Aromatherapists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Aromatheraphy is both a science and an art that uses essential oils for healing purposes. During the early times, the Egyptians use myrrh and franklincense while the Indians, Chinese, Persians and other African cultures make use of the plant oils for cosmetics, incense burning, bathing, cooking, perfumery, mummifying, healing and meditating. Romans use oils for baths and massages while Europeans use them to fight diseases. New medical practices made people use modern medicine instead of simply the essential oils. In the 20th century, the use of essential oil for healing purposes had been rediscovered. Those who practice the art of aromatherapy are called the “aromatherapists”.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Aromatherapist should know the human body well. Those interested in this profession can focus on taking up courses in Anatomy, Physiology and Chemistry. Among the courses, Chemistry is an important class to take to be used for laboratory procedures. Computer, Business and Math are beneficial since most aromatherapist are self-employed. They need to enhance their communication skills and know how to interact with other people so they need to take up English, Psychology and Speech classes. The National Association of Holistic Aromatheraphy set guidelines that aromatherapy education should cover. Topics or areas like Production of Essential Oils, History of Aromatherapy, Botany, Physiology, Business Planning, Chemistry and Safety and Methods of Application are the basic line of subjects included in the education.
Skills and Abilities
To be a successful aromatherapist, an applicant needs to be sensitive to their client’s body and mind. They need to have an excellent listening skill. Having a creative and an open mind will also help the applicants understand their clients well.
Good people skills are needed to make their clients more comfortable with giving them information. They should explore and know new procedures, techniques and products to be competitive in the market.
Duties
Aromatherapists should understand the benefits and healing components of the essential oils. They can get to know how to treat their client properly by inquiring about the lifestyle of the client. It is important for aromatherapist to know if their client is using other healing substance or medicines. It is also important for them to know what oils are needed and what and how to use them. They should know how to mix certain oils whenever necessary. They need to be familiar with natural compounds and should know how to handled volatile or delicate substances. They need to choose the oil carefully and wisely. It is their responsibility to know what oils are used for olfactory, massage and cosmetics purposes and recommend them to the clients. Their duty also includes knowing how the mind, emotions and body work together. They be able to implement different therapy types as necessary.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Positions in Aromatherapy industry are a growing profession at present. Aromatherapists and related workers can work as massage therapists, doctors, chiropractors or even as beauticians. Their income depends on their working environment, their roles and the number of clients and working hours in a week. Their salary ranges from $17,540 to $45,000 annually. Those who are planning to be an aromatherapist will not worry about job availability since alternative therapy is now in demand. People are more aware and interested in aromatherapy as they are in the modern medications.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 606 Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 Time: 8:40 PM
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