This week has been Aromatherapy Awareness Week.
So, I thought I would share with you something important about Aromatherapy and therapists. Aromatherapy is so popular now and there are some misconceptions about the qualifications and classifications about this therapy.
In fact, since I started teaching this subject it is something I can be rather pedantic about and will stand on my soap box!
The difference in qualifications and categories.
Essential Oil Practitioner, Aromatherapist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
When you train as a massage therapist you are sometimes trained to use pre-blended oils to give an ‘aromatherapy massage’. This is when you are only taught (and insured!) to give a massage with massage oils that are already pre-blended by the supply company. You are not trained or qualified to use essential oils at all. I run a course ‘Essential, Blends and Products and in this I do teach about Essential Oils, Blended Oils and making products. In the Recipe Book there are recipes for essential oil blends that can be used by the therapist. This does not make them an Aromatherapist, they are still Massage Therapist with training on using Essential Oils and Blends and only using the Recipes provided. They are not trained to put their own Essential Oils together.
An Aromatherapist has done a full level 3 or 4 qualification in the use of essential oils including all safety and contraindications. They are trained to mix and blend oils for massage and other products for home use. They are usually trained in 40-60 essential oils and basic common ailments they can support.
At this level to be an Aromatherapist in the UK it includes a massage element. 20 years ago, I trained in this qualification and Level 4 was then classed as an Advanced Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy Massage is very different to Swedish Massage. Much gentler, smoother, and lighter.
If you train to this level without the massage element you are a qualified Essential Oil Practitioner. Some people prefer to train this way and simply add Essential Oils to their already existing treatments such as reflexology or even counselling.
A Clinical Aromatherapist has continued training even up to a level 7. They are trained in over 150 oils and much more complex conditions and uses of the essential oils. Clinical Aromatherapists can safely work with many medical conditions such as cancer symptoms and even as young as newborns if need be. It is the equivalent of having a bachelors degree in aromatherapy. (Though degrees don’t exist in this field)
I read a good description and analogy this week –
Pre-Blend training is like going to the nurse practitioner.
Aromatherapy or Aromatherapist training is like going to the GP.
Clinical Aromatherapist is like going to a Consultant at a hospital
Please when looking for an Aromatherapist do check their qualifications, training and even their insurance to make sure that you are getting the right therapy for you, the right therapy you want and that the therapist is trained properly. Educate yourself first!