The Barefoot Dragonfly

Introduction to Hydrosols
2020-03-26 10:00 - 2020-04-16 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Four Week Course: Introduction to Hydrosols
2020 SPRING SEMESTER: Running Thursdays, March 26th-April 16th, with no breaks.
Hydrosols are the aromatic distillate obtained in steam/hydro distillation of aromatic plants. Used in aromatherapy to restore or maintain wellness of mind, body, and spirit, hydrosols have a variety of applications and uses. Students will participate in live distillations of botanicals and formulate take-home products for personal use.
Course Goal: Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to: understand and employ hydrosols in cosmetic, culinary, and therapeutic applications. Understand and explain safety, contraindications, and cautions of hydrosol use to the community. Intro to Hydrosols is part of The Barefoot Dragonfly 200-hour practitioner course designed to prepare students for a career path as an aromatic therapies practitioner, or aromatherapist. No prerequisite is required for students to attend this course.
Class Location: The Barefoot Dragonfly studio located at 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX 78729.
Class Hours: 16
Required Materials:

Aromatic Waters: Therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Culinary Hydrosol Applications by Amy Kreydin – paperback copies available for purchase on the first day of class in the studio or ebook available through Amazon Kindle.

Writing paper and utensils should be brought to each class.

Students should refrain from wearing perfume or scented products to the classroom to avoid disrupting organoleptic tests for themselves and classmates. Light snacks are provided, students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.
General Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Identify the extraction and production methods and quality control for authentic, pure hydrosols and the differences between artisanal hydrosols and biowaste water in the production of essential oils.
Demonstrate organoleptic testing process for both taste and odor of authentic hydrosols.
Formulate cosmetic, culinary, and therapeutic products featuring hydrosols.
List scenarios when hydrosols would be indicated instead of essential oils for an aromatic therapy application.
Demonstrate knowledge of current information on safety guidelines, including special guidelines for children, pregnancy, and the ill.

General Class Structure: The class will be conducted once a week on Thursdays between 9:00am and 1:00pm. During these practicum sessions, students will develop their practical skills and discuss any challenges they encounter with respect to new material.
Methods of Instruction: The class will be taught with a combination of audiovisual presentations using overhead projector, whiteboard or paper chart, lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.

Home Remedies for Cold and Flu Season
2020-03-06 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
In this 75 minute webinar participants will explore natural approaches to viral infections using evidence-informed practices.
We’ll explore:

Prevention approaches through hand and respiratory hygiene, the role of stress management, and food as medicine.
Energetics of a viral infection, e.g. knowing the difference between a dry cough and a wet cough and how they are treated differently.
Medicine making for the home-user, including herbal honeys and cough syrups with common pantry items.
Household disinfection plan to prevent cross-contamination.

Answers to common questions such as:

How much alcohol do you need to make a hand sanitizer that actually works to neutralize germs?
What’s an effective approach for autoimmune and chronic inflammation to prevent sending my loved one into a healing crisis with immune-stimulating herbs and aromatics?
When do I dose antivirals like elderberry and can I overdo it with them?
All the herbs are sold out or will take to long to get, what can I use from my kitchen?

Aromatic Beauty Care - Apothecary Session
2020-02-14 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Join aromatherapist Amy Kreydin for a fun and educational Apothecary Session that’s all about the face, neck, and décolleté! In this hands-on class we’re making skincare products using an Ayurvedic approach to understanding our constitutions, or doshas. This class is all about sourcing high-quality botanical and aromatic ingredients.
Participants will:

Explore their doshic skincare needs using a questionnaire designed by Amy;
Familiarize themselves with key ingredients ranging from lipids like oils and butters to aromatics like essential oils and CO2 extracts;
Design three take-home products that are formulated in class valued at $120 retail.

This is a unique opportunity to explore the raw ingredients that go into formulating natural skincare products. Class fee is $85 and includes all aromatics, botanicals, and raw ingredients used in the classroom. Participants will take home formulas crafted to their individual needs. No prior experience is necessary to attend. Space is limited to eight (8) participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all.
Please note: due to small class size, cancellations will must be given seven (7) days in advance to receive a refund. In the event of class cancellation all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.

