STANDARD COMPETENCIES

 

 1. Examine and learn additional essential oils and their therapeutic actions

 2. Relate the methods by which essential oils are absorbed, metabolized and eliminated

 3. Demonstrate blending techniques and methods of application

 4. Analyze current research for the efficacy of essential oils

 5. Describe process for interviewing, assessing and working with clients in making therapeutic essential oil blends for their health and well being

 TOPICAL OUTLINE

 

 I. Review the history of essential oils and methods of extraction

      a. Medical and Holistic