Today we had a little chat with Frances Chong, a Registered Nurse and early APA Diploma Course Graduate.
Frances told us about her aromatherapy journey, her work as a nurse and professional aromatherapist in the Matilda International Hospital in Hong Kong and her experience of studying with Rhiannon Lewis in Provence:
1) Frances, you have studied aromatherapy not only in APA but also with the well-known expert Rhiannon Lewis. Can you tell us a little bit about your aromatherapy journey and how it was like studying under Rhiannon?
My inspiration for aromatherapy came more than 10 years ago when I studied for the Bachelor of Nursing. We learned about alternative medicine in healthcare and my assignment topic was actually aromatherapy. I was interested how it worked scientifically so when I found the Holistic Diploma Course at APA I enrolled immediately. While studying aromatherapy, I was most fascinated by the botanical plants and how they work on a healthy body, mind & spirit for wellbeing in all aspects of life.
In 2009, I went to Provence to study “Advanced Clinical Aromatherapy” for qualified aromatherapists with Rhiannon Lewis, which was very fascinating! In 10 days we learned much more in-depth knowledge about the chemical constituents of essential oils and how to use them in clinical situations such as infection, asthma, influenza, allergies and wound care. We had field trips to botanical farms and distilleries and could see first-hand how essential oils were extracted.
Frances Chong Aromatherapist Hong Kong
2) After finishing your aromatherapy studies, what were your plans for using that knowledge? 
I’ve been a Registered Nurse in Hong Kong for 16 years and established the “Matilda Aromatherapy Clinic” in 2009. In the hospital, I mainly use my aromatherapy knowledge for treatments and consultations as well as wound care in patients.
In fact, I introduced the use of essential oils & aromatherapy treatments to the doctor and with his approval, I started to successfully treating a patient for wound care from a bike injury for example. The doctor was quite surprised about the therapeutic results as we could already see good progress after 1 week of wound care with essential oils. I combine the use of essential oils with the conventional dressing regime for wound care. Essential oils are excellent not only for their anti-infectious properties but also for tissue regeneration and integrity. I even received thank you letters from patients and doctors, which made me very happy! I think it’s very important to highlight the clinical side of aromatherapy and promote this in Hong Kong.
Thank you so much, Frances! Check out our summer schedule for exciting new aromatherapy workshops as well as our comprehensive Diploma Course: APA Upcoming Courses