Immune Health and Aromatherapy - Module Four
2020-02-06 09:00 - 2020-02-27 13:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
16 hour module covering anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, lymphatic, and immune systems, and materia aromatica on select aromatics. Prerequisite is completion or active enrollment in a 200-hour Aromatherapy program.
This module features two live video lectures followed by two live formulating practicum lectures:

Thursday, February 6th, 9am-1pm live Zoom lecture
Thursday, February 13th, 9am-1pm live Zoom lecture
Thursday, February 20th, 9am-1pm formulating practicum in the studio (live Zoom and recording available)
Thursday, February 27th, 9am-1pm formulating practicum in the studio (live Zoom and recording available)

Speaker at Moonflower Festival
2019-11-02 | Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, 78746, United States
I am honored to be teaching at this year’s Moonflower Festival – a delightful event for plant lovers! I will be giving a hands-on demonstration of the process of distilling aromatic plants using my beloved glass still. See the picture below for a special discount to register for this not-to-be-missed event held in Zilker Park.
Many Central Texas botanicals lend themselves to distillation, from invasives like mimosa and honeysuckle, to culinary herbs like rosemary and oregano, to our local Juniperus species. Clinical Aromatherapist and Aromatic Medicine Practitioner Amy Kreydin will demonstrate the process of distillation using a clear, pyrex glass still so participants can see each phase of distillation. Botanical formulators use hydrosols in cosmetics to hydrate, nourish, and tone the integumentary system. As botanical allies hydrosols can be incorporated into wellness plans to support mind, body, and spirit through oral, dermal, and inhaled applications. In the kitchen, hydrosols enhance the taste and aroma of food and beverages. Explore how this type of botanical extraction can enhance your personal self-care routine as well as your botanical practice on multiple levels!

Speaker at Spa in Me Retreat
2019-10-26 08:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | McKinney Roughs Nature Park, 1884 TX-71, Cedar Creek, TX, 78612, United States
I’m honored to be teaching at this year’s Spa in Me Retreat, hosted by the lovely Sandra Foreman, a leader in women’s self-care wellness coaching out at the beautiful McKinney Roughs Nature Park. This retreat is all about building your self-care toolkit and refilling your cup amongst like-minded, hard-working women.
For my portion of the retreat I’m leading a hands-on class on formulating aromatherapeutic shower fizzies – a tool I use in wellness plans for my clients to unwind from a hectic day or set the right tone at the start of your day. I chose this activity because it gets our creative juices flowing, we get a little messy – don’t worry, I’m bringing gloves! – and everyone walks away with a wellness tool they can whip up for themselves and their loved ones year-round.
Sandra interviewed me recently in her podcast show about this event and you can find the recording on Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Aromatic Therapies and the Skin
2019-10-10 10:00 - 2019-10-31 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
This module from the 200-Hour Aromatherapy Certificate Program is designed to give a comprehensive overview of aromatics for the integumentary system. In the anatomy and physiology portion we will explore the skin with an eye towards supporting it in times of trauma and dis-ease. In the pharmacology portion we will look at topical applications through the lens of dermal absorption. The materia medica portion will cover the properties of lipid plant oils and butters. The materia aromatica will explore the chemistry of select aromatics. To round out this module students will receive a foundational overview of cosmeceutical formulating – creating their own skincare formulations to achieve desired outcomes.
This 16 hour module is composed of two (2) four-hour lessons via live Zoom with recordings available for later viewing, and two (2) four-hour lessons via practicum here in the Northwest Austin studio.
Fall 2019 classes are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, October 10th, 10am-2pm via Zoom
Thursday, October 17th, 10am-2pm via Zoom
Thursday, October 24th, 10am-2pm in studio
Thursday, October 31st, 10am-2pm in studio

It is recommended students have taken a 12-20 hour foundational class on aromatic therapies prior to attending this class.

