Becoming an aromatherapist requires a deep understanding of the body and essential oils. Aromatherapy can be effective in treating various disorders, but should be performed by a qualified professional. Certification from organizations like NAHA and NCBTMB can increase employment opportunities. Recommended areas of study include the history of aromatherapy, extraction and blending of oils, and safe techniques for using aromatherapy.
Popular culture often makes aromatherapy seem simple, but becoming an aromatherapist is not easy. In aromatherapy, you must develop an understanding of how the body works. It would be unprofessional, unethical and possibly dangerous to undertake any practical aromatherapy treatment without understanding the structure and function of the body.
Aromatherapy is the science of using essential oils to improve the mind, body and spirit. Essential oils are essences extracted from the leaves, twigs, flowers, bark, fruits and roots of various plants. When you become an aromatherapist, you can work on preventing health problems, treating common ailments, and complementing more traditional medical treatments in the healing process.
Aromatherapy treatments, if performed correctly, are perfectly safe. These treatments can be effective in helping a wide range of disorders, from headaches and nausea to chronic insomnia. Essential oils should be diluted and used carefully, preferably under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist. It takes a lot of study to understand how essential oils work and how to be careful when performing treatments on children, pregnant women or people with special medical concerns.
There are no federal or state government agencies that provide licenses to someone who wants to become an aromatherapist. However, there are some professional associations that review and regulate standards in aromatherapy as a way to protect the general public from unqualified practitioners. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) are two of the most popular aromatherapy organizations.
Nationally certified aromatherapists are in demand because the credential represents a commitment to quality, integrity and professional service. This means that a person is being cared for by an aromatherapy professional whose practices are in line with the national standard. Also, by becoming a certified aromatherapist, you would receive the necessary training to work in the field of alternative medicine. This would substantially increase the amount of employment opportunities available.
If you want to become an aromatherapist, you should find a school that offers aromatherapy courses that will prepare you for the certification exam. Recommended areas of study include the history of aromatherapy; extraction, distillation and blending of oils; the properties of various oils; and safe techniques for using aromatherapy. You also need to have a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology and organic chemistry to understand how common ailments can be successfully treated with aromatherapy massage or essential oil treatments.
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