Rules for non-aromatherapists using essential oils
Hi, I'm a student of Indian Head Massage, and have no qualifications in aromatherapy (though would love to lrearn this in the future!). I understand that if I am using oil to massage a client, this must be either just a plain carrier oil or (if containing essential oils) pre-blended.
But would I be allowed to use non-pre-blended essential oils an aromatherapy oil burner during the massage? In other words, are there any different rules about treating people with inhaled aromas than with those applied to the skin?
Dont know but I'd be very cautious...eg some can bring on labour, not good if you have a client who you didn't know was in the early stages of pregnancy. I'd leave it to the professionals, and stick with the safe options you've been taught for now
I use lemon grass and sometimes a few different oils on my burner in my treatment room - lovely!! Have no qualification in aromatherapy, but do have some excellent books and there is plenty of information on some good web sites.
I worry about this issue and always warn my students against "dabbling" and to check with insurance company. I think burning essential oils is acceptable with some insurers.
A student of mine had recently learn't waxing and I offered myself up as a practice victim for her. As she is preparing her work station she pulls out a bottle of grapeseed and a bottle of lavender and a bottle of something else and starts mixing it. I asked what she was doing and she said she was shown it as a natural after wax alternative to using a after wax lotion. I was astounded.
Another incident for you, when i was actually on my ITEC reflexology exam, the examiner asked me what i was doing. I was adding a drop of rosemary oil to some plain lotion for the foot massage, we were shown it on our course, she was furious and gave the tutor a real telling off. I was already qualified in aromatherapy, but the EV was not at all happy that it had been included as part of the ITEC course.
I also believe (and am willing to retract as not sure) that when people go on some aromatherapy massage courses they are only shown how to use pre-blended oils, so maybe you shouldn't be using pre-blended oils either.
Hi, thanks very much, Derek and Maychang, for your insights. It does seem a tricky and quite unclear area, this, and I'm inclined to take a cautious approach. I really appreciate your thoughts and advice, anyway.
I'd be careful as some oils have side effects (phototoxic etc) & some can be highly irritable on certain skin types or can aggravate other conditions (including mental/emotional problems. Some scents can trigger old memories, so you have to be careful).
I was told that if you have not been specifically trained you should only use a carrier or pre-blended oil, as pre-blended oils are apparently not as potent (or so I was told)
I've just qualified & there is a LOT to learn. I never thought before I did the course that essential oils could have such a strong effect on a person, but they can & I have seen it first hand. Powerful stuff for sure!
When I was studying for my Swedish Massage course our tutor was always drumming into us that we will qualify as Massage Therapists NOT aromatherapists.
She said we must never use essential oils because we are not qualified. I don't think she ever mentioned burning essential oils in the same room though.
you can also burn a nice oil that is sold ready to burn, the bodyshop do nice ones!! dilute in water and burn.....but you are not allowed to burn essential oils as like other members have said, you have to be very careful so its not worth the risk, your insurance wouldnt cover you if anyone did happen to have a reaction.
you can also burn a nice oil that is sold ready to burn, the bodyshop do nice ones!! dilute in water and burn.....but you are not allowed to burn essential oils as like other members have said, you have to be very careful so its not worth the risk, your insurance wouldnt cover you if anyone did happen to have a reaction.
Not allowed by whom??
Also, how is it okay to burn Body Shop pre-blended oils, and not pure essential oils?
I ask, because a quick look at a random pre-blended oil from Body Shop, 'Sandlewood and Ginger Home Fragrance' contains the 'key ingredients':
And if we take just the first on the list, Juniper oil, this is considered non-toxic, but since it can stimulate the uterine muscle it should not be used during pregnancy, nor by people with kidney problems. It is non-sensitizing, but some people do have a reaction to it, and it is generally wise to us this oil in moderation.
And I didn't find that information on the Body Shop web site!!
And let's not try and find out what the non-key ingredients might be!
I've been using essential oils on my burner for years. I've made a point of finding out all about the oils I use, and use none that are known to be dangerous or harmful in any way. I've never had a problem with it and my insurance company is more than happy with me simply making my therapy room smell nice!
Friend using EO's and not qualified in Aromatherapy
Hi,
I have a friend who is qualified in massage and other holistic therapies but not aromatherapy. She works with elderly patients and regularly uses aromatherapy blends that she buys from companies. I have explained that I am sure she should not be using EO's on anyone unless she has an aromatherapy qualification but she insists that it is ok as she is not making the blends up herself. My arguement is that she should be using plain carrier oil and no EO's and she does not know what will react with what client.
Something that's quite important that I don't think has been mentioned is aromatherapists have to do an allergy test with a drop before a treatment, if it turns out they have an allergic reaction, they will be entitled to sue you.
I believe that qualifications in aromatherapy (e.g. the VTCT one) are substantial courses that include full body massage. It strikes me that there would be a market for a shorter qualification in aromatherapy that enabled people to use aromatherapy oils in other therapies they were already qualified in.
I do IHM and am currently studying reiki, and hand/arm and leg/foot massage, but don't plan to take qualifications in full body massage. It would be nice to be able to blend araomatherapy oils for use with these therapies, either in the carrier oil or to burn - or even to give to the client as aroma sticks or other products - without having to learn and do case studies for a whole massage routine that I wouldn't intend to use afterwards.
What do others think? Does anyone know of such a course?
I believe that qualifications in aromatherapy (e.g. the VTCT one) are substantial courses that include full body massage. It strikes me that there would be a market for a shorter qualification in aromatherapy that enabled people to use aromatherapy oils in other therapies they were already qualified in.
I do IHM and am currently studying reiki, and hand/arm and leg/foot massage, but don't plan to take qualifications in full body massage. It would be nice to be able to blend araomatherapy oils for use with these therapies, either in the carrier oil or to burn - or even to give to the client as aroma sticks or other products - without having to learn and do case studies for a whole massage routine that I wouldn't intend to use afterwards.
What do others think? Does anyone know of such a course?
Thanks a lot for these, Sue - I'd not come across either before. The Katesye course looks particularly good as it apparently enables non-aromatherapists you to get insurance to use aromatherapy products in their existing therapies. I'm not sure whether the FHT (with which I'm currently insured) would accept this or not - I'll ask. I've also emailed Katseye to find out more - will let you know if I get any further info of interest.
As promised, I've looked into the courses offered by Kateseye. They do sound good, but only enable you to produce products using their own blends (i.e. not blend your own from scratch) - so it's limited.
I don't really understand why there isn't a proper aromatherapy qualification that covers blending and supplying products, and using these in other therapies, without having to learn and do case studies on full-body massage.
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Rules for non-aromatherapists using essential oils
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