For Jin Hee, saying “no” isn’t selfish, it’s the foundation of real self-care. After studying naturopathy and aromatherapy in Australia, she returned to Korea as a pioneer, blending Western personalised care with Korean traditions and later developing MannaTouch™ and Brown Iris Kinesthetic Aromatherapy Point Therapy.
She opens up about the emotional load Korean women carry, the loss of traditional practices, and how boundaries saved her from burnout. Now leading IAA Korea and representing AIA USA, she shares the wisdom she wishes she’d known earlier: be less afraid and choose yourself sooner.
Links & References:
Connect With Jin Hee Park
Website: https://www.aromaiaa.org/
Connect With Jennifer Jefferies
Show Note:
Jinhee’s background and pioneering work in Korea @ 0:00
Jinhee is a Korean naturopath and aromatherapist who studied in Australia for 30 years. She has been a trailblazer in bringing natural therapies and aromatherapy to Korea, and is the president of the International Aromatherapy Association in Korea as well as the international representative for the Alliance of International Aromatherapists in the USA.
Challenges of introducing Western natural therapies in Korea @ 11:01
Jinhee discussed the differences between the Western and Korean approaches to natural medicine, noting that in Korea there is more of a focus on constitution and standardized treatments, versus the more personalized Western approach. This made it challenging to introduce natural therapies in Korea initially.
The heavy burden on Korean women @ 15:17
Jinhee shared how in Korean culture, women are expected to take on immense family responsibilities, caring for their immediate and extended families. This can lead to women suppressing their emotions and neglecting their own health, as they feel guilty prioritizing themselves.
The decline of traditional Korean practices @ 43:08
Jinhee lamented the decline of traditional Korean practices like making large batches of kimchi, as younger generations move away from these time-honored customs in favor of more Western-influenced lifestyles and eating habits. This represents a cultural shift that concerns Jinhee.
Jinhee’s personal journey of learning to say “no” @ 55:01
Jinhee shared how it took her years to learn to say “no” and prioritize her own self-care, as it went against the cultural expectations placed on Korean women. This was a difficult but important lesson that allowed her to avoid burnout.
Advice for her younger self @ 57:20
If Jinhee could go back in time, she would advise her younger self to be less afraid and try more new things, rather than feeling constrained by cultural expectations.