Writing Aromatic Botanical Monographs
2019-08-22 09:00 - 2019-08-26 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
In this two-part live class we’ll be studying the art and science of writing a botanical monograph. We have preselected to collaborate on a monograph for the essential oil of Lavender. Follow along in the live Zoom meetings as we flesh out what data we want in our monograph and how we want it to look. In between classes you can draw from resources to add to this monograph. This class is ideal for any aromatherapy enthusiast who would enjoy focusing on a single aromatic botanical to gather data on safety, usage, botany, and more!
Join us live on:

Thursday, August 22nd, 9am-11am CDT
Monday, August 26th, 9am-11am CDT

Those who cannot make live classes are welcome to view the recorded lessons and participate in the monograph we all are working on in Google Docs.

Practitioner Self Care
2019-08-01 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Reflexologists are heart-centered practitioners who use their body, mind, and spirit in every session as they support their client’s healing journey. In this live Zoom meeting we will explore ways Reflexologists can take care of themselves to ensure they enjoy a fulfilling practice for many years.
Topics we’ll cover include:

Daily routines
Stretches
Avoiding burnout
Injury assessment and treatment approaches

The next live class is scheduled for Thursday, August 1st, 2019 from 8-10am CDT. This class is part of The Barefoot Dragonfly LLC’s 300 Hour Reflexology Certificate Program but is open to anyone who has completed a minimum 200-hour Reflexology training program.

Hydrosol Distillation Class
2019-05-20 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Hydrosols are a delightful part of the world of aromatherapy! Join me for an introductory class on distilling hydrosols. In this 4-hour class participants will explore the process of distillation from preparation of the still and botanicals through to collecting the hydrosol and, in some cases, the essential oil. Using a pyrex glass still allows participants to see the entire distillation process as the steam travels up through the botanical material and returns to its liquid state via the dual-chambered condensing tube.
Class fee is $55 and includes the textbook ‘Aromatic Waters’, and a 2 ounce bottle of hydrosol to take home. We’ll formulate with hydrosols during various phases of distillation and enjoy a potluck lunch. After lunch we’ll enjoy an aromatic dessert flavored with a hydrosol.
Registration is limited to six (6) participants to ensure hands-on time for everyone. Cancellations are accepted fourteen (14) days before class. In the event the instructor has to cancel refunds will be given within fourteen (14) days.
Amy Kreydin is a clinically trained aromatherapist through R.J. Buckle Associates and an aromatic medicine practitioner. She distills hydrosols from her apothecary garden and teaches a course on hydrosols as part of her Professional Aromatherapy Certification program. Amy is the author of Aromatic Waters: Therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Culinary Hydrosol Applications.

Introduction to Aromatherapy
2018-08-07 10:00 - 2018-08-28 14:00 UTC | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Four Week Course: Introduction to Aromatherapy
Running Tuesdays, 10am-2pm August 7th through 28th.
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils, hydrosols, and aromatic extracts to restore or maintain wellness of mind, body, and spirit. This course is designed to give students a foundation in the holistic and therapeutic modality of aromatherapy.
This class series covers:

Basic aromatherapy skills – selecting aromatics, therapeutic combinations (aka “blending”), types of applications;
Safety – contraindications, medication interactions, special considerations;
History – the rich history of botanicals as allies in health and wellness;
Extraction methods – we’ll look at how aromatic plants are extracted, including a live distillation.

This is an introductory level course and no prerequisites are required to attend. This class series is ideal for those looking for natural wellness options for themselves and loved ones, as well as practitioners who want to better understand methodologies of incorporating aromatic therapies into an existing practice like massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, or herbalism.

