On this site, you will find:

  • An introduction to Daily Aromatherapy
  • An introduction to Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques
  • An introduction to Aromatherapy Anointing Oils
  • Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
  • An opportunity to sign up for a FREE seasonal newsletter
  • The programs being offered 

welcome to

Aromatic Practice

Aromatic Practice is the integration of the subtle properties of essential oils into lifestyle and spiritual practices such as meditation, journaling, art, affirmation, prayer, and self-care. Aromatic Practice can be implemented whenever so inspired, for special occasions, or as a regular discipline.

about our logo:

The sprig of lavender represents the magnificent world of essential oils. Lavender was chosen because it is where the art and science of aromatherapy began. The spiral shell of the chambered nautilus symbolizes the repeating cycles of life’s journey and spiritual evolution through birth, growth, release, renewal, and expansion. Together, they represent the essence of Aromatic Practice.
Daily  Aromatherapy

Daily Aromatherapy

Transforming the Seasons of Your Life with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy & Subtle  Energy Techniques

Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques

Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy  Anointing Oils

Aromatherapy Anointing Oils

Spiritual Blessing, Ceremonies, & Affirmations

Testimonials

Daily Aromatherapy

Using essential oils, Daily Aromatherapy takes us on a journey that helps us connect more intimately to nature, the seasons of the year, and the emotional seasons within us. There is no better way to be uplifted and to experience joy, hope, clarity, and inspiration than sitting down with a daily aromatic exercise that fully engages our body, mind, heart, and spirit.

– Christel Lukoff, PhD, psychotherapist and Hospice social worker



On Amazon, verified purchase:

I've been working with essential oils for several years and even took a 16-week certification class. I wanted an additional educational tool that would help me to learn the oils one at a time. This is the perfect solution because I can take 5-7 days each week and focus on one oil.

Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques

In Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques, Joni Keim and Ruah Bull shed new light on how the power of essential oils and the concepts of aromatherapy can be introduced into subtle energy therapy. As the aromatherapy industry grows and diversifies into greater specialization, subtle aromatherapy will take its rightful place as a dynamic healing alternative for body mind, soul, and spirit. This book’s contribution to the healing arts will help to usher in a new foundation for aromatherapy.

– Joan Clark, Aromatherapist, Educator, Aromatic Consultant



On Amazon, verified purchase:

This book is great for understanding how to use subtle aromatherapy and oils. I enjoyed the simple techniques and understanding how to use them personally and for friends and family.

Aromatherapy Anointing Oils

Authors Joni Keim and Ruah Bull offer us an aromatic avenue for enhancing our spiritual lives. Including wisdom from a variety of traditions, this book is a bouquet of delights: a compendium of essential oils and their spiritual significance, a guide to making anointing oils, and an invitation to create special ceremonies. They write that “aromatherapy anointing is a spiritual blessing”– and with this book, they have given a spiritual blessing to us all.

– Maggie Oman Shannon, author of The Way We Pray



On Amazon, verified purchase:

Extraordinary and precise! If you are looking for one book that contains a plethora of information – this, is it! Ruah Bull and Joni Keim have taken their knowledge, experience, and passion to a new level. Weaving practicality with spirituality, you can easily navigate to find multi-layered information, oil by oil, that speaks to your curiosity and questions. As a fan of this duo, the 30 new oils in this book that they added uncovered yet more for me to learn and appreciate. Their suggestions on anointing, affirmations, and prayer offer gentle invitations that remind each of us to blend the sacred in everyday life! Bravo Ruah and Joni!

Our Story

In 1998, Ruah & Joni were both taking a course of study at the Transformational Healing Arts Institute in Sonoma County, but they had not met. One of Joni’s homework assignments was to have a “session” done with an advanced student. Joni didn’t know any and asked the instructor for a recommendation. She recommended Ruah and Joni set up an appointment.

