Finding alternatives to conventional medicine may explain the growing use of so-called “alternative” medicines. In this case, aromatherapy involves treating yourself with essential oils. They are delicate to handle and require a certain expertise, which explains aromatherapists, professionals who work exclusively with essential oils.
An aromatherapist differs from a plant healer in that he exclusively uses essential oils extracted from plants, rather than all the elements of plants. He mastered the properties and particularities of essential oils for health. Novices may not actually find their way among the different varieties of lavender (fine, true, aspic) or eucalyptus (radiant, globular). Aromatherapists precisely guide clients in choosing the essential oils and synergies that best suit their health concerns. In addition, he has a good understanding of biochemistry and the human body. Unlike an aromatherapist, an aromatherapist does not give health or beauty advice, but he helps relieve everyday ailments:
He teaches his clients to use essential oils safely and to dilute them with suitable vegetable oils. Essential oils are indeed very concentrated, and small doses can have powerful effects. Some essential oils, such as oregano, cistus, or savory oils, can even be poisonous if used in excess. The method of application is also important, as not all essential oils can be used in the same way: For example, some essential oils are not recommended to be diffused while others are used topically.
In practice, a distinction must be made between an aromatherapy consultant and an aromatherapist: the former can only provide aromatherapy advice, while the latter holds the right to essential oil therapy.
An aromatherapist must know his patients very well in order to advise them as well as possible. Two patients with the same disease can receive two different treatments depending on their sensitivities: During a consultation, an aromatherapist can make his patients smell essential oils. This step allows us to examine the affinity of essential oils for the patient, as well as their positive impact on the patient. The specialist then recommends a care method to practice at home.
In addition, the aromatherapist is interested in his patient’s environment: he has tried to solve his problems, his family detects possible genetic factors, his professional environment, his habits, his living hygiene, personality, financial situation – Some essential oils are very expensive, and none of them are reimbursed.
Therefore, like all health professionals, aromatherapists must inspire confidence and develop a good relationship with their patients. Therefore, the consultation time may be relatively long (45 minutes to 1 hour).
Although there are aromatherapy training classes-essentially private-few aromatherapists are trained specifically to use essential oils. Training in aromatherapy is mainly carried out in naturopathic schools, but can also be combined with relatively related disciplines such as biology, phytotherapy, olfactory… Short practical courses (2 or 3 days) also allow other professionals to increase their specialization fields, and even reposition themselves. In France, certain health professionals, such as doctors, veterinarians, pharmacists and even physiotherapists, can validate a University Diploma (DU) in Aromatherapy of varying durations (from 6 months to 3 years) 1. In Quebec, the Faculty of Alternative Medicine Aromatherapy training lasting 90 hours is also offered. Finally, training can be done online or by correspondence. However, you should be aware that the profession of aromatherapist is not officially recognized and therefore not protected.
The context in which you exercise is also varied: aromatherapists can work independently by opening their own clinic, but they can also be employed by companies, in thalasso centers, beauty salons, shops or on the Internet. .
Therefore, the aromatherapist often holds more than one string and is able to advise his patients based on his various knowledge.
