By Elizabeth Tari

When I first asked Kal Kotecha to tell me about Aromatherapy, I expected to hear a basic textbook definition, something that would be scientific and impersonal. Instead Kal smiled and said, “I believe that Aromatherapy is a loving therapy.” When I gave him a quizzical look, he pointed out that the first part of the word Aromatherapy is aroma. And, aroma spelled backwards is amora, the Italian word meaning love. Combine amora with the second part of the word, therapy, and you have a loving therapy. And it shows in all of Kal’s work.

Kal offers aromatherapy massage training at the Academy of Aromatherapy. As well as being a practicing aromatherapist, he is the principal of the Academy of Aromatherapy and has been involved in the holistic field for over 20 years.

Another note of interest is that Kal carries his own line of essential oils and products. And, he has created an Aromatherapy Instructional Video. About forty minutes long, this video takes the viewer through an introduction of Aromatherapy and Massage, and gives information on how the essential oils can restore and enhance physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Kal’s work and case studies have been published in numerous journals, newspapers and industry-related magazines across the country, and he has appeared on television talk shows to discuss aromatherapy.

Although he attributes all of his success to his students, his team of instructors and his mentors, Kal is a kind-hearted, honest individual who believes that ‘only if you live with love can you aid others to help heal themselves with love’. He seems to have found a way to incorporate this belief into his everyday actions as well as his work. He feels strongly that if the aromatherapist is attuned with the client, then he or she may pick up on the patient’s energy, and subsequently, the body’s energy flow can help to release blockages, allowing the client to heal him or herself.

In Kal’s words, “Aromatherapy makes good scents”.