At that time, Joni was writing for natural health magazines and was in the process of researching and writing an article on subtle energy therapy. Joni and Ruah met for the appointment and when it was over, Joni asked Ruah if she would be interested to be interviewed for the article, and Ruah said she would be happy to.
Ruah and Joni today - Image
Ruah and Joni today
Ruah and Joni in 2000 - Image
Ruah and Joni in 2000
Ruah and Joni were both drawn to and inspired by the healing arts, and they worked well together for that article. Afer it was published, Joni asked Ruah if she felt the article could be expanded into a book. If so, would she be interested in writing that book together? The book would be about using essential oils with subtle energy techniques and would integrate their joint personal and professional experiences with spiritual practices and development. Ruah agreed and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

The process of delving deeply into their subject, writing, and publishing was rewarding for both Ruah and Joni. Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques was published by North Atlantic Books in 2000 (now in its 2nd edition). When this first book was finished, they began working on Aromatherapy Anointing Oils. It was completed the following year in 2001 (now in its 2nd edition). Daily Aromatherapy was published in 2008 (now in its 2nd edition) and completed the trilogy. These books are a foundation for an Aromatic Practice.

Including Methods of Use for Subtle Aromatherapy



Using essential oils safely requires a level of education about the nature of essential oils, being responsible with their use, and following the standard recommended safety guidelines, as follows.

  1. Essential oils are for external use. Do not take essential oils internally. With the current popularity of essential oils, there are advocates of using essential oils internally. This practice is controversial. If you choose to take essential oils internally, do so under the guidance of a professional who is knowledgeable about essential oils.
  2. Dilute essential oils in a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil (FCO), jojoba, or a fragrance-free lotion, before they come in contact with your skin. Standard dilution is 2% (3 drops in 1 tablespoon or 12 drops in 1 ounce of carrier). Essential oils are concentrated and active. Many of them are strong and can irritate or sensitize your skin if not properly diluted. Standard dilution for subtle aromatherapy is 1% or less (1 drop in 1 teaspoon of carrier.)
  3. If you are pregnant, do not use essential oils without consulting your physician or a professional that is knowledgeable about the use of essential oils. There are certain essential oils that should be avoided.
  4. Do not use essential oils on infants or children and keep essential oils out of their reach. Though there are some essential oils that can be used with children, do so under the guidance of your physician or a professional who is knowledgeable about using essential oils.
  5. Keep essential oils away from animals. Essential oils do not necessarily affect an animal’s physiology as it affects a human’s. This is a consideration if you diffuse essential oils in a room when an animal is present. Refer to your holistic veterinarian or a reference book for guidance.
  6. Keep essential oils away from and out of your eyes and mucous membranes. If this should occur, first apply a drop of carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil to collect the essential oil, then flush well with water. If no carrier oil is available, whole milk can be used. If neither is available, flush profusely with water.
  7. Essential oils are flammable. Keep them away from lit candles or other flames.
  8. If your skin becomes irritated from an essential oil, gently apply a carrier, such as olive oil, to the area with your fingertips to further dilute it. Gently wipe it clean with a tissue or soft cloth. Then gently wash the area with soap and water, and rinse well. Discontinue use of the essential oil.
  9. If you are going to be exposed to direct sunlight, avoid using citrus essential oils (such as lemon, grapefruit, lime, or bergamot) on your skin, especially undiluted. It can cause phototoxicity and your skin may burn and/or discolor.
  10. If your skin is allergy prone or sensitive, test an essential oil under a strip bandage. Put one drop of the essential oil on the inside of your elbow and cover it with the bandage for 12 hours. After 12 hours, if there is no reaction, the oil should be non-irritating for you to use. If there is redness, swelling, irritation, or itching, do not use that essential oil.
  11. Do not use essential oils if you have health problems such as heart disease, epilepsy, or asthma. There are essential oils that should be avoided. Consult your physician or a professional that is knowledgeable about essential oils.
  12. If you are taking homeopathic remedies, essential oils may negate their effect. Consult your physician. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Rosemary are the most common essential oils to avoid.
  13. Toxicity from an essential oil depends on the concentration, the method of use, the frequency, the interactions, and the individual. In Clinical Aromatherapy, the author Jane Buckle explains that dermal toxicity can occur from essential oils applied to the skin, causing burns, irritations, allergic reactions, and phototoxicity. Oral toxicity can occur from internal use of essential oils, causing damage to the mouth, digestive tract, liver, and nervous system.
          In Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand and Young, essential oils indicated to be of high risk of acute toxicity include bitter almond, mustard, sassafras, wormseed, and others. Those indicated to be of known or possible acute toxicity include birch, cajuput, cinnamon bark, clove, cornmint, hyssop, mugwort, nutmeg, parsley, pennyroyal, sage, savory, tansy, thuja, thyme, wintergreen, wormwood, and others. These essential oils are not recommended for aromatherapy or subtle aromatherapy. Refer to Essential Oil Safety for further information and a complete list of essential oils and their risks.



