How to Find a Good Aromatherapist

Recommendations on Locating a Suitable Aromatherapy Practice

Nov 4, 2008

Aromatherapy has grown in popularity in recent years; however, without any legal requirements governing the industry, it is difficult to know what to look for.

Aromatherapy has long been associated with massage but in fact in France it is the application and use of essential oils which is more important than massage and one can be practiced without the other. Aromatherapy is defined as a therapy using the aromas of a plant, that is applying essential oils in a number of ways which are therapeutic to the body's systems.

In the USA, there is no required qualification or license to set up as an aromatherapist; in France, aromatherapy is regarded as a branch of medicine and as such is only administered by qualified professionals including doctors and nurses. In the UK, aromatherapy is gradually being accepted and incorporated into health care settings such as hospitals.

Qualifications of an Aromatherapist

The Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) in the USA and Canada is an independent non-profit organization which keeps a list of registered aromatherapists who have passed a written exam in aromatherapy and is the first step in self regulating the industry. At present, there are no standards for aromatherapy qualifications for an aromatherapist and courses vary from introductory one day courses and on line courses to more complex diploma courses of up to one year or more in length.

Some courses meet the requirements and eligibility to join an aromatherapy organization such as the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA); whilst not a personal endorsement of the aromatherapist's credentials, it signifies that training qualifications are somewhat higher than those that don't meet the criteria of an organization such as this.

Insurance for an Aromatherapist

An aromatherapist who has completed a suitable training course will qualify for liability insurance for their aromatherapy practice, safeguarding both themselves and a client in case of any legal action. An aromatherapist who is covered by insurance promotes confidence in both their ability to practice aromatherapy and deal with any incidences which may result from an accident.

Consultation with an Aromatherapist

A suitably qualified aromatherapist will have a good knowledge of the anatomy of the human body and the physiology of the body. This enables the aromatherapist the ability to assess a person's difficulties and relate them to a suitable essential oil. There is usually a 20 – 30 minute consultation prior to an aromatherapy treatment to establish a client's symptoms and difficulties and recommend a suitable blend of essential oils for a treatment. Essential oils can be administered in a number of ways such as massage, bath oils and inhalation.

Recommendation of an Aromatherapist

The best way of finding a good aromatherapist is by recommendation. Personal experience of an aromatherapist is the highest qualification for any aromatherapist but may take both time and experience to build up. Word of mouth is the slowest but most effective form of advertising for an aromatherapist.

A good aromatherapist will carry out a comprehensive consultation with a client, recommend a course of home treatment to follow after the consultation and maintain follow up with a client after an initial session. Aromatherapy is more than just a massage, it is a good knowledge of the complexity and understanding of essential oils and applying this knowledge in relation to the body's needs.

References:

Price, Shirley, Price, Len 2002 2nd Edition Aromatherapy for Health Professionals UK: Churchill Livingstone

The copyright of the article How to Find a Good Aromatherapist in Aromatherapy is owned by Sharon Falsetto. Permission to republish How to Find a Good Aromatherapist in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.