Aromatherapy has transformed itself from being a traditional practice to a booming industry. It is popular in almost every continent and many people are aware of its nature and application. The number of people practicing aromatherapy in their homes is increasing rapidly. The booming industry has brought into spotlight aromatherapy career opportunities and with that a requirement for well-trained and dedicated people.
Aromatherapy courses are available anywhere and everywhere from the natural food store to the internet. However, as of now, there is no standardized curriculum for aromatherapy, so the content and quality of the classes varies widely, which means that before you decide on which aromatherapy course to take up, you need to do a thorough research.
Learning aromatherapy is a time consuming process but the length of aromatherapy course varies greatly. Before deciding on which aromatherapy course to take up, one should keep the following things in mind:
Do your research
The first and foremost requirement is a little research and an overview of what aromatherapy is. Find out about the risks and benefits of aromatherapy and how it is practiced. Also familiarize yourself with terms and names that you come across frequently and make a list of questions that you have in mind.
Keep in mind your goal
Next, decide your goal in taking an aromatherapy course. Do you want to make your own essential oils? Is it a simple curiosity or do you want to become a professional practitioner? Once you are clear about your goals you may require more research.
Instructor
It is very important to know who will be teaching the aromatherapy course and the qualifications of that person. What is the level of training and experience the person has in aromatherapy?
Curriculum
Find out what the aromatherapy course will cover and in what detail. Which are the smells that you will you learn about? Will you learn about the effects and the safety concerns for each of them? How to blend and use them and in what concentration? Can they be used for pregnant women, children and the elderly? Make sure that course covers most of the things you want to learn.
Credibility
Is it a formal course of study with classes and tests? If yes, will a certificate be provided and will the same have recognition? Is it an informal course that will provide you basic overview about aromatherapy? Make sure you understand what you will have to do to complete the course.
Some Ways to Take an Aromatherapy Course
Self-Study
Self study is the simplest and the most common way for individuals to begin expanding their aromatherapy knowledge. Self study involves going through various books and websites that provide information on aromatherapy and then practicing the information that one has assimilated. Self-study is a wonderful method for introducing aromatherapy into your lifestyle. However, self-study may not teach you everything you wish to learn.
Networking
Networking involves exchanging the knowledge and experience that you have with others. Networking can occur anywhere and with anyone as aromatherapy has become very popular today. Lots of people, among your friends or local community may be aromatherapy fans and you can join such clubs on internet also. This gives you opportunities to share aromatherapy information and it also provides answers to some of your specific questions. Though people have good intentions, but sometimes, the information supplied may not be safe or accurate.
Local Classes
Aromatherapy classes have sprung up everywhere and vary greatly in what they teach, just like the educational and professional background of the instructor’s.Some classes provide you only introductory information while others give you a handbook and allow you to make a couple of recipes during the class.
Seminars
Seminars range from half-day to several-day aromatherapy events. Some seminars may be sponsored, these are usually held by local aromatherapy businesses and are conducted by a professional aroma therapist. Seminars may also be hosted directly in affiliation with institutions that present distance learning courses. Just like local classes, seminars also vary greatly in what they teach and cover.
