AROMATHERAPY COURSE OUTLINE
DAY ONE
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW:
Ask each of the students to introduce themselves, and briefly state the reason/s they have enrolled in the class and any personal goals they hope to achieve.
Give a general overview of the class content.
Address student allergies & asthma. Determine if any of the students are pregnant and address precautions for same.
ANCIENT & MODERN HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY:
Tibetan Sanskrit,, Babylonian Clay Tablets, Egypt, Rome, Holy Bible, Monks, End of 19th century synthetics begin, 20th reawakening in France & England, Gattefosse, Valnet, Tisserand.
DEFINE AROMATHERAPY:
More than just a nice smell, it is the art & science of using essential oils from plants, for their effects on our body mind & emotions.
Define: aromachology, aromatology
Aromatherapy is NOT the use of:
1.
Synthetic perfumes, candles or incense
2.Tinctures, extracts. Define.
3.Flower essences, flower remedies or homeopathy. Define.
GOALS OF AROMATHERAPY
a. quality of life enhancement
b. mood stabilization
c. coping with stressors
DEFINE ESSENTIAL OILS
The liquid fragrant molecules that are steam distilled from different part of plants and flowers.
Evolution of Essential Oils
Characteristics of essential oils:
Botany: secretory trichomes
Chemistry: gas spectrograph
Extraction Methods: steam distillation, enfleurage, Co2 & solvent
Differentiate the use of essential oils from that of the whole herb, tincture, or extract
Essential oils, absolutes, attars, & resin
Hydrosols, distillates, and flower waters
HOW AROMATHERAPY WORKS:
Endorphins and the mmm factor
Physiology of smell
Olfactory membrane, cribiform plate, tip of olfactory bulb
Autonomic nervous system, the limbic system, area of emotions, drives, & pain modulation
Neurotransmitters and essential oils
Inhalation, absorption in the lungs and stomach
Absorption through the skin
THE POWER OF A DROP: peppermint invigoration
SCENT TESTING:
Opportunities throughout the 16 hours to scent test 40 essential oils.
List oils: Sweet Basil, Bergamot, Sweet Birch, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, , Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Myrtle, Myrrh, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang.
Rare oils & absolutes: Angelica root, Spikenard
BREAK FOR LUNCH
HOW TO USE AROMATHERAPY
Mechanics of using aromatherapy:
Diffusion
Principles of Diffusion
Inhale directly from bottle
Aromatherapy necklaces
Spray mist
Air conditioner filters
Air purifiers
Heat vents on floor
Cotton Balls
Cloth angel
Diffusers:
Lamp rings: clay, metal, ceramic; Clay objects
Diffusers: Tea Candle, electric light bulb, heat, aroma fan, nebulizer, cool water with fan, (theAKO), car diffusers: passive and plug in
For the Body:
Massage Oils, Body Oils, Lotions
Bathing
Pain Relief Lotion
Eye pillows, Trigger Point Neck Pillows
Aromatherapy Hand Massage
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE OIL PREPARATIONS
Preparation for Intuitive Blending
Intuitive Blending:
Exercise one
Exercise two
Analysis of students’ results
Understanding the exercises and the process
AROMATHERAPY COURSE OUTLINE
DAY TWO
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS & SAFETY
General care of the essential oils, storage, longevity
Refer to handout for Hazardous Essential Oils:
skin precautions, photosensitivity, bathing, high blood pressure, epilepsy and pregnancy
General precautions for asthma, allergies and pregnancy.
SPECIFIC PROPERTIES OF COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS
Lavender, Eucalyptus, Sweet orange, Sweet Basil, Bergamot, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang and Tea Tree
PURCHASING ESSENTIAL OILS
Quality, adulteration, Latin name, Country of origin, extraction methods
Reputation & knowledge of supplier
SCENT TESTING:
Opportunities throughout the 16 hours to scent test 40 essential oils.
Cinnamon Leaf, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fir Needle, Ginger, Juniper Berry, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Vetiver,
Rare oils & absolutes: Jasmine, Bulgarian & Morroccon Rose.
BREAK FOR LUNCH
MAKING THE INTUITIVE BLEND
Building upon exercises one and two
Sharing & comparing
How to calculate your formula
Single essential oil massage oil preparation
Compare standard method with intuitive method
Review guidelines for safe dilution of massage oils (less is more, reduced amounts for elderly, children and debilitated persons) Refer to handout
MAKING A MIST
Having successfully completed the blending, students make their aromatherapy mist following the principles of what they have learned.
CARRIER OILS
Define; differentiate from infused oils. Refer to alphabetized list of carrier oils & specific uses.
Base oils not suitable for aromatherapy: mineral oil, and lanolin. (molecules too large, these are traditionally used as skin barriers.
