What do you learn on an online aromatherapy course?

Aromatherapy has been used by humans for thousands of years. Aromatic plant components were incorporated in resins, balms, and oils by ancient cultures in China, India and Egypt. They were known to have both physical and psychological benefits. Today there are a large number of professional’s still practising aromatherapy and they have given birth to a plethora of aromatherapy courses being taught both online and in person.

You might be wondering “what do you learn on an online aromatherapy course?” Well, this CPD article aims to offer practical advice on what aromatherapy is, what you could learn from taking an online aromatherapy course, as well as what roles this may lead to and where you can find some aromatherapy courses.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) as “the therapeutic application or the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing.” Sometimes it's called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

Essential oils have been found to have antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. However “natural” products are also chemicals, and they can be hazardous if used in the wrong way. This is one of the main reasons that aromatherapy courses have been created, as the safe use of natural oils is something everyone in the industry is trying to promote.

What do you learn on an online aromatherapy course?

Aromatherapy courses provide the skills and knowledge to use essential oils in order to uplift the body, mind, and spirit, in turn enhancing physical and emotional health. An aromatherapy course will usually incorporate plant knowledge and essential oil production, as well as properties of essential oils and how to use essential oils. 

We have listed a few examples of the typical learning objectives set out at the beginning of an aromatherapy course:

• Develop a basic understanding of the safe use of aromatherapy oils and their production
• Identify a range of essential oils and their uses, whilst ensuring they are used in a safe and controlled manner
• Understand the history of aromatherapy and essential oil use
• Understand how aromatherapy oils can be used in specific environments
• Describe the classification system used for naming plants and identify the family, genus and species names of plants used to produce essential oils
• Explain how oils enter the body and how a carrier will assist with this entry
• List a range of essential oils that are not safe for use in aromatherapy

Some courses will not only teach you how to practise aromatherapy, but also how to set up a business in the industry. They will often outline how to price your treatments and how to market your business.

Whatever your requirements, whether it is establishing your own business or just entering a role based on the skills you will have developed, there are a number of aromatherapy courses available to help you broaden your skillset.

Aromatherapy courses - What roles this may lead to

There are a few different roles that you can move into after training in aromatherapy. Being an 'Aromatherapist' is not a protected title so officially registering is optional. Nonetheless it is advised to register with an officially recognised professional organisation such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or Federation of Holistic Therapists.

Most aromatherapists are self-employed, either working full or part-time from clients' homes or from their own practice. Many work as part of a team at specialist and complementary health care clinics and health farms. With further training you could offer additional treatments, like reflexology or massage, to increase your income. With experience as a self-employed practitioner, you could set up your business at home or at other premises, or visit clients in their homes.

Whatever line of work you choose to move into within the aromatherapy field, there is a wide range of courses available to help you gain the correct knowledge and expertise.

How to find available Aromatherapy CPD Courses

If you are looking for an aromatherapy course to take and you want more of an assurance that the training courses are going to be delivered at a high standard, then it may be worth considering looking for a course that has been CPD accredited by a recognised provider.

You can search the CPD Courses Catalogue for thousands of training courses, events, e-learning programs, conferences, workshops and seminars, which have all been formally CPD certified, adding significant value for audiences and providers alike. If you would like to enquire for one of the aromatherapy courses listed on the website you can then click on the relevant course and enquire with each training provider.