.
.
Aromatherapy “is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is sometimes used in combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of a holistic treatment approach“.
The NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) has a full-page dedicated to “What is Aromatherapy?” if you’d like to read more.
If you want to learn aromatherapy, you should know that it is much more than *just* applying something that smells good, to the body or using an essential oil via a diffuser during massage. It can be that simple, but there should always be reason behind any choice of essential oil during a session.
Many courses cover botany, chemistry, the essential oils themselves and their profiles, toxic oils, essential oil safety, adverse reactions, carrier oils, blending, applying and quality control.
You can also gain certification as a Registered Aromatherapist (RA) after passing exams through the Aromatherapy Registration Council.
A few info-bits:
- Aromatherapy is different from the use of Flower Essences.
A flower essence contains no scent or perfume (except that of brandy, which is added as a stabilizer) and should not be confused with essential oils. They are very diluted preparations and should not be confused with herbal tinctures.
- Aromatherapy is different from the use of Herbal Extracts & Tinctures.
- Aromatherapy is different from Homeopathy.
.
Some Associations:
- NAHA -
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Membership(USA) - AIA -
Alliance of International Aromatherapists – Membership (USA) - CFA -
Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists – Join the CFA (Canada) - IFPA -
International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists – Becoming a Member (UK) - IAAMA -
International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association – Memberships (AU) - The Aromatherapy Alliance – Membership is Free (serving the New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Texas and South Florida areas)
.
Association lists of Aromatherapy schools that meet their requirements:
- From the NAHA website – NAHA Approved Schools Level 1 & 2
- From the AIA website – AIA Recognized Schools
- From the IFPA website – Find An IFPA Accredited School
- From the CFA website – CFA Schools Listing
- From the IAAMA website – IAAMA Accredited Courses
.
Newsletters/Magazines/Journals
- CFA Blog
- Aromatic Sage Articles
- CFA Newsletter
- NAHA Aromatherapy Journal
- “Simply Essential”
- “In Essence”
- Aromatherapy Today
- International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy (IJPHA)
- International Journal of Aromatherapy
- International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy
- International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics
Related Articles:
- Aromatherapy – Distance Learning / Correspondence / Home Study Courses
- Working Sunday – A Day of Rest for the Client
- Keeping Moisture & Odors Off Massage Linens
- Review: “Natural Stress Relief” CD
- A Random Act Of Kindness
- Ideas for Re-Booking Clients (aka: Ways to Ask Clients to Pre-book Sessions)
- Preparing / Dressing the Massage Table
- Boundaries – Dating Clients
.
.
.
10Tags: complimentary career, practice issues, relaxation, resources, techniques, tools
Very valuable summary, thank you.