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A blog dedicated to promoting the healing power of essential oils and aromatherapy

Discover essential oil profiles, aromatherapy practice, essential oil safety, aromatherapy training,essential oil uses, aromatherapy talk and many more aromatherapy notes - all from a unique UK/USA perspective....

Monday, February 22, 2010

Aromatherapy Requirements in the U.K.

Last week I wrote a bit about how to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S; although I've spent the last 3 years practicing aromatherapy in the U.S., I initially did my aromatherapy training in the U.K.  Personal circumstances brought me to the U.S., where I had to try to figure out the best way of practicing aromatherapy in what, to me, was a 'foreign' country.  I've learned a few things along the way, and although I'm not as in touch with U.K. regulations as I once was, I'll attempt to outline what I do know/have experienced.

As in the U.S., there a many aromatherapy 'courses' on offer to the aspiring aromatherapist from on line courses, weekend courses and full year diploma courses.  Aromatherapy is sometimes offered as part of a 'natural therapies' diploma course at a local college.  To practice as an aromatherapist your aromatherapy course must be benchmarked to the National Occupational Standards (NOS).   Of course, if you just want to learn a bit about aromatherapy to treat yourself, family and friends a shorter course may be more appropiate for you.

In May 2009, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council launched a register, endorsed by the Department of Health, in attempt to 'formalize' and regulate the aromatherapy profession to some degree.  Registration is voluntary but as it has official governement backing, being on the register, will undoubtly put an aromatherapist in 'higher standing'.  For details on registration visit The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.

Another organization which is a voluntary self-regulatory body for the aromatherapy profession in the U.K. is the Aromatherapy Council. On the Aromatherapy Council's web site, you can find information on:

  • aromatherapy organizations which give links to aromatherapy schools which meet the NOS standards
  • tips on how to choose an aromatherapy course
  • how to recognize if an aromatherapist holds full credentials and qualifications
  • many other useful links and information.
In my opinion, aromatherapy training is more 'formalized' in the U..K. than the U.S. but it is also a more accepted practice of complementary medicine; the use of essential oils is used in the National Health System in the U.K., something which is a long way from being achieved in the U.S. (where the whole issue of health care is managed entirely differently).  Many people do not really know what aromatherapy is in the U.S. (based on my experiences) or how powerful it actually is; aromatherapy is often confused with fragrance oils in the U.S. (which is something entirely different).

I took my aromatherapy training with Penny Price in the U.K. which I would highly recommend to others; in fact, I would like to continue further training with Penny Price - but distance (and subsequently cost) is an issue with me at the moment!  I know if I ever do move back closer to the U.K., I would have no hesitation in taking further training with Penny - and no doubt I would have to continue practicing aromatherapy in the U.K./Europe!  Of course, the U.S. may catch up in the mean time - perhaps :) - otherwise an advanced distance learning course is looking good - and that's what I'll discuss next time!

If you are a U.K. aromatherapist, I would love to know your comments on aromatherapy training and requirements in the U.K.; please post me a comment below!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Using Essential Oils and Herbs in Pregnancy

Herbs and essential oils are 'natural' medicine so they have to be 'good' for you?  Not necessarily!  Some herbs and essential oils are very toxic and are not recommended for normal use.  When it comes to pregnancy, some herbs and essential oils are capable of inducing an early labor, aborting baby, poisoning baby and more.  Some essential oils and herbs are uterine stimulants which mean that they may be good for labor - but check with a medical professional first, because some are also toxic.  And then there are some essential oils and herbs which help induce menustration - not something you want in pregnancy either!

To learn more read:

Herbs and Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy

This article is only a brief overview of the subject and I highly recommend that you do further reading, research and take professional advice before using some of these herbs and oils for pregnancy.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

How to Become a Registered Aromatherapist in the U.S.

I posted about the Professional Aromatherapy Training in the Use of Essential Oils last year and stated that becoming a registered aromatherapist was an option, but not a requirement in the U.S. Registration to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S. is done through the Aromatherapy Registration Council; although this is not something I have done during my time in the U.S. here are some further details about it, if you want to take your aromatherapy training/recognition one step further.

The Aromatherapy Registration Council was established in 1999 to assess independently aromatherapists who apply for membership; the Aromatherapy Registration Council is a non-profit organization which is not affilated with any aromatherapy training provider or school.  Applicants who apply for membership are required to take a four hour, 250 question, multiple choice exam, held in many local cities throughout the U.S.  Exam dates are set twice a year, approximately in March/April and September/October.  Once the applicant has successfully passed the exam, aromatherapy registration with the Aromatherapy Registration Council is valid for five years (at which time a new exam is required to be taken).