CREATING AN AROMATHERAPY ENVIRONMENT IN YOUR MASSAGE ROOM
Demonstration Of Diffusers with essential oils appropriate for the massage room
Hands-on use of heat, light, air, fan, & electrically-powered diffusers
HELPING YOUR CLIENT DECIDE
Which massage formula to use? The nose knows. Cautions for initial aromatherapy massage.
SITUATIONAL USES
Uplift/change your mood (Common emotional challenges; depression, anxiety, anger)
Cope with mild stress (Stuck in traffic, long grocery line etc. change your perception)
Cope with major stress(Tragedy, betrayal, divorce, extreme loss, death)
SERENDIPITOUS STORIES
How Diane was able to get aromatherapy at One Civic Plaza after the WTC tragedy from teaching this course at HOI! & more! Refer to handout; 2004 NAHA Aromatherapy Conference
AROMATHERAPY IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Peppermint study for endurance: Wheeling Jesuit University to study if Peppermint can help a person run faster, or jump higher. “Effects of Odors on Objective and Subjective Measures of Physical Performance in Athletes” 4-23-1999
Rose oil for rowdy orangutan; Mias, an orangutan with allergies, chose eucalyptus and fennel, which were rubbed on his forehead, nose and ears. Denver Zoo 2004
Professional Aromatherapy Organizations & Smell and Taste Research Centers
NAHA Policy Statement re: raindrop therapy
Books: suggestions & favorites. (See bibliography references)
THE AROMATHERAPIST IN THE US
A word about certification
COLLECTION OF EVALUATIONS & AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES
NOTE: All open essential oil bottles used during instruction will be available at the end of the two days at significantly reduced prices.
All other essential oils, diffusers, and books on display may be purchased both days at 10 % discount.
SYLLLABUS
COURSE TITLE: AROMATHERAPY & The Art of Intuitive Blending
by Diane M. Grandstrom RN,BSN
The ancient art of Aromatherapy has emerged into the modern world as a science that gives us a vehicle of pleasure through which to nurture our body mind and spirit. The simple wafting of a gentle aroma can transform our mood, change our perception and ultimately affect the quality of every moment.
II.NUMBER OF HOURS:16LECTURE 12 LAB 4
III.SCHEDULE:2 DAYS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 1 hour and 20 minute lunch break
IV. GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Through lecture and one on one work with over 40 essential oils, this experiential course is designed to provide the student with a foundation of aromatherapy principles including essential oils, the physiology of smell, and basic massage oil preparation. Actual hands on use of diffusers will facilitate knowledge of principles of diffusion to create an aromatherapy environment. With the guidance of the instructor who developed this particular process, students will have the opportunity to complete their own intuitive formula from any of the oils presented, as well as standard massage oil preparation within safe dilution parameters. These features will enable each student to use aromatherapy in both, his or her personal and professional life as it relates to quality of life enhancement, mood change and stress management.
V. COURSE OBJECTIVES;
The student will understand the basic principles of aromatherapy and essential oils, the physiology of smell, introductory massage oil preparation, and diffusion methods. With the guidance of the instructor, students will complete their own intuitive formula. This will enable each student to use aromatherapy in his or her personal and professional life as it relates to quality of life enhancement, mood change and stress management.
VI LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Define aromatherapy.
2. Describe the role of an aromatherapist in the U.S.
3. Define essential oil.
4. Differentiate the use of essential oils from that of the whole herb, tincture, or extract.
5. Describe the physiology of smell as it relates to aromatherapy.
6. List four psycho aromatic properties of essential oils.
7. State the essential oil that is hazardous to the skin when combined with UV or sun exposure.
8. List two base oils not suitable for aromatherapy massage preparation.
9. Prepare basic massage oil within safe dilution parameters.
10.Complete his or her own intuitive formula under the guidance of the instructor:
11. Describe the basic principles of diffusion.
12. Create an aromatherapy environment for a standard massage room.
13. State that they have scent tested at least 40 different essential oils during the course.
14. Facilitate the client’s choosing of a preferred scent for use in their aromatherapy massage.
VII. LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT:
Throughout the course, the instructor will observe individual progress; open discussion and Q/A will be ongoing; and finally the student will demonstrate the successful completion of an intuitive formula.
VIII. MATERIAL AND FACILITIES NEEDED:
Classroom with adequate ventilation, cool temperature, tables appropriate for mixing, with space between seats to facilitate individual inhaling of scents without overpowering of adjacent individual aromas.
AROMATHERAPY IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Peppermint study for endurance: Wheeling Jesuit University to study if Peppermint can help a person run faster, or jump higher. “Effects of Odors on Objective and Subjective Measures of Physical Performance in Athletes” 4-23-1999
Rose oil for rowdy orangutan; Mias, an orangutan with allergies, chose eucalyptus and fennel, which were rubbed on his forehead, nose and ears. Denver Zoo 2004
