Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma

The development and history of Aromatherapy from its roots in the ancient use of aromatics up to the 21st century.
Integrated medicine Holistic approach to healthcare
The relationship between orthodox and complementary medicine
The House of Lords Select Committee report and recommendations.
Definition of aromatherapy.
Definition of essential oils.
Chemotype
Synergy
Absolutes
Resinoids
Taxonomic classification of aromatic plants
Botany and plant structure
Oxidation and reduction
Plant Families
Organaleptic analysis
Adulteration
Organic Essential Oils
Handling and storage of essential oils
Shelf life and oxidation
Hydrolats – pH testing for degradation Tissanes
Infused oils
Macerated Oils
Tinctures
Making an Individual Prescription (IP)
Dilution rates
Labeling

Organic Chemistry as relating to essential oils
• Elements, molecules, atoms
• Major families in essential oil components (Monoterpenes,
sesquiterpenes, diterpenes)
• Functional groups with the addition of oxygen (alcohols,
phenols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, oxides, ethers)

Essential oils Profiles
• Latin names
• Synonyms
• Plant Family
• Chemotypes
• Habitat
• Extraction method
• Geographical origin
• Representative constituents
• Therapeutic properties
• Physical Characteristics
• Yield
• Traditional uses
• Cautions and contraindications

Safe and unsafe oils
• Oils suitable/not suitable for high blood pressure
• Oils suitable/not suitable for low blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Palliative Care

Essential oil safety
• Hazards and risk
• Photosensitivity
• Sensitisation
• Irritant dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Toxicity
• Metabolisation and excretion of essential oils
• Safety

Essential oil Production and Quality
• Hydro-distillation
• Water and steam distillation
• Expression
• Solvent extraction
• Percolation
• CO2 extraction
• Enfleurage

Methods of testing
• Gas Liquid Chromatography
• Mass spectroscopy
• Optical Rotation

Fixed oils
• Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalis var. dulce L.)
• Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca)
• Avocado (Persea gratissima)
• Carrot (Daucus carota)
• Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
• Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis L.)
• Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera L.)
• Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)
• Jojoba (Simmondsia sinensis)
• Macadamia (Macadamia integriifolia)
• Mustard Seed Yellow (Brassica nigra L.)
• Olive Oil (Olea europoea)
• Peach Kernel (Prunus persica L.)
• Rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa)
• Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
• Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum)
• Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus L.)
• Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum)
• Walnut (Juglans regia L.)
• Wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare L.)

Herbal oils
• Arnica (Arnica Montana L.)
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.)
• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.)
• St Johnʼs Wort (Hypericum performatum L.)

Methods of application and blending
• Inhalation (respiratory absorption)
• Olfaction
• Percutaneous absorption
• Effect of massage

Therapeutic application of essential oils
• Baths
• Massage
• Compress
• Inhalation/vaporisation
• Direct application
• Poultice
• Clay masks
• Products

1. Creams
2. Lotions
3. Gels
4. Ointments
5. Balms
6. Exfoliators
7. Deodorants
8. Lip balms
9. Shampooʼs
10. Naso-inhalers
11.Sun Screens

Theories of Blending
• Chemistry
• Fragrance
• Aesthetically
• Clinically
• Synergy and antagonism

