Aromatherapy is an holistic treatment of caring
for the body with the use of essential oils which are chosen
and blended by an aromatherapist and massaged into the skin.
The aromatherapist may also make a blend to be inhaled directly
or diffused to scent an entire room. Aromatherapy is used
for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension
and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Essential oils
can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and
promote relaxation. When inhaled, they work on the brain and
nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.
The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted
from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds
with distinctive therapeutic, psychological, and physiological
properties, which improve and prevent illness. There are about
150 essential oils. Most of these oils have antiseptic properties;
some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant
and expectorant. Other properties of the essential oils which
are taken advantage of in aromatherapy are their stimulation,
relaxation, digestion improvement, and diuretic properties.
To get the maximum benefit from essential oils, it should
be made from natural, pure raw materials.
Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields
in alternative medicine. It is widely used at home, clinics
and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief
for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side
effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients,
and rehabilitation of cardiac patients.
Course Content - What
you will learn
This qualification includes the following units:
H/501/9255 - Business Practice for Complementary Therapies
1. Understand the key business criteria required for complementary therapy
1.1 Explain the legal requirements of running a business
1.2 Explain how marketing and public relations are used in successful businesses
1.3 Describe the employment opportunities within complementary therapies industries
1.4 Evaluate communication techniques and describe how to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues
1.5 Explain how to promote complementary therapies practices and produce promotional material
2. Be able to research a business concept
2.1 Compare and contrast different business types
2.2 Design and research a potential business opportunity using a range of sources
2.3 Research potential premises, staff, products and resource requirements
3. Be able to plan, prepare and maintain a business plan
3.1 Plan and prepare an appropriate business plan for a potential business
3.2 Review premises, staff and resource requirements to maintain a business plan including professional services that may be required
3.3 Calculate costs of treatments, products and services offered
3.4 Estimate start up and running costs
K/501/9256 - Health, Safety and Hygiene for Complementary Therapies
1. Be able to understand the health and safety procedures and policies required for complementary therapy
1.1 Evaluate the relevant health and safety legislation relating to complementary therapies
1.2 Review methods of complying with health and safety legislation
1.3 Explain the health, safety and security procedures and policies
1.4 Examine the employers' and employees' health and safety responsibilities
2. Be able to apply hygiene procedures for complementary therapy treatments
2.1 Evaluate and use hygiene procedures required for a range of treatments
2.2 Explain the professional standards of personal presentation required
3. Be able to maintain a healthy and safe environment
3.1 Follow procedures and policies to contribute to a healthy and safe working environment
3.2 Assess any potential risks within own area of responsibility and report any hazards that need to be referred
3.3 Demonstrate safe handling and use of products, materials, tools and equipment
3.4 Demonstrate correct maintenance and storage of products, materials, tools and equipment
Y/501/9253 - Principles and Practice of Complementary Therapies
1. Be able to understand the key historical factors and theoretical background for complementary therapies
1.1 Examine the history and origins of complementary therapies
1.2 Analyse definitions and theories of commonly available complementary therapies
1.3 Evaluate the theory of techniques used in commonly available complementary therapies
2. Know the main influences on working within the complementary therapy industry
2.1 Describe legislative requirements and working practice within complementary therapies
2.2 Summarise the legal obligations of working with clients and the general public
2.3 Explain the codes of practice and ethics relating to complementary therapies
2.4 Analyse the roles of professional associations and organisations relating to complementary therapies
2.5 Evaluate the process of registration and regulation of complementary therapies
3. Know the key aspects of good clinical practice
3.1 Evaluate appropriate referral procedures and protocols to use with clients and others involved in integrated healthcare
3.2 Identify effective communication skills when dealing with clients and colleagues in maintaining good practice
3.3 Collate information from clients that is necessary for assessment and treatment planning
3.4 Demonstrate how to accurately record information, store records and ensure confidentialit
R/501/9624 - Provide Aromatherapy
1 The learner will be able to prepare for an Aromatherapy treatment.
1.1 Evaluate desirable characteristics of an appropiat treatment enviroment and prepare self, client and work area in accordance with current legslation and working practice requirements.
1.2 Consult with clients to clarify their requirements, summarise objectives and describe the contra-actions that may result from treatment and how to respond appropriately to conta-actions, identify influencing factors and provide clear recommendations to the client.
1.3 Evaluate known contra-incications, local contra-indications or cautions that may restrict or prevent treatment,identify contra-indications to take appropriate action. Refer the client to another healthcare practitioner if necessary or decide that the aromatherapy massage treatment is not appropriate.
