SETTING UP AS AN AROMATHERAPIST
As a potential Aromatherapist I would look around the area in which you live and find some beauty clinics or spas, which offer Aromatherapy in the practise and at what price. If possible speak to the owner of the business and find out if they would prefer you to have any other related skills such as reflexology or Indian head massage. Take some flyers from the shop, with permission, and work out whether it is worthwhile, would you be better to work in a shop or could you work from your own home?
If you intend to work at home then ensure that you have a suitable room with adequate heating, a nice atmosphere and privacy. You may need to register as self-employed and gain the services of an Accountant. The local Chamber of Commerce, ring the local Town Hall and ask if there is one in your area, may be able to help you with marketing and networking strategies.
Once you are qualified keep your business cards with you at all times to give to potential clients and work colleagues. Make yourself available to give talks to interested parties such as Charities and the local Women’s Institute.
It can sometimes be lonely working on your own so it may be worthwhile considering working for a shop, spa or saloon for a few days a week so that you still have work/friend camaraderie.
It is important for a practising Aromatherapist to keep up to date with events and research in the Aromatherapy world. You can do this by subscribing to a journal/magazine and or by joining a related professional body.
AROMATHERAPY AND THE FUTURE
The Royal College of Nursing has produced literature, which demonstrates the effectiveness of Aromatherapy demonstrated during research trials. Many nurses are open to using Aromatherapy and some have completed their training and use it in intensive care, coronary care, for children, for obstetrics (childbirth) and in HIV patients (The Lighthouse). Aromatherapy is also widely used in hospices and for individuals who have severe learning difficulties.
Essential oil diffusing systems are installed in hospitals and research is being conducted into the use of essential oil diffusing systems in homes for the elderly in the United States of America.
In Japan the third biggest construction company, called the Shimizy Corporation, uses aroma systems in the newly commissioned ‘intelligent’ buildings to lessen stress and to improve efficiency. Rosemary and Lavender essential oils are released into the area where customers are present whilst Eucalyptus or Lemon is diffused into the visual display unit (VDU) area where people are working.
A company that produces fragrances, called Takasago, in Japan, found that typing errors were reduced by 20% when Lavender was used in the diffuser, by 33% when Jasmine was diffused and by 54% when Lemon was used. If the aromas are changed from time to time then the workers tolerance, and therefore, efficiency is sustained.
In retail outlets, the use of Aromatherapy is growing, particularly in the United States of America. Think how much it affects you when you enter a bakery that is baking fresh bread!
The classroom too is a potential area for growth in Aromatherapy, to make a more calming atmosphere and to aid memory. It is important that the same aroma is used for recall as was given at the time of learning. The reason why this works is not yet known but further research should clarify the situation. It would be better to use ‘natural’ essential oil aromas rather than chemically created ones, so Aromatherapy could be particularly beneficial in the education environment.
Some General Practitioner’s (GP’s) do not realize the value of using complementary therapies including Aromatherapy. This may have arisen because of the considerable market in the chemical drugs industry, the drugs industry spends lots of money advertising, promoting and employing sales representatives who go to see the GP who often has little time to read research or investigate other forms of treatment.
Hippocrates, the Greek Physician, in the 5th Century BC, noted that a bitter tasting powder obtained from the bark of the willow tree could help reduce aches and pains and lessen fever. This substance is now called Aspirin, which although has some side effects is now extensively used to treat fever, inflammation and to prevent disease. It is thought that for every disease there is a cure to be found in the rain forest, it just needs time and money to fund the research. Other GP’s however are open to complementary therapies and have some therapists attached to the surgery and hopefully this aspect will continue to grow.
Professional Aromatherapy Training Courses
UNDERSTANDING WHAT YOU SEE
