the present’ over the past week. I’ve been sleeping better and I’ve been a lot more carefree, positive and easygoing.”
“A pleasant experience – one of the best massages I’ve received from a therapist-in-training. I appreciated the information, environment, and level of professionalism. Thank you!”
GL: Is aromatherapy as established in France as in your country of birth?
AC: The therapeutic use of essential oils has a longer history in France then in the English speaking world, but aromatherapy is practiced very differently here than it is in the UK or US. In France, one must be a doctor or pharmacist to ‘prescribe’ essential oils, especially internally. Therapeutic bodywork is only done by physical therapists in France. There is no recognized profession ‘massage therapist’ in France in the same way as it exists in the English-speaking world. These differences will be a challenge to me as I try to set up my business legally in France (any advice is welcome!).
GL: Why did you come to Grenoble originally?
AC: I came to Grenoble because I wanted the enriching and challenging experience of living in another culture. My partner had the opportunity to work at the Synchrotron here, so we decided to make the move!
GL: What is next for your aromatherapy business?
AC: I am in the process of finishing my case studies, which is the last requirement for my diploma. In September I will receive my diploma and officially be a qualified aromatherapist and massage therapist. This Fall I will be working on setting up my business in France. I am actively seeking out contacts in related fields and am interested in trading services. I also hope to continue to do workshops with associations such as WWNG and Open House so that I can keep sharing the wonders of aromatherapy!
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September 4th, 2009 at 6:48 pm (#)
Nice interview! Amy did an in-depth consultation with me when I was very pregnant with my third child. I was looking for something that would be soothing (and if it helped induce labor that wouldn’t be a bad thing). I learned so much from our session, and came away with a scent that I love, and which soothes me!