As an aging American population embraces holistic remedies for everyday health concerns, Midcoast resident Annette Woodbury is offering what she considers a true alternative through the ancient art of aromatouch therapy. The practice is therapy through aroma and involves using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots and other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

Woodbury’s experience as a registered nurse exposed her to the downside of modern medicine — what she said was an over-reliance on prescription drugs without consideration for a mind/body connection.

“With allopathic medicine there is a strong emphasis on synthetic pills,” said Woodbury. “My frustration as a nurse is watching a patient take one medicine for a certain disease, then being prescribed another pill to combat the side effects of the primary medication. It's a vicious cycle, I've seen patients on 16 or 18 different medicines.”

Her frustration was steeped in a desire to help people, a philosophy she felt was lacking in the world of modern medicine where the emphasis on getting a patient treated quickly often comes at a cost of long-term consequences.

“These people were not getting better because their body was so out of balance,” said Woodbury. “The body has an amazing ability to heal itself if given the right amount nutrients and help.”

Her curiosity led her to aromatouch therapy and after a few sessions with a practitioner in Portland, she was convinced of its benefits.

“For me, I felt the effects immediately; it was restorative, uplifting and really provided balance,” she said. “I'm a person who has used synthetic treatments in the past and for me, this really addressed the issues I was dealing with.”

Buoyed by her own experience, she made the decision to become certified in aromatouch therapy, adopting a practice with roots dating back to the ancient civilizations of China, India, Greece and Rome. 

According to Woodbury, a typical session lasts roughly 45 minutes and includes an initial consultation to determine what a specific client may be suffering from. The essential oils — including lavender, lemongrass, cedar and chamomile — are chosen  accordingly, potential allergies are flagged, and the oils are applied by light touch to the back, shoulders, head and soles of the feet. Using a circular motion to stimulate the absorption, the therapy is accompanied by soft meditative music. Woodbury is careful to point out what she does isn’t traditional massage — no deep tissue stimulation or manipulating of joints.

The science of the scents is simple; the smell of the oils works on an individual’s brain through the olfactory and limbic systems. The other effect is pharmacological through the absorption on skin. The effects are unique to the individual and include reduced stress, less pain, and a general feeling of contentment.

Woodbury is among a growing number of people offering holistic health services in Lincoln County, one of the oldest counties by median age in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau numbers. With a population so aged, medical services are in constant demand, none more so than holistic practitioners.

“I'm turning away three to four people a week,” said Dr. Anne Jacobs, a Newcastle-based naturopath who also practices Chinese medicine. “The demand is incredibly high, absolutely. Not only with older people but with people in their 30s and 40s who are seeking an alternative approach to their health care.”

Nationally, the holistic treatment business is booming with revenues expected to eclipse $14 billion in 2017, according to Statista, an online group that monitors health trends. In addition, CNN reports a third of Americans are now using alternative medicines. From fish oil to flax seed, the concept of simply taking a pill to cure what ails you is changing. While Woodbury does see a potential profit source from her aromatherapy sessions, to her it's a reciprocal exercise.

“I get out of it what I put into it,” she said. “The healing works both ways. The exchange of positive energy and oils, from hands to body, is the best healing and connection we have. To me that's good medicine.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, email Annette Woodbury at aromatherapybyannette@gmail.com.