List of essential oils to be studied
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi)
• Caraway (Carum Carvi)
• Cedarwood (Citrus atlantica)
• Chamomile German (Chamomilla recutita)
• Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
• Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)
• Clove bud (Zyzigium aromaticum)
• Coriander Seed (Corandrum sativum)
• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• Eucalyptus Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Eucalyptus Peppermint (Eucalyptus dives)
• Eucalyptus Narrow Leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata)
• Eucalyptus Gully Gum (Eucalyptus smithii)
• Eucalyptus Lemon (Eucalyptus stageriana)
• Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum)
• Fennel Sweet (Feoniculum vulgare)
• Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
• Hyssop var decumbens (Hyssop officinalis var. decumbens)
• Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis)
• Juniper (Juniperus communis)
• Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
• Lavandin (Lavendula x intermedia)
• Lemon (Citrus limonum)
• Lemongrass (Cymbopoggon citratus)
• Lime (Citrus Limetta)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Marjoram Sweet (Origanum majorana)
• Marjoram Spanish (Thymus mastachina)
• Melissa (Melissa officinalis)
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha var molmol)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
• Niouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara flos)
• Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
• Orange Bitter (Citrus aurantium var amara per)
• Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
• Origanum (Origanum vulgare)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
• Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var amara fol)
• Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
• Rose Otto (Rosa damascena)
• Rose Cabbage (Rosa centifolia)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)
• Spearmint (Metha spicata)
• Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool)
• Valerian (Valariana officinalis)
• Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria Procumbens)
• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Students are to make a study of 10 of the following as part of their studies:-
• Eurpoean Silver Fur (Albies alba fol)
• Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)
• Calamus (Acorus Calamus)
• Verbena (Lippia citriodora)
• Dillseed (Anethus graveolens)
• Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
• Labdanum (Cistus ladaniferus)
• Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum)
• Star Anise (Illicium verum)
• Elecampane (Inula Helenium/Graveolens)
• Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides)
• Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
• Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium)
• May Chang (Litsea cubeba)
• Cornmint (Mentha arvensis)
• Catnep (Nepeta cataria var. citriodora)
• Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)
• Black Spruce, (Picea mariana/P. nigra)
• Pimento (Pimento Dioica)
• Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
• Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)
• Summer or Garden Savory (Satureia hortensis)
• Winter or Mountain Savory (Satureia Montana)

The student will also be expected to make a study of 5 of the following banned or restricted oils.
• Garlic (Alium sativum)
• Mugwort (Artemesia absinthum)
• Annual Wormwood (Artemesia alba)
• Penyroyal (Mentha Pulegium)
• Bitter Almond (Prunus amygdalus var amara)
• Rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
• Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

The student will be able to discuss environmental issues, which may influence the current use and/or availability of essential oils eg. Rosewood, Sandalwood.

Plant Families to be considered
• Annonaceaea Family
• Apiaceae (Umbelliferaea) Family
• Asteraceae (Compositae) Family
• Burseraceae Family
• Cupressaceae Family
• Geraniaceae Family
• Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Family
• Lauraceae Family
• Myristiceae Family
• Myrtaceae FamilyPinaceae (Abietaceae) Family
• Oleaceae Family
• Piperaceae Family
• Poaceae (Gramineae) Family
• Roseaceae Family
• Rutaceae Family
• Santalaceae Family
• Styracaceae Family
• Valerianaceae Family
• Verbenaceae Family
• Zingiberaceae Family

Clinical Practice
The student will be able to:
• Prepare the treatment area
• Identify key points in the compilation of a consultation sheet
• Complete consultation sheet accurately
• Demonstrate procedures required in order to perform a
client consultation and assessment for treatment

Carry out an effective consultation to demonstrate the
following:
1. Empathetic listening skills
2. Appropriate use of open and closed questions
3. Analysis of body language
4. Offer suggestions regarding diet and lifestyle
5. Session closing skills
6. Monitoring of on-going progress

Perform a range of diagnostic tests to include:
1. Postural and skin analysis
2. Facial mobility
3. Cellulite
4. Fluid retention

• Identify clinical contra-indications which require the avoidance of specific products or treatment methods

Demonstrate an effective approach to treatment
1. Appropriate and detailed essential oil selection
2. Safe,hygienic and accurate blending
3. Appropriate and safe treatment
4. Devise a treatment plan to meet individual client needs
5. Give advice on aftercare and make recommendations for
home care
6. Identify potential situations and conditions which require client referral to medical and non-medically trained healthcare professionals
7. Discuss the importance of recognizing ones own limitations as a therapist

Explain the use of aromatherapy for special client groups and situations:
1. Skin care and associated conditions
2. Pregnancy
3. Baby and childcare
4. Stress related conditions: nervous tension, anxiety, depression
5. The elderly
6. Cancer care
7. People with physical and learning difficulties

• Discuss the use of essential oils and related products in clinical environments
• Describe the term “psychological” aromatherapy
• Describe the mental and emotional benefits of aromatherapy
• Describe the placebo effects and mind-body connection

