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See Available Aromatherapist Schools
Aromatherapists are enjoying a boom in business due to the holistic and alternative medicine trend, and will likely continue to do so into the future. Aromatherapy is an ancient practice which involves the inhalation and application of essential oils from aromatic plants to rejuvenate or stimulate the body, mind and or spirit, and also for relaxation and stress relief.
There are three types of aromatherapy that are practiced, including cosmetic, massage, and olfactory. Cosmetic aromatherapy combines essential oils with skin, hair, and body care products made of natural ingredients. Massage aromatherapy involves combining the aromatic effects of aromatherapy with the healing and soothing effects of massage. Olfactory aromatherapy is practiced by placing the essential oils into a handkerchief or spraying them into the air for inhalation, or through diffusion, which releases the oils into the atmosphere, either by heating or through a nebulizer.
Aromatherapists have amny opportunities available to them, and many work in spas, clinics, or in private practices. Many of them are also certified in other areas of holistic medicine, such as massage therapy, naturopathy, or ayurvedic practitioners. They can run an essential oil store, or work in a health store at a “blending bar,” blending specific oils for customers for different effects, or they may choose to write about their area of study. The possibilities are endless, as is the amount of money one can hope to earn as an aromatherapist. The amount of income varies widely according to how this knowledge is practiced (consultant, store owner, writer) and also by location and client base.
Training for an aromatherapy certificate
is fairly easy, as many courses are just evening or
weekend seminars, but there are also courses geared
to those already in the holistic field as a professional.
While training is easy, it does take time to learn the
effects of oils and to feel completely comfortable with
their use. There is currently no regulation on aromatherapy,
but as many practitioners include it with their other
practices, such as massage, the regulations for those
practices apply. There are several organizations working
to regulate aromatherapy and require standard education
and accreditation, but as of this writing, it is still
largely unregulated.
California Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers* (Boise, San Diego) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner,
Massage Therapy, Optical Technician, Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant
Golden
State College - (Bakersfield)* - Holistic Health Practitioner
Maric
College (Vista)*
- Holistic Health Practitioner
National
Holistic Institute (SF
Bay Area) - Massage Therapist and Health Educator
Silicon
Valley College* (Emeryville, Fremont, San
Jose , Walnut
Creek ) - Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy
Idaho Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers (Boise)
- Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Oregon Schools
Ashmead
College (Tigard)
- Massage Therapy, Spa & Aromatherapy
Washington Schools
Ashmead
College* (Seattle, Fife, Vancouver , Everett)
- Fitness Trainer, Massage Therapy, Spa and Aromatherapy
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