Aromatic Therapies in the Childbearing Year
2018-07-19 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Starting or adding to a family is a natural life event for many women. This Apothecary Session will explore ways to support the mother and baby during each trimester of pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and postpartum. We’ll discuss indicated, contraindicated, and cautioned aromatics and best practices to inspire confidence working with these concentrated plant extracts with the special population.
This is a hands-on event and participants will learn basic blending and formulating of aromatics, working with essential oils, absolutes, CO2 extracts, and hydrosols. During this session we will look at aromatics to support:

preconception – preparing for pregnancy
first trimester – morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, fatigue, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infection
second trimester – acne, itchy or painful stretch marks, PUPPP, back pain, gestational diabetes, muscle cramps
third trimester – acid reflux, constipation, symphysis pubis dysfunction, edema, hypertension
labor and birth – prodromal and stalled labor, precipitous labor, pain perception
puerperium – breastfeeding, perineal and cesarean healing, newborn care, mood support

This session is appropriate for parents-to-be, aunts, grandmothers, birth and postpartum doulas, midwives, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and anyone who provides support during the childbearing year. Apothecary Sessions are smaller classes designed to allow maximum exposure to hands-on content and a supportive learning environment. Cancellations will be accepted up to 7 days before the scheduled class.*
About Amy: Amy Kreydin has attended over a hundred births in the last two decades and has worked with thousands of expecting parents. She is a Clinical Aromatherapist with an advanced diploma in Aromatic Medicine and is also a Board Certified Reflexologist.
*On-call during the scheduled class? Let Amy know at the time of registration for special instructions on late cancellation for those attending a birth.

Ouch! Summertime Aromatic First Aid
2018-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Aromatic first aid to the rescue! Summertime can be rough for some of us – bug bites, sunburn, heat rashes, bumps and bruises, ingrown toenails, poison ivy, swimmer’s ear, and acne. Let’s look at some holistic approaches to soothe these common summer maladies in this Apothecary Session. Participants will get hands-on experience preparing remedies that the whole family will welcome this season!
Together we’ll create:

Biting insect repellent
Skin soothing spray gel
and your choice of either a nail oil or an ear oil for ingrown nails or swimmer’s ear

Class fee is $45 and includes all aromatics, botanicals, and raw ingredients used in the classroom. Participants will take home formulas crafted to their individual needs. No prior experience is necessary to attend. Space is limited to six (6) participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all.
Please note: due to small class size, cancellations will must be given 72 hours in advance to receive a refund. In the event of class cancellation all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.

Summer Skincare - Body Butters & Scrubs
2018-06-02 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Summertime is all about the element of fire – hot, intense, light, sharp, penetrating. In this Apothecary Session we will formulate to keep cool and hydrated all summer long!
In Ayurveda the dosha Pitta, governed by fire, is prone to excess in the summer months leading to sunburns, acne, hot and achey joints, ingrown hair, diarrhea, exhaustion, hot flashes, and night sweats. The penetrative quality of Pitta can cause skin to lose hydration quickly, which leads to buildup of dead skin cells and prevents moisturizing products from being as effective.
Using master formulations we’ll make:

Salt Scrub Base – great for sloughing off dead skin cells and soothing ingrown hairs
Sugar Scrub Base – also great for sloughing off dead skin cells, gentler on delicate skin of the torso and face
Body Butter Base – silky soft body butters soothe, protect, and nourish the skin
Beach Hair Spritzer – a light hair spritz designed to bring moisture and minerals while controlling frizz

Using high quality aromatic extracts, oils, butters, salts, and sugars we will customize these master formulations to fit with your constitutional goals and needs accountaing for each of the doshas:

Vata – governed by the element of air is creative and changeable; prone to dry skin and hair and generally runs cool
Pitta – governed by the element of fire is focused and intellectual; prone to skin rashes and generally runs hot
Kapha – governed by the element of earth is thoughtful and steady; prone to oily skin and water retention

This is a hands-on class introducing participants to raw ingredients like African shea and kpangnan butters, Moraccan Rhassoul clay, Amazonian cupuacu butter, and Indian kokum butter.
Class fee is $85 and includes all aromatics, botanicals, and raw ingredients used in the classroom. Participants will take home formulas crafted to their individual needs. No prior experience is necessary to attend. Space is limited to six participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all.
Please note: due to small class size, cancellations will must be given 72 hours in advance to receive a refund. In the event of class cancellation all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.