Methods of Using Essential Oils
for Subtle Aromatherapy



Using essential oils safely requires a level of education about the nature of essential oils, being responsible with their use, and following the standard recommended safety guidelines, as follows.

Anointing

Anointing is an ancient practice that means "to touch with oil." It has been used through the ages, as it is today, for protection, blessings, devotion, and special recognition. To make an anointing oil, dilute 1 drop of the chosen essential oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil or 3 drops in 1 tablespoon. Store in a small glass bottle with a cap. Label the bottle. The aroma will be delicate. Remember, essential oils are used in low amounts for subtle aromatherapy.
      To use an anointing oil, put a drop of the blend on your fingertip. Gently touch the area chosen for the anointing while holding positive intention in your mind and visualizing the desired outcome. If it is not possible to touch the skin, simply hold your fingertip above the area, from 3 to 6 inches away.

Misting

Mists are most often used in subtle aromatherapy to clear and cleanse a room or area, and to bring in positive energy. They can also be used to set boundaries, affect consciousness, and work with the energy centers or subtle bodies.
      To make a mist, put 10 drops of the chosen essential oil in 4 ounces of purified water in a mister bottle. Shake well before use, each time. While misting, hold positive intention in your mind and visualize the desire outcome.

Stroking

If you are not able to touch the body, stroking is another way an anointing can be can be given. Put 1 drop of an anointing oil on your left palm, gently rub or pat your hands together. Then hold your hands in the area where it is needed and slowly stroke, without touching. Commonly, your hands will be 3 to 6 inches away from the body.

Diffusing

Diffusers disperse the aromatic molecules of an essential oil into the air. They are often used in subtle aromatherapy to clear and cleanse a room or an area, to bring in positive energy, and to affect consciousness. There are different types of diffusers available. We recommend cool-air diffusers. Whichever one you use, follow the manufacturer's instructions. In subtle aromatherapy, diffuse for 10 minutes, then turn the diffuser off. Use in a room or area that is ventilated (door or window open).

Intention & Visualization

In subtle aromatherapy, essential oils are used with intention and supported by visualization. Intention is being clear about the purpose of using the essential oil and holding that purpose in your mind. (The purpose must be positive and restorative.) Intention is based on the premise that energy follows thought. Thinking about something is the first step to its manifestation, and there is nothing that has ever been accomplished that was not, at first, a thought.
      Visualization is another example of how energy follows thought. Shakti Gawain, in her classic book, Creative Visualization, says, “Simply having an idea or thought, holding it in your mind, is an energy which will tend to attract and create that form on the material plane.” When using subtle aromatherapy, visualize the desired outcome. For example, if you are working with a stiff knee, imagine it moving and flexing comfortably. For example, if working with stress, imagine and visualize that the body and mind are relaxed and balanced.
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