Meet Rui

                 

 Hello, I’m Rui, the founder and aromatherapist behind AromaYasumi.

The name AromaYasumi comes from the Japanese word yasumi, meaning rest or pause. It reflects my wish to help you take a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself—through the gentle power of scent.

I’m originally from Japan and now based in London. Since childhood, I’ve been deeply drawn to nature, healing, and the connection between people and the natural world. I hold a diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy from the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and currently serve as a trustee of the organization.

The IFA is the only aromatherapy organization in the UK accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), an independent body that promotes safety and quality in health and wellbeing.

It’s an honor to be involved with the very first professional body in the UK established by aromatherapists, for aromatherapists.

I grew up in a family surrounded by medical professionals, so caring for others and supporting health felt natural to me from an early age. As a student, I became passionate about climate change and the healing power of nature, often troubled by how human actions impact the environment. At university, I studied environmental science, from the relationship between plants and people to atmospheric environmental studies, learning about the mechanisms of the atmosphere, UV rays, and the ozone layer.

Through this, my perspective on health began to shift. I grew more drawn to approaches beyond Western medicine, which often focuses only on removing symptoms. Instead, I felt inspired by Eastern philosophies that emphasize balance, prevention, and activating the body’s natural healing power. I also became curious about practices like feng shui, acupressure points, and face reading, which explore the deeper connection between the body and its energy.

In Japan, there’s a saying: Yamai wa Ki kara—“Illness begins in the mind or spirit.” I truly believe that a calm, balanced mind is the foundation of genuine health.

Although I grew up far from the idea of living abroad, I always dreamed of seeing the world. During university breaks, I traveled as a backpacker, immersing myself in different cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. I was deeply touched by the kindness I experienced everywhere, regardless of race or nationality—it reminded me that beyond borders, we are all simply human.

After graduation, I wanted to connect more deeply with people from different countries, so I moved to London to improve my English. I studied business English while joining a program that allowed me to find an internship in a field I was passionate about. I was fortunate to be accepted into a well-known British handmade natural cosmetics company with an international presence.

There, I was captivated by the influence of essential oils used in every product. I found joy in exploring their full range—from bath care to skin care and hair care—and experienced how scent could subtly transform how you feel.

Around that time, I casually joined a one-day introduction to aromatherapy held near my home. I was amazed at how such gentle scents could bring such relief and balance to both body and mind. I still remember how deeply I slept that night.

That experience became the turning point—I decided to study aromatherapy more seriously and enrolled in the IFA diploma course while working.

Over the past 20+ years, I’ve lived in London and Vienna, worked in various fields, and dedicated time to raising my children, but the power of scent has always stayed with me. Beyond working as an aromatherapist, I gained different perspectives through other careers, yet aromatherapy remained a constant part of my life. It supported the health of my family, my children, and myself—and I truly believe it helped me stay well throughout my long years living abroad.

During the pandemic, life was anything but quiet—I was caring for a newborn while homeschooling my older children. Even in those hectic days, aromatherapy supported me and my family.

For prevention and to keep symptoms from worsening, I used steam inhalation with essential oil blends and chest-and-back body oil for the adults, and a gentler chest oil for the children.

I carefully chose and researched oils for their antiviral and antibacterial properties, those that help loosen mucus, ease discomfort in the chest muscles caused by coughing, relieve pain, and support the immune system. Thanks to this, my whole family managed to recover from colds and even COVID with mild symptoms and regained their health smoothly.

There were also sleepless nights due to postpartum fatigue and hormonal changes during breastfeeding. Even then, the gentle support of essential oils helped me rest and regain balance.

I also loved making room sprays with my children and letting them choose scents. When they smiled and said, “This smell feels so calming,” I realized that scent doesn’t just care for the body—it brings comfort and emotional reassurance to the whole family.

These experiences deepened my desire to share the quiet yet profound power of scent with more people. I continued learning and evolving my practice, which has led me to the work I do now.

Every blend I create is carefully handcrafted based on an online consultation form, considering your physical, emotional, and skin condition, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and scent preferences, while ensuring safety and comfort.

I offer body oils, face oils, steam inhalation blends, and diffuser blends tailored to your needs.

Once you’ve experienced your first bespoke blend, you can also re-order a repeat blend—either with the same recipe or a slight tweak—at a more affordable price. This way, your favorite scent can become part of your daily self-care ritual, supporting your wellbeing with consistency.

On Instagram, I share self-care tips I personally practice, the healing power of plants and nature, and insights from aromatherapy research. Feel free to take a look!  👉 @aromayasumi

For those who love science as much as scent—aromatherapy is often seen as “just something that smells nice,” but its potential is increasingly supported by research. For example, a study led and funded by the IFA, conducted by a university research team, showed that simply inhaling a specific essential oil blend significantly reduced cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

This demonstrates that the effects of essential oils go beyond the senses—they can be scientifically measured.

→You can read more about this research from here

While I value traditional Japanese wellness philosophy, I always keep an open mind and continue learning, embracing the depth of aromatherapy.

Whether I’m creating a bespoke blend just for you, helping you choose a meaningful gift, or simply offering a moment to pause and breathe—

Thank you so much for being here.

Let’s create a blend that’s uniquely yours.