Reflexology in Practice - Module Two
2018-05-16 - 2018-06-27 | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
This 32-hour module picks up from Introduction to Reflexology, covering body systems related to:

The Body
Integumentary (skin)
Skeletal (bones)
Muscular
Nervous
Cardiovascular

In this module students will study theoretical lessons via the online classroom for six weeks and meet at the Northwest Austin studio to study the practicum lessons for two weeks.
Note: students of other programs wishing to further enhance their training via distance education can request access to the course at a discounted rate via email. Requests are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Dates for Summer 2018 semester:

Lesson One – May 16th, 8am-11am, live Zoom class
Lesson Two – May 23rd, 8am-11am, live Zoom class
Lesson Three – May 30th, 8am-11am, live Zoom class
Lesson Four – June 6th, 8am-11am, live Zoom class
Lesson Five – June 13th, 9am-5pm, in-studio practicum
Lesson Six – June 20th, 8am-11am, live Zoom class
Lesson Seven – June 27th, 9am-5pm, in-studio practicum

Essential Oils 101
2018-05-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic plant extracts used to support wellness, enhance mood, fragrance a room, repel insects, and encourage healing. In this class essential oil enthusiasts will explore 5 popular essential oils for their therapeutic uses in and around the home. Learn how to safely and effectively use essential oils for yourself and your family.
Participants will make a therapeutic inhaler based on their individual constitution. Usage discussions will include allergies, asthma, pregnancy, babies, children, first aid, pets, acne, nausea, insomnia, safety, teenagers, seizure-disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, cancer, pain, stress, bug bites, headaches, and more.
Students should refrain from wearing fragrances on their body or clothing to class to avoid interferring with organoleptic testing for themselves and other students. Class size is limited to ensure a quality educational experience for each participant.
Please note that this is not a marketing class but an educational class taught by Clinical Aromatherapist, Amy Kreydin. Amy has been studying complementary medicine for the past 22 years. She practices at her home-based studio specializing in women’s health, pediatrics, pain management, and digestive disorders. Amy offers professional training in aromatherapy and reflexology, and runs community classes like this one year-round.

Allied Health Practitioner Relationships
2018-03-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Live webinar scheduled for March 23rd, 11am Central
In this continuing education class for wellness practitioners we will explore ways to develop collaborative care relationships with other wellness practitioners to build clientele, provide a diverse referral pool to help meet client wellness goals, and to co-consult on challenging cases.
An allied health practitioner relationship is:
•Someone you have developed a professional relationship with.
•Refers to you and you refer to them.
•Is part of your client’s wellness team.
•Someone you can reach out to for a co-consult and vice versa.
We’ll look at:
•Types of Allied Health Practitioners
•Cooperation vs. Competition
•Benefits to an Allied Health Practitioner Relationship
•Making Initial Contact with an Allied Health Practitioner
Including sample:
•Letter of Introduction
•Networking Follow-Up Email
•Mutual Client Letter to Collaborate
•and a Release Form for HIPAA Compliance
This webinar will be recorded and uploaded following video processing so if you can’t make the live event you’ll be able to access the recording at your convenience.

A Holistic Approach to Pain Management
2018-03-06 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Pain comes in many forms and can last a short while, acute pain, or for an extended period, chronic pain. Managing pain may be something some of us only think about every once in a while, while others can go only a few minutes without thinking about pain. In this Apothecary Session we will approach both acute and chronic pain patterns from a holistic perspective, discussing the roles of lifestyle, aromatics, and botanicals in pain management.
We will discuss pain types:

Neuropathic – nerve pain can be caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy, and trauma to the central nervous system
Nociceptive – tissue damage pain can occur following surgery, dental procedures, a sports injury, sprained ankle, headaches, and arthritis
Syndromes – such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Psychogenic – pain that is exacerbated by anxiety, depression, or stress

Participants will create two pain formulations during this class; supplies are included in the class fee. Class size is limited to six (6) participants to foster a quality learning environment. Allied health practitioners and laypersons are both welcome to attend this class, no prerequisite is required. Please note cancellations will be accepted 7 days prior to class.

