Aromatherapy is a non-traditional method of treatment and healing that involves the use of essential oils and other aromatic substances. An aromatherapist is well versed in how to use and administer these treatments. Before we talk about how to become an aromatherapist in Canada, we need to understand what aromatherapy is and its benefits.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other aromatic materials to improve psychological or physical health. It’s a form of alternative medicine that can be used on its own or in conjunction with other conventional treatments. This form of therapy has been around for centuries and still demonstrates several key benefits.
What Does an Aromatherapist Do?
An aromatherapist is someone who specializes in aromatherapy practice. They have the training needed to administer aromatherapy techniques based on physical or mental symptoms of ailments. They are skilled in the use of essential oils or aromatic compounds in a variety of different applications, including massage, topical application, water immersion or inhalation.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy
While researchers are still evaluating the effects of aromatherapy, the essential oil community and other supporters of aromatherapy are strong advocates for the use of these natural methods over medication and other prescription-grade products. Not only that, but aromatherapy is a fantastic complementary therapy.
There are countless cases of aromatherapy helping to treat many different ailments, and because it’s often used in conjunction with traditional medicine, it can help to alleviate stress and other symptoms alongside conventional treatments.
One of the primary arguments supporting the use of aromatherapy is that it can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, helping the patient to relax and allowing their body to respond appropriately to other medications they may be taking.
The benefits of aromatherapy are vast and can be used in a variety of circumstances.
Aromatherapy has been known to help relieve:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Circulatory issues
- Menstrual problems
- Alopecia
- Menopause symptoms
- Muscle aches
- Toothaches
- Digestive difficulty
How Do I Become an Aromatherapist in Canada?
A Canadian aromatherapist has the qualifications needed to do everything we’ve already discussed, but there’s a little more to it. The first step in starting your practice is to become a certified aromatherapist. This certification is important in understanding safe and effective essential oil and other aromatic compound use.
There are plenty of holistic schools teaching aromatherapy concepts and practices, and an endless number of organizations promoting the sharing of knowledge as well as continued education.
For instance, the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists has solid leadership and credentials that they use to help support practicing aromatherapists with current best practices, live events and webinars, career development, continued education and much more.
Schools and organizations like this work very hard to further the profession of aromatherapy by adding value and increasing awareness and credibility to the field. Becoming an aromatherapist in Canada involves completing your education, but a continually successful aromatherapy practice involves remaining an active learner in the community.
Find an Aromatherapy School
A quick internet search for aromatherapy schools will yield many results. Some are brick and mortar schools and others are online. You can also get training on aromatherapy from an essential oil company or do a lot of research and learning from experts online.
It may be helpful for you to use the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) website. They have a list of approved schools in all areas, and sorting by schools in Canada will return a long list of credible programs that meet your needs. They can provide the certification you need to apply for jobs or become a member of an aromatherapy organization.
Put Your Skills to Work
Many licensed therapists, like massage therapists, will take an extra course or two and then incorporate aromatherapy into their practice. However, you can become a certified aromatherapist and have your own stand-alone practice. Before opening your practice, it may be beneficial for you to get a business degree or at least take some business classes alongside your aromatherapy certification.
There’s much more to operating a business than just administering aromatherapy! You need to know how to market the business and manage the finances. The great thing about opening your practice is that you have the freedom to set your hours or work as much or as little as you want. However, if you don’t feel like owning a business is the right move for you, you can certainly apply for aromatherapy jobs elsewhere.
Look for holistic practices that provide other alternative medicine and treatments, like massage therapists, who need a partner. You can supplement their business and draw in more clients by working together to provide multiple types of therapy under one roof.
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