Applicants to the Aromatherapy Registration Council need to have completed at least a one year Level 2 aromatherapy program which is in compliance with NAHA Educational Guidelines; there is also an application fee (currently $275).  Successful registered aromatherapists are expected to complete continuing education to maintain their membership; registered aromatherapists with the Aromatherapy Registration Council are listed in a directory too.

As there are currently no minimum requirements to set up as an 'aromatherapist' in the U.S., registration with the Aromatherapy Registration Council adds more weight and credibility to an aromatherapist's qualifications and expertise.  However, it depends on what area of aromatherapy you intend to practice in, and personal choice, in order to make a decision whether the registration would be of benefit to you.

I have not chosen to become a registered aromatherapist in the U.S as yet due to a number or reasons; some of those are personal ones.  However, should my situation change it may be something I will consider in the future.

Next time I'll look at aromatherapy registration requirements in the U.K.!

If you have any comments on How to Become a Registered Aromatherapist in the U.S. please post below!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Essential Oils for the 'Winter Blues'

I don't know about you, but I am not a 'winter' person; here in Arizona, we are usually treated to some pretty nice weather, even in the winter months, with sunny, if cold, days.  However, for the last month it seems like we have had nothing but rain, snow and overcast days - with hardly a peek of sunshine - pretty much like the weather I was used to in the U.K.  Consquently, or maybe as a coincidence, I have been feelling pretty low and off-color the past couple of weeks.

However, there are some essential oils which can come to the rescue of 'winter blues' and depression.  Many essential oils possess the properties which make us feel more uplifted and more 'normal'.  Some essential oils which help with the 'winter blue' include:

In addition, I find that many of the citrus oils, such as lemon, mandarin and orange, can help me feel more 'uplifted'.  Use essential oils in an aromatherapy blend, in the bath or in a diffuser.  I also find buring pure essential oil candles helps, especially on a 'dark' day!

Now, I'm off for some 'winter blues' healing with my essential oils!

If you have any thoughts on 'Essential Oils for the Winter Blues'' please post me a comment below!

Friday, February 5, 2010

When Not to Use Essential Oils

I have probably already covered this topic, either here at Aromatherapy Notes, in a blog post, or elsewhere but my latest article is a reminder of the contraindications in the use of essential oils.  Essential oils are relatively safe to use - if used correctly and in the correct circumstances.  Some advise use in pregnancy, with medication and other situations, some do not - but in any essential oil use, it really is a matter of understanding how an essential oil works, what it contains and then understanding how it will cause (or not cause) a reaction.  Everyone is different so it is wise to take the time to learn about essential oils before using them - and know how you are going to react to them in different situations.

To learn more read:

Contraindications in the Use of Essential Oils

Please leave a comment below if you have experienced any particular reaction in using essential oils...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

My Favorite Essential Oils for Romance!

So, Valentine's Day is just around the corner - and romance is in the air!  In fact, aromatherapy is in the air too!  Many essential oils are aphrodisiac, meaning they have the capability of inducing love and romance!  Rose is probably the oil most synonomous with love but there are others too; discover my top five essential oils for romance here....

Monday, February 1, 2010

The Link Between Chocolate and Aromatherapy


Some of you may know that I have a web site called Chocolate Aromatherapy; the inspiration for Chocolate Aromatherapy came from my love of chocolate and the frustration of the abundance of chocolate 'aromatherapy' products which were on the market - and were, in fact, not 'true' aromatherapy products.  Many chocolate aromatherapy web sites feature novelty items which combine chocolate in various items with a chocolate 'fragrance' and not 'true' chocolate aromatherapy - read my article, Essential Oil, Fragrance Oil or Hydrosol? to re-cap on the differences between essential oils and fragrance oils.

But, chocolate, isn't an essential oil either, so how can it be classed as 'true' chocolate aromatherapy?  Chocolate is made from the cacao beans/seeds of the cacao tree.  Cacao seeds have various uses - they were highly prized by the Mayan culture, more so than gold, and were in fact the equivalent of the value of 'money' as we use it today.  Cacao beans were traded with other tribes in exchange for goods and services.

Today, of course, cacao beans are used to make chocolate - and they are also the source of cocoa butter, also known as theobrama.  Cocoa butter is often used in aromatherapy, either on its own or combined with essential oils - hence the link between chocolate and 'true' aromatherapy!

To learn more about the link between chocolate and aromatherapy, check out these articles:

The Chocolate Tree
Chocolate and Aromatherapy

As Valentine's Day is approaching, why not treat yourself or a loved one, to a special treat of chocolate aromatherapy?  Check out Chocolate Aromatherapy to learn more!