Understand the health applications for using aromatherapy and essential oils on the human body. This course explains the properties of essential oils, how the oils affect the human body, using them safely and how to start your own business using your new skills in aromatherapy.
In aromatherapy there are two ways that essential oils can enter the body to work therapeutically: inhalation and absorption into the blood stream.
Essential oils have three distinct modes of action:
1) They initiate chemical changes in the body when the essential oil enters the bloodstream by reacting with hormones and enzymes
2) They have a physiological effect on the systems of the body
3) They have a psychological effect when the odour of the oil is inhaled
Course Content
Ten lessons as follows:
Lesson 1. Essential Oil Properties A
- Introduction
- Chemicals found in plants
- Primary metabolites
- Secondary metabolites
- Properties of essential oils
- Alternative effect
- Analgesic effect
- Anti inflammatory effect
- Antibacterial, Anti fungal, anti viral effects
- Astringent effect
- Calmative effect
- Diaphoretic effect
- Diuretic effect
- Emmenagogue effect
- Using Aromatherapy
Lesson 2. Essential Oil Properties B
- Expectorant effect
- Granulation-stimulating effect
- Nervine effect
- Rubefacient effect
- Sedative effect
- Spasmolytic effect
- Stimulatory effect
- Tonic effect
- Chemistry of Aromatherapy
- Phenolic compounds
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids
- Blending
- Classical blending
- Balancing
Lesson 3. Oil Extraction
- Introduction
- Expression
- Distillation
- Stem Distillation
- Enfleurage
- Solvent extraction
- Super critical carbon dioxide extraction
- Hydro diffusion
- Phytonic process
Lesson 4. The Physiology and Psychology of Aromatherapy
- Science of smell – olfaction
- Mechanism of action
- Absorption of essential oils into bloodstream
Lesson 5. Applications of Aromatherapy
- Introduction
- Massage
- Making massage oils
- Inhalation
- Vaporisation/ burners, diffusers
- Baths
- Compress
- Creams and lotions
- Components - oils, essential oils, emulsifiers, humectants, thickeners, preservatives, optional additives
- Processes of making cream
- Internal or Dermal applications
Lesson 6. Aromatherapy Safety
- Introduction
- General safety notes
- Recommended amounts – adults, children. Pregnancy
- Reactions / Irritations
- General Precautions – allergies, fever, blood pressure, epilepsy, cancer, etc
- Toxicity – acute, chronic
- Hazardous oils
- Quality of oil
- Storage
Lesson 7. Aromatherapy Treatment
- Client information
- Counselling and assessment
- Location
- Body language
- Listening skills
- Open questions
- The consultation form
- Treatment plan
- Clarify goals
- Suitable essential oils
- Application method
- Explain treatment to client
- Advise of potential adverse reactions
- Client feedback and follow op
- Informed consent
- Referral
- Confidentiality
- Record keeping
Lesson 8. Body Systems – Part 1
- Introduction
- Cardiovascular system
- Treatments for specific conditions – poor circulation, palpitations, hypertension, hypotension etc
- Respiratory system
- Treatments for sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, etc
- Lymphatic system & related treatments
- Reproductive system & related treatments
- Endocrine system & related treatments
Lesson 9. Body Systems – Part 2
- Musculoskeletal system & related treatments
- Nervous system and related treatments
- Essential oils to consider for other psychological disorders
- Digestive system and related treatments
- Integumentary System and related treatments
Lesson 10. Running your business
- Product development
- Incense making
- Soap making
- Aromatherapy Candle making
- Aromatherapy sprays
- Scented waters
- Scents derived from plant volatile oils
- Business considerations
- Aromatherapist practitioner
- Business planning
The science and physiology of smell – Olfaction
The term olfaction derives from the past participle of the Latin olfacere, which means “to smell”.
Our senses are heightened by the presence of smell. The scent of a flower may bring pleasure, or the smell of debris or noxious gases may warn about danger. It is our sense of smell that can affect our behavior, desires and sometimes illness. Early cultures used aromatherapy in both spiritual and medicinal ways to ‘cure’ both physical and mental diseases. Throughout history, fragrances have been used to stimulate the unconscious mind by Greek philosophers and practitioners to transform a person’s emotional state. Essential oils and aromatherapy may be used to involve feelings of positivity and wellness based on their individual properties.
Scents we find pleasurable (such as lavender or rose) may have a positive effect on our psychological well-being through:
- Increased memory and cognition
- Higher self-esteem
- Mood improvement
- Heightened emotions
- Reduced stress
There are many ways to leverage the therapeutic power of scent, from using candles and incense through to washing with particular hair and body products. Oils are also used in a variety of ways, including massage, or as a complement to alternative health treatments. Understanding the principles of aromatherapy, and the benefits of the most common scents, can be useful in a variety of contexts within and without the health world.
