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A career in alternative medicine is the flavor of the season. Alternative medicine refers to different fields like naturopathic medicine, holistic medicine, complementary medicine, herbal therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is relatively a new career option which has found increasing popularity amongst new generation people. An aromatherapist is trained in the use of essential oils or plant extracts to improve a patient’s health and sense of well-being. Through inhalation of natural oils or the topical application, aromatherapists provide holistic medicinal treatments to the patients. The tradition of using aromatic plant oils in medicine is centuries old but most of the urban population in almost every part of the world is unaware of this form of medication. Since the time immemorial, plant extracts have been used to treat different types of illnesses.
However, the interest in complimentary medicine and natural therapy has started to grow among people in recent years. There are hundreds of registered aromatherapists in many parts of the world. There are rarely any professional degree courses or licensure standards for aromatherapists but one can find several certificates, diploma courses along with workshops in aromatherapy conducted by the experts. People joining the art of aromatherapy courses are taught to blend the essential oils and administer them to their patients to improve health.
Professional aromatherapists use various types of equipment to apply natural oils to patients' bodies. Some of the common equipments used in this profession are, vaporizers, diffusers, steamers and dry evaporators. There are different treatment methods like administering oils or making patients consume essential oil orally. Techniques like relaxation, massage and detoxification etc are used on the clients. Most of the aromatherapists work in a spa or medical clinic. Before initiating the treatment, aromatherapists try to take note of brief medical history of the patients. Patients are made aware of all the possible drug interactions and application methods for the necessary therapeutic oils. These natural oils bring tremendous physical and mental benefits to the patients.
In USA, there are no licensing requirements for aromatherapists. However, they do have the choice of earning optional certification through the NAHA (National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy). This certification will require them to complete 200 hours of training and practice in aromatherapy. These professionals are expected to have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology. They are also taught on basics of chemical blending techniques, elements of botany, methods of oil application and medical and holistic properties of therapy.
There are different aromatherapy courses available in UK and India. To practice as a registered aromatherapist in UK, one must complete a course in the said subject. The course should meet the guidelines of the NOS (National Occupational Standards) for aromatherapy. The course curriculum covers topics like therapeutic relationships, plant properties, research methods, anatomy and a brief introduction to business studies. One can start his private practice after registering with the CNHC (Complimentary Medicine and Healthcare Council).
In India, there are no university courses in aromatherapy however; one can pursue any of the certificate courses offered by several private institutions. There are plenty of jobs for aromatherapists in spa, beauty centers, hotels, resorts and cruise ships etc. One can also start his/her own private practice.
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