2 Be able to provide an Aromatherapy treatment.
2.1 Perform and adapt the aromatherapy massage treatmentwhere necessary,within a commercially acceptable time. Demonstrate how aromatherapy massage techniques can be adapted to suit the physical characteristics of a client. Implement working methods that meet with professional and legal requirements. Perform the treatment to the satisfaction of the client.
2.2 Explain the taxonomy, nomenclature, structure and function of plants in relation to the production of essences, fixed carrier oils and other media.
2.3 Identify methods of extraction and sourcing of essences and fixed carrier oils. Identify significant chemical constituents of essences for blending purposes, describle percentage dilutions and blending techniques. State the causes and avoidance of degradation and spoilage. Apply correct legislative labelling requirements on blends created for clients.
2.4 Summarise the history, philosophy and role of aromatherapy and other massage traditions. Evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of aromatherapy massage on the body systems. Explain the uses, application and origin of essences, fixed carrier oils and other media.
2.5 Select, use and store materials and equipment effectively, correctly and safely.
2.6 Communicate and behave in a professional manner throughtout treatment. Position self and client throughtout the teatment to ensure privacy, comfort and well being.
2.7 Critically compare methods of evaluating the effectiveness of an aromatherapy treatment and evaluate the results. Evaluate the philosophy of reflective practice and its relevance to the aromatherapist.
2.8 Record treatment and store information securely in line with current legislation.
2.9 State and provide suitable after care and home care advice.
D/501/9626 - Reflective Practice for Aromatherapy
1 Be able to apply and understand reflective practice
1.1 Describe the elements of reflective practice and reflect on own attitudes, beliefs, interests, priorities and values in relation to personal growth as an Aromatherapist.
1.2 Describe how own self-awareness impacts on personal and professional life and how to record evidence of own knowledge and practical experience.
1.3 Evaluate own knowledge and practice in relation to professional codes of conduct and current working practices and identify strengths and remove limitations in order to best serve self and client.
1.4 Identify life long learning opportunities and describe how to plan for self development.
D/501/9111 - Knowledge of Less Common Pathology for Complementary Therapies
1. Be able to identify the signs and symptoms of less common pathologies
1.1 Describe, in relationship to the body the signs and symptoms of less common pathologies of:
- the skin
- skeletal system
- muscular system
- nervous system
- respiratory system
- cardiovascular system
- lymphatic system
- digestive system
- urinary system
- reproductive system
T/501/9101 - Knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology for Complementary Therapies
01.Be able to identify the organisation of the body
01.1 Describe, in relationship to the organisation of the body:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
02. Be able to identify the skin, hair and nails and common pathologies
02.1 Describe, in relationship to the skin, hair and nails:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
03. Be able to identify the skeletal system and common pathologies
03.1 Describe, in relationship to the skeletal system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
04. Be able to identify the muscular system and common pathologies
04.1 Describe, in relationship to the muscular system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
05. Be able to identify the nervous system and common pathologies
05.1 Describe, in relationship to the nervous system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
06. Be able to identify the endocrine system and common pathologies
06.1 Describe, in relationship to the endocrine system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
07. Be able to identify the respiratory system and common pathologies
07.1 Describe, in relationship to the respiratory system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
08. Be able to identify the cardiovascular system and common pathologies
08.1 Describe, in relationship to the cardiovascular system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
09. Be able to identify the lymphatic system and common pathologies
09.1 Describe, in relationship to the lymphatic system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
10. Be able to identify the digestive system and common pathologies
10.1. Describe, in relationship to the digestive system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
11. Be able to identify the urinary system and common pathologies
11.1 Describe, in relationship to the urinary system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologies
12. Be able to identify the reproductive system and common pathologies
12.1. Describe, in the relation to the reproductive system:
- Type
- Location
- Structure
- Function
- Growth
- Repair
- pathologie
Course Entry Requirements
& Pre-requisites
Candidates must hold a recognised qualification
in Anatomy & Physiology and Massage before commencing this
course.
Course Duration
This course is held over 7 days
Assessment
Practical Observation
Portfolio Completion
Case Study Completion*
*case studies are arranged by, and completed at The Therapy Centre wherever possible
The Examination Body
- VTCT
The VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust)
has over 40 years experience as an awarding body, maintaining
the highest standards in the practice of massage and holistic
therapies. VTCT is approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority (QCA) for inclusion in the National Qualifications
Framework.
VTCT qualifications are recognised both nationally
and internationally.
Further Study
Aromatherapy forms part of the VTCT Level 3
Diploma in Holistic Therapies