Serums and Masques - Apothecary Session
2018-01-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Is it time for an oil serum refill? Want even more skin hydration? In this apothecary session we build on the popular Aromatic Beauty Care workshop to prepare another face oil serum and try our hands at something new: a hydrating, Korean-style face masque. Return for some formulating fun while getting some much deserved, post-holiday rest and rejuvenation!
Class fee is $40 and includes all aromatics, botanicals, and raw ingredients used in the classroom. Participants will take home a face serum refill and a Korean-style masque kit. Prerequisite of Aromatic Beauty Care class is necessary to attend. Space is limited to six participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all.
Please note: due to small class size, cancellations will must be given 72 hours in advance to receive a refund. In the event of class cancellation all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.

Sippable Botanicals: Drinking Vinegars
2018-01-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Part One of the Sippable Botanicals Apothecary Series
Drinking Vinegars are delicious, heart-healthy, weight-loss supporting, prebiotic beverages the whole family can enjoy! Vinegars are already rich in antioxidants so when we combine them with different botanicals and aromatics we can boost the health benefits in a variety of ways.
Explore popular sippable vinegars such as:

Thieves Vinegar
Oxymels
Shrubs
Fire Cider
and Switchels

We’ll work with different types of:

Vinegars
Hydrosols
Herbs
Fruits
and Sweeteners

To create delicious drinking vinegars you’ll enjoy time and time again.
What to bring to class:
Pencil or pen, writing paper or notepad, and 3 half-pint (8 ounce) canning jars for take-home goodies.

Understanding Hydrosols Webinar
2017-12-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Hydrosols are a delightful part of the world of aromatherapy! In this webinar we’ll explore some of the challenges to understanding hydrosols and their uses, including:

Using hydrosols for therapeutic wellness goals
Identifying and sourcing quality hydrosols
and Exploring acute versus chronic dosing parameters

Frequently asked questions relating to oral dosing, use with pediatrics, and safety concerns will be addressed and a special Q&A session will be available.
Registrants will be sent a link to join the event through Zoom online or call-in instructions to join us by phone.
If you cannot make the live event, register to receive a link to view the recording after the webinar takes place.
Amy Kreydin is a clinically trained aromatherapist through R.J. Buckle Associates and an aromatic medicine practitioner. She distills hydrosols from her apothecary garden and teaches a course on hydrosols as part of her Professional Aromatherapy Certification program. Amy is the author of Aromatic Waters: Therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Culinary Hydrosol Applications.

Supporting the Immune System - Apothecary Session
2017-09-28 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
In this Apothecary Session we will explore botanicals and aromatics that support the immune system during cold and flu season. Participants will get hands-on experience preparing remedies that will become key players in their wellness protocols for prevention, at the onset of infection, during peak cold/flu, and in recovery. Learn about what makes key ingredients helpful in specific areas of use and why the same remedy may not work for everyone in the household!
Remedies we will explore together, include:

Aromatic Elderberry Cordial
Immune Support Hot Toddies
Aromatic Throat Soother Syrup
Aromatic Chest Balm
Aromatic Nebulizer Solution
Aching Body Bath Blend

Class fee is $65 and inclues all aromatics, botanicals, and raw ingredients used in the classroom. Participants will take home formulas crafted to their individual needs. No prior experience is necessary to attend. Space is limited to eight participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all. Please note: due to small class size individual refunds will not be available. In the event of class cancellation all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.

Auricular Therapy: Pressure Point Techniques for the Ear
2017-09-18 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Ear Reflexology is a profoundly relaxing and therapeutic modality that is easy to administer by the holistic health practitioner. With combined theories of Oriental Meridian Therapy and modern Reflexology, Auricular Therapy is a manual technique that employs pressure point application by the practitioner.
Suitable for acupuncturists, massage therapists, therapeutic touch practitioners, nurses and others licensed to touch.
*This course does not fulfill national education requirements to practice as a Reflexologist.
Class objectives:

Participants will be able to list milestones in the history of Auricular Therapy.
Participants will be able to list theories of Auricular Therapy.
Participants will demonstrate point locations on fellow students.
Participants will demonstrate applications of pressure techniques using fingers and thumbs.
Participants will demonstrate a ten minute Ear Reflexology routine.
Participants will discuss possible applications and scenarios to use Ear Reflexology within their practices.
Participants will discuss the integration of Ear Reflexology into treatment protocols.
Participants will list contraindications of Ear Reflexology.

