On a calm, sunlit morning, we brought gentle scents to a place that provides emergency protection for families in crisis, due to the special circumstances of residents in need. Around eight households—about twenty people—were staying there. After a protection period, residents are linked to housing support and more, but the journey toward childcare, financial independence, and emotional recovery is far too long to bear alone.
AROMATICA’s heart-care project “Mom-Comfort Therapy” began with the hope that it could be a brief but precious time to catch one’s breath along that journey. This was already our tenth session. Until now we had continued mainly at shelters for single mothers, but this time, for the very first time, we knocked on the door of an interim support center.
Together with our employee volunteers, we held a program of essential-oil blending and hand massage. Six mothers and four middle-school students joined us. Among them was a child who had never experienced scent before. When that child cautiously inhaled and smiled with sparkling eyes, we felt that our hearts had connected first. One mother said, “If I had a pillow, I could fall asleep right away”, letting go of tension for a moment. A teen with developmental traits raised both thumbs high instead of speaking—his satisfied face told us everything.
We learned how to comfort our heads, arms, shoulders, and backs.
During the session, after checking their moods and body conditions, everyone made a personalized roll-on blend. Dropping essential oils into small bottles, sealing them, and hand-labeling— the entire process naturally conveyed the meaning of “self-care.”
One mother from a multicultural family carefully read the Korean instructions and shared her feelings and condition. After choosing scents and completing her roll-on, she smiled brightly: “It’s my first time making something like this. I feel so happy!”
What the center shared with us
“My tired body and mind felt instantly relieved. Receiving care tailored to me, I drifted into sleep.”
“After Mom-Comfort Therapy, thanks to the natural scents, my body and mind felt lighter. I was reminded of the power of ‘rest.’”
“My heart felt much calmer during the time surrounded by scent. Even on difficult days, today’s memory will be a great comfort.”
After the program, one employee picked up the center’s brochure and exchanged contacts to donate cherished items no longer in use. They said, “My workplace is truly such a warm place”—a feeling that spread quietly like fragrance. We went to share scent and came back with warm hearts.
We hope that wounds and violence no one should ever experience fade, even for a brief moment, and that healing begins to take place. Through Mom-Comfort Therapy, we want to say: “We’re here. This time was for you.” May we continue to reach out—gently and surely—with fragrance and warmth.