Professional Practice and Management

The student will be able to:
• Ethical Management of a professional practice
• Describe the maintenance of up to date and secure client records • Explain confidentiality
• Explain time management
• Describe safety in the clinic
• Explain boundaries of the therapeutic relationship
• Liaise with other healthcare professionals
• Work within an orthodox healthcare setting

The student will be able to explain briefly the following bodies:
• The UK Medicines Control Agency (MCA)
• The UK Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC)
• The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• The Aromatherapy Consortium (AC)

The student will be able to describe:
• A sole trader
• A partnership
• A limited company

The student will be able to identify the issues for Aromatherapists in connection with the following:
• Curriculum vitae
• Scope of practice
• Insurance: professional indemnity/public/product liability
• Advertising and marketing
• Financial management and accountability accounts, taxation, data protection, NI contributions, pensions
• Development of practice

The student will be able to explain the implications of legal requirements for good practice:
• Health, hygiene and safety at work Act
• COSHH
• RIDDOR
• Local authority by-laws
• Data protection Act
• Consumer protection Act
• Goods and Services Act
• Veterinary Surgeons Act
• Trades Descriptions Act
• Inland Revenue
• Public Performance License (in terms of playing music for clients)
Professional Self-Development

The student will develop an understanding of the key elements of continuing professional development and research.

The student will be able to:
• Identify the advantages of personal self-development
• Explain the requirements for continuing professional development • Explain the necessity of keeping up to date with changes in the
profession
• Explain the advantages of participation in local support groups • Develop an understanding of Aromatherapy research in terms of :

1. Research methodologies
2. Ethics of conducting research
3. Conducting literature searches
4. Accessing scientific data
5. Read and critically analyze research papers
6. Identify strategies for maintaining practitioner health and well-being
7. Develop an awareness of other complementary therapies
 
Practical Skills
The student will be able to:

• Greet a new client, conduct an appropriate consultation
• Discuss treatment, explain the main features and reasons for the
treatment chosen with the client
• Blend oils safely and appropriately for the individual
• Carry out an appropriate treatment, using massage if applicable
• Carry out any other treatment which would be applicable in that situation
• Explain what treatment would be suggested if facilities permitted

Provide suitable after care, advice and home treatments

Research into over 100 common conditions most likely to be encountered in the normal day-to-day working i.e. head lice, athleteʼs foot, herpes simplex, frozen shoulder, headaches, constipation, a burn, sinusitis, sciatica, endometriosis etc., identifying the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis and any aromatherapy considerations.

Case studies comprising of 80 hours of treatments (out of class hours).
Complete an extensive portfolio, which includes sections on Business Practice, Anatomy and Physiology, Hygiene, Legislation, Other Complementary Therapies, Nutrition, Orthodox Specialists, Hypothetical Scenarios, First Aid, Conditions Related, Treatment Related, Health and Safety and Communication Skills.
These hours are external to class contact time.
Students will need to hold a recognised Anatomy and Physiology qualification and produce a current Emergency First Aid Certificate, which will need to be updated every three years.

Therapy Training Centre was developed after it was discovered that there was a lack of expert training in the area, leading to recognised qualifications in Training Courses in Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Human Anatomy and membership of recognised professional bodies in the therapies offered, and therefore is responding to the need for high quality training in the Yorkshire area.

The Centre offers an open and caring atmosphere, which engenders feelings of enjoyment in learning, and an awareness of self-development and aims to provide programmes of extensive practical and theoretical studies in each of the courses offered.

Therapy Training Centre provides accredited courses of Aromatherapy and Allied Practitioners' Association (A.A.P.A.), who accredit the Anatomy and Physiology, Massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy courses. The Centre’s status allows its graduate members of the AAPA to register with the CNHC as the AAPA is recognised by the CNHC for the verification of aromatherapy, reflexology and massage.

The Centre also offers a comprehensive range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.
Students will cultivate an understanding of complementary health care from a holistic standpoint and develop the ability to evaluate and analyse complementary therapies in the framework of allopathic medicine.

A variety of books, journals and articles on health related studies are available for use within the premises.