Conference Recap: The Modern Practice of Aromatherapy 2025

Conference Recap: The Modern Practice of Aromatherapy 2025

The annual conference of the Lithuanian Association of Aromatherapists was held at the beautiful Europe’s Park-Museum, nestled in the forests just outside Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius.

The conference consisted of three parts: 5 traditional presentations, 3 practical presentations held in small groups, and a panel discussion.

TRADITIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Emma Tyrer (UK). Essential Oils for Symptom Management in UK Cancer Care

The conference began with an outstanding presentation by Clinical Aromatherapist Emma Tyrer (UK). For the past 15 years, Emma has specialized in cancer care at Dimbleby Cancer Care, Guy’s & St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, where she is Lead Complementary Therapy Specialist in Cancer. Her presentation captivated the audience not only with essential oil recipes and application procedures, but also with a vivid depiction of her actual work with patients. This was especially interesting, as in Lithuania, aromatherapy is not yet available in clinical settings due to complicated licensing requirements and the absence of funding.

The president of the association, Dr. Rūta Aldonytė, translated this presentation into Lithuanian. Fun fact: Emma and Rūta met 16 years ago at an aromatherapy course in France, where they were roommates for the entire course.

Emma was the only international presenter this year; the remainder of the program featured local specialists and practitioners.

Dalia Strelan, MD. Essential Oils and Common Musculoskeletal Diseases: How to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Aromatherapist, and Phytotherapist Dalia Strelan explained the main causes of unwanted symptoms in the shoulders, knees, hips, and spine, and how these can be managed using essential oils. She shared her favorite salve recipe and brought a sample for everyone to smell and try. She concluded her presentation by emphasizing the importance of exercise for musculoskeletal health – “Use it or lose it.” This exemplifies how wise practitioners do not overestimate the power of essential oils but instead take a holistic approach.

Reda Vaikšnorienė. Research on the Composition of Lithuanian Coniferous Essential Oils and Hydrolates and the Influence of Seasonality

This presentation was highly anticipated, especially for fellow distillers. Aromatherapist, phytotherapist, natural cosmetics and perfumery specialist Reda Vaikšnorienė examined conifers growing in Lithuania – common juniper (Juniperus communis), spruce (Picea abies), and pine (Pinus sylvestris). She distilled these plants in both winter and summer, keeping other process parameters constant, to determine how seasonality affects the quantity and composition of essential oils and hydrolates.

Local essential oil retailer and aromatherapy product producer Kvapų namai performed gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the oils.

Reda presented a detailed comparison of the composition by chemical families. Notably, monoterpenes in Pinus sylvestris: essential oil distilled in winter contained 36.97%, while in summer it was 75.58%. Summer distillation also yielded more essential oil than winter. Hydrolat differences were observed organoleptically and via pH.

Aldona Vyšniauskienė, Dr. Daiva Jakubonienė, Daiva Tindžiulienė. The Ability to Objectively Assess the Impact of Smell in Psychologists’ Practice

A team comprising Aldona Vyšniauskienė (Complementary and Alternative Medicine Researcher, Aromatherapist, Public Health Specialist, Ayurveda Practitioner), Daiva Tindžiulienė (Psychologist, Olfactotherapist, Aromatologist), and Dr. Daiva Jakubonienė (Psychologist, Olfactotherapist, Doctor of Biomedical Sciences) presented their research.

They used the olfactotherapy method: patients inhaled essential oil without knowing the plant name to minimize bias. Dr. Jakubonienė shared raw patient comments about their feelings after inhaling the aroma. D. Tindžiulienė showed stress levels before and after intervention. A. Vyšniauskienė explained the use of LifePulse Pro software for detailed capillary blood pulsation analysis, enabling monitoring of therapy effects both immediately and long-term.

Dalia Braziulytė. Aromas and Colours as the Key to Consciousness

Psychologist, Egyptologist, Aromalogist, Aura-Soma Teacher, Reiki and Karuna Reiki Master Dalia Braziulytė explored the subtle anatomy of the human body, the system of energy metabolism centers – chakras – as levels of consciousness and human archetypes.

The presentation discussed the interrelationship between states of consciousness, natural aromas, and colors. Dalia created aromatic synergies resonating with each energy center, and everyone received a scent strip with the relevant synergy as she discussed the chakras one by one.

