DR. VIVIAN NADYA LUNNY
MD, Cardiac Pathologist / Aromatherapist and Colour Healer
1946 - 2022
Born in Slovakia shortly after the second world war to Jewish parents, Vivian moved to La Paz, Bolivia at the age of three. Her father, a Holocaust survivor and highly respected dentist, and her mother, decided eastern Europe wasn’t a safe environment to raise their little girl, so they cultivated a home in South America of love and support enabling Vivian to pursue her aspirations of becoming a doctor. She specialized in pathology and cardiology, received a scholarship to Buenos Aires and shortly after found a position in London, England.
Her journey with aromatherapy commenced in the early 80s when she quickly recognized the profound advantages of essential oils and plant-based remedies. This revelation initially stemmed from her observations within Bolivia’s indigenous cultures.
Shortly after the births of her two sons, Doctor Vivian's quest for knowledge led her to further her education in the field at the London School of Aromatherapy.
Along this path, she engaged in collaborations with esteemed figures like Vicky Wall and Jan Kusmirek, while also becoming a member of the IFA (International Federation of Aromatherapists), attempting to help the wider community understand oils’ health benefits.
At the turn of the millennium she moved with her family to Canada, furthering her ties with NAHA (the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) and the CAOA (Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy). Her focus was always to help improve people’s health conditions and mitigate any suffering their bodies or minds might be experiencing.
The practicing standards of western medicine against the body’s functions combined with her aromatherapeutic knowledge made Vivian’s approach particularly unique. Her qualifications informed her of exactly what the underlying medical issues were, and the oils, an elixir to help fill in those gaps.
Dr. Vivian Lunny was also a published author, collaborating with Salamander press for her first book and publishing several more in multiple languages.
Not content with simply amassing knowledge, Dr. Vivian was an avid educator, imparting her wisdom through courses and literature across the globe. Her teachings spanned diverse locations, from Hungary to Taipei, and from Australia to America.
Her passion for sharing never wavered, even in the face of mobility challenges and visual impairments. In fact, she envisioned transitioning to remote teaching to ensure wider access to what she had learned.
Dr. Vivian's approach was characterized by both open-mindedness and scientific rigor. Her study of how natural elements genuinely impacted individuals informed her meticulous creation of formulas tailored to address various conditions.
Beyond her expertise in aromatherapy, she mastered colour therapy, reiki, and the manifold health benefits inherent in crystals and stones.
Dr. Vivian's influence extended beyond her professional pursuits. In her later years she volunteered as a counsellor to Vancouver seniors, lonely or suffering from mental health issues.
Forever cherished by her family, she held and holds significant sway in her field. Vivian has left an indelible mark on the world of aromatherapy and holistic healing.
Hugo Lunny