Class format: The class is taught in lecture format with hands-on participation from students. Students should wear comfortable clothing and will be practicing on other students in the classroom.
Class materials: The class will be taught with a combination of audiovisual presentations using overhead projector and computer presentation. Hand sanitizer will be required.
Space is limited to six participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all. Please note: due to small class size individual refunds will only be available if cancellation is received 14 days in advance of the class date. In the event of class cancellation by instructor (due to low enrollment, illness, or emergency) all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.

How to Choose a Diffuser eClass
2017-08-19 | Online Event
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as an aromatherapist is: what kind of essential oil diffuser is best? In this class I’ll address some of the more popular diffusers on the market and go over the pros and cons for each style. I’ll also talk about dosing, olfaction, and give you some MacGyver style hacks for when you don’t have a diffuser at hand or haven’t decided which type meets your needs.

How to Choose a Diffuser - Webinar
2017-08-16 12:00 - 12:30 UTC | Online Event
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive as an aromatherapist is: what kind of essential oil diffuser is best?
In this webinar I’ll address some of the more popular diffusers on the market and go over the pros and cons for each style. I’ll also talk about dosing, olfaction, and give you some MacGyver style hacks for when you don’t have a diffuser at hand or haven’t decided which type meets your needs.
This is a lunch-and-learn webinar and I do not provide individual consultations, retail sales, or medical advice. The webinar is 30 minutes in length. Participants will be emailed instructions on how to join webinar upon registration.

Green Cleaning with Aromatherapy
2017-07-13 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy while cleaning your home with essential oils, hydrosols, and other aromatic botanicals!
Switching to green cleaning products not only benefits the environment but also reduces your indoor air pollution and the harmful effects of ingredients found in conventional household cleaning products, like:

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite): can cause headaches, mild asthmatic symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness after inhalation exposure.
Ammonia: can irritate the eyes, lungs, and cause headaches.
Paradichlorbenzene: used in moth balls and toilet deodorizer tablets is harmful to the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Formaldehyde: a suspected human carcinogen, is an irritant to the eyes, throat, skin, and lungs.
Hydrochloric acid: can cause chemical burns when they come into contact with the skin.

Synthetic fragrances found in laundry products, room fragrances, and cleaners have been linked to asthma and bronchitis (Medina-Ramon et al., 2005).
In this class we’ll discuss formulation techniques that give us effective cleaning tools for the home or office while enhancing your overall wellness through inhalation of aromatic botanicals. Through step-by-step instructions we’ll explore:

Germicidal plant ingredients
Natural degreasers
Effective ways of formulating
Why many DIY cleaners fail at actually cleaning
Mood enhancing properties of aromatics
Formulating with a diagnosis of multiple chemical sensitivites (MCS)
Formulating with pregnancy, infants, toddlers, and pets in mind

Class fee is $65 and inclues all aromatics, botanicals, and raw ingredients used in the classroom. Participants will take home formulas crafted to their individual needs. No prior experience is necessary to attend. Space is limited to eight participants to ensure a quality educational experience for all. Please note: due to small class size individual refunds will not be available. In the event of class cancellation all participants will receive a full refund within fourteen (14) days of cancellation.
About Your Instructor:
After experiencing multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also known as idiopathic environmental intolerances, firsthand she grew passionate about green cleaning in 1997. Amy Kreydin is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner (CCAP), and has been making her own eco-friendly, non-toxic household cleaners ever since.

Aromatic Therapies & the Dysregulated Stress System
2017-07-11 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Four Week Course: Aromatic Therapies & the Dysregulated Stress System

Running Tuesdays, 10am-2pm July 11th, July 18th, August 1st, August 8th
Stress accounts for 75% of doctor’s office visits and is linked to the six leading causes of death: cancer, heart disease, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, lung ailments, and suicide. This course seeks to assist students in understanding the dysregulated stress system and how to approach a holistic treatment plan using aromatic therapies.
Registration available via Credit Card/PayPal at Eventbrite, check and cash payments available by appointment (select Product Pick-Up to reserve time) at the office. Space is limited to 8 students.
Course Goal: Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to: understand the impact of a dysregulated stress system on multiple body systems. Assess dysregulated stress system cases for aromatic therapies including exploring safety, contraindications, and cautions. Formulate aromatic treatment plans to address acute and chronic stress patterns. Aromatic Therapies & the Dysregulated Stress System is part of The Barefoot Dragonfly 200-hour practitioner course designed to prepare students for a career path as an aromatic therapies practitioner, or aromatherapist. An approved Introduction to Aromatherapy module is prerequisite to enrollment in this class.
Class Location: The Barefoot Dragonfly Classroom located at 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX 78729.
Class Hours: 16
Instructor: Amy Kreydin, NBCR, CCAP, BD
Office Hours: Before and after class by appointment
Instructor Bio: Amy Kreydin, Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist, has been in private practice since 2004. Kreydin received her certificate as a Certified Reflexologist from the Palmer Institute in Salem, MA in 2004, and was awarded her board certificate in Reflexology from the American Reflexology Certification Board in 2006. She trained at a Harvard teaching hospital in Boston, MA and obtained her Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner (CCAP) in 2011. She has lectured and taught classes in massage and acupuncture schools, hospitals, and clinics since 2007. Kreydin is passionate about whole body wellness and loves helping folks reach their health goals to live an abundant, vibrant, and balanced life.
Required Materials:

Materia Aromatica Student Manual written by Amy Kreydin
Writing paper and utensils should be brought to each class

General Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Discuss internal and external stressors
Discuss and demonstrate knowledge of the stress system
Describe assessment of acute and chronic stress symptoms
Demonstrate formulation protocols for addressing the dysregulated stress system

General Class Structure: The class will be conducted once a week unless otherwise noted. During lab sessions, students will develop their practical skills and discuss any challenges they encounter with respect to new material.
Methods of Instruction: The class will be taught with a combination of audiovisual presentations using overhead projector, whiteboard or paper chart, lecture, demonstration, and laboratory.
Aromatic Therapies & the Dysregulated Stress System Syllabus (PDF)

Aromatherapy Happy Hour
2017-01-26 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Join us for an Aromatherapy Happy Hour!
Sip on an aromatic cordial or some drinking bitters while you enjoy a live distillation of an aromatic botanical. Select cordials and bitters will be available for purchase to enjoy at home or give as gifts.
This event is free but please RSVP so we can make sure we’ve got enough supplies on hand so everyone enjoys a sample of this season’s offerings!

Aromatherapy Open House
2016-12-07 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
Join us for our very first Aromatherapy Happy Hour!
Sip on an aromatic cordial or some drinking bitters while you enjoy a live distillation of an aromatic botanical. Select cordials and bitters will be available for purchase to enjoy at home or give as gifts.
This event is free but please RSVP so we can make sure we’ve got enough supplies on hand so everyone enjoys a sample of this season’s offerings!

Ayurvedic Self-Care Foot Rub Class
2016-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | The Barefoot Dragonfly, 7601 Pheasant Rock Road, Austin, TX, 78729, United States
“Disease does not go near one who massages his feet before sleeping, just as snakes do not approach eagles.”
Ayurvedic medicine teaches us that a foot rub before going to bed can be quite helpful for insomnia, fatigue, and lower leg cramps. In this class you will be introduced to a simple self-care foot rub routine that you can practice at home on yourself or a loved one. No prior experience necessary! Feel welcome to bring a friend! Space is limited so register early.