PRACTICAL PRESENTATIONS

Three practical presentations were held simultaneously, with the audience divided into three groups (just over 20 people each). Each group rotated every 20 minutes, ensuring everyone attended all workshops.
It was also my turn to present.

Dr. Rūta Aldonytė. Using Aromatherapy and Clay to Treat Wounds

Historically, clay was used to treat wounds for its ability to activate metabolism, cleanse, and soften the skin. Clay therapy pairs well with aromatherapy substances: hydrolats and essential oils. Used together, they help treat fresh and old wounds, scars, ulcers, bedsores, swellings, boils, and similar conditions. Dr. Aldonytė demonstrated how to prepare this aromatic mixture and explained its use.

Vilma Markaitytė. Aromatic Hand Massage: The Power of Scent and Touch

Aromatherapist and massage practitioner Vilma Markaitytė introduced the safe use of essential oils for massage.

She also explained basic hand massage principles: pressure points, directions, tempos, and encouraged attendees to try it themselves.

Sigita Jonušaitė. Distilling Plants: More Than Just Aroma

My presentation focused on often overlooked distillation byproducts – spent plant material and decoction (residual water) – and their potential in body care and product making, gardening, and even textile dyeing. I shared scientific research, discussed products already available, and showcased wool samples dyed with decoction from local plants: everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), common juniper (Juniperus communis), oak bark (Quercus robur), as well as cultivated lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Geranium spp grown on my windowsill.

Of course, I also briefly discussed hydrolats, and everyone could try them. Feedback on aromas was fascinating: some loved the oak bark hydrolat, while others could barely detect its scent.

My goal was to inspire fellow aromatherapists to explore the full potential of plants by learning about the medicinal and other properties of the entire plant. I believe the better we understand the plant, the better aromatherapists we become.

More pictures from my presentation here.

PANEL DISCUSSION

For the first time, the event featured a panel discussion, which I was honored to join. The focus was on aromatherapy education, licensing, and essential oil retail legislation.

Association President Dr. Rūta Aldonytė moderated. I began by highlighting how professional associations in the US set clear standards for aromatherapy education and educator qualifications, which was a key factor in earning my trust when researching where to study. Notably, all professional members of our association obtained their certifications abroad.

Dovilė Antulevičienė, lecturer at Klaipėda University, explained how aromatherapy studies are structured at this institution. In Lithuania, the government only recognizes aromatherapy certificates or diplomas from Klaipėda University. Any other certificates from other schools and institutes are not recognized, be it local or foreign.  On top of that, to be eligible for an aromatherapist license, candidates must hold a degree in medicine, biology, physical therapy, nursing, dentistry, massage, cosmetology, or another health or body-related field. Currently, there are only four licensed aromatherapists in Lithuania, two of whom participated in the panel. We agreed that the Association needs to address this.

Dr. Aldonytė updated on the work of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine committee at the Health Ministry. Without field-specific expertise, government decisions have caused difficulties for specialists. The professional aromatherapists’ association had no say in these decisions, and some restrictions are unreasonable, such as limiting essential oil choices to those listed in the European Pharmacopeia. O. Vyšniauskas, president of the Lithuanian Union of Phytotherapists, echoed this concern.

The panel also addressed essential oil and aromatherapy product retail. The co-founders of three major essential oil retail companies shared their perspective.

Jolanta Cinaitienė (BIOCOS) explained essential oil labeling and the meaning behind the sometimes alarming pictograms.

Giedrė and Remigijus Veličkos (Aromama) shared how they adapted to strict EU legislation, which prohibits making health claims about essential oils. Attendees noted that such information is still available on French EO retailer sites, despite identical EU rules, suggesting enforcement depends on local authorities.

Rūta Daunoravičienė (Kvapų namai) shared findings on EO authenticity in Lithuania. After purchasing all available Lavandula angustifolia and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils from local shops, pharmacies, beauty brands, and online retailers, their lab’s GC/MS analysis found that no authentic lavender essential oil was available in pharmacies.

R. Daunoravičienė concluded that buying from a specialized company offers the best chance for quality essential oil. Detailed quality reports here: lavender and tea tree (online translation will do the trick).

The audience actively participated, asking questions and sharing suggestions. It was wonderful to see everyone connecting.

After the presentations, participants enjoyed a guided tour of the park.

We look forward to gathering again next June to delve deeper into aromatherapy and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lithuanian Association of Aromatherapists!