We would like to introduce the Japan Medical Aromatherapy Association, which has popularized Japanese-style medical aromatherapy.

It is a non-profit organization with the aim of contributing to society as one of the alternative medicines with a history of 36 years since 1989. As of 2022, 28,000 people are studying JMAA-style medical aromatherapy.

This organization was established by Dr. Shoichi Yoshida, the current chairman, who popularized medical aromatherapy, which is recognized as a medical treatment in France and Belgium, in Japan and further evolved it into a Japanese style by collecting clinical data in Japan.

Currently, knowledge of JMAA-style medical aromatherapy is being learned not only in Japan but also in neighboring China and Korea.

In addition to spreading knowledge of medical aromatherapy, we also research base materials that are friendly to people, pets, and the environment.
We provide members with the latest information on the ever-advancing medical care and the rapidly changing domestic and international economies, and continue to teach them how to use medical aromatherapy in line with the times.

I would like to introduce two activities of the Japan Medical Aromatherapy Association that I particularly remember.

■ The Chairman and fellow members of the Kumamoto branch volunteered despite being affected by the disaster

The first was the Kumamoto earthquake that occurred on April 14, 2016.

At the time, Chairman Yoshida was in Kumamoto to hold an event there.

He worked with the local staff to provide care using medical aromatherapy.

Then, we heard from fellow members, including Mr. Kuroki, a sports professional and director of the Kumamoto school, about their experience of dancing with people who were worried about economy class syndrome and people who were anxious and stressed while living in their cars as evacuees, to care for their mind and body.

In addition, based on this experience, we regularly hold courses on what medical aromatherapy can do in times of disaster and on mental care. In addition, when an earthquake occurs, we check the safety of our members and work together with them.

■ Activities during infectious disease epidemics

The second was the infectious disease that occurred all over the world in 2020.

Medical institutions were strained as people were forced to stay at home to recover. In the midst of this, JMAA quickly switched its study sessions, which had previously only been held in person, to online sessions, providing opportunities to learn about medical aromatherapy that can be done at home, as well as knowledge of infectious diseases and how to deal with them.
And by regularly sharing the latest information, I was able to act calmly.
Anxiety and worry arise from not knowing.
By obtaining and understanding even one piece of correct information, anxiety and worry can be eliminated. I am really glad that such a place exists.
◆My history with medical aromatherapy◆
After taking the "Self Medical Therapy Course", I took the certified instructor course called "Advisor" and since becoming an advisor, I have been sharing JMAA knowledge and items through courses, blogs, YouTube and Facebook.
I started learning in 2013. It has been more than 10 years since I obtained the qualification, but I continue to learn and share the ever-evolving JMAA-style medical aromatherapy with a wealth of free study sessions and affordable paid courses.
■Obtaining the qualification does not mean it's over.
In 2019, a free website was created for those who completed the instructor course to make it easier to carry out educational activities. It is called "JMAA Cloud".
The website is simple, and you can design the structure yourself and enter the information into a template. I work in an office during the weekdays, and it is very useful for updating the website, which is part of my job.
In this way, you can continue to learn even after you have obtained the qualification, rather than just learning once. There is an environment where you can continue to learn, and follow-up on your activities is also provided.

◆You can only live a rich life if you are healthy!
A year and a half ago, I contracted an infectious disease, and my health did not improve easily, and I had to go to the hospital, but I have been using JMAA items to support me. My health has finally stabilized recently, and I am able to spend each day happily, and I feel every day that "it is really important to be healthy." I would like to continue to take care of my mind and body and convey this to everyone.

Finally, this is a basic premise and a given, but if you feel something is wrong, you should immediately visit a medical institution.
Medical aromatherapy plays a supporting role.
At JMAA, we believe that if you experience any physical discomfort, try Western medicine first!

Thank you for reading to the end.

Medical Aromatherapy Advisor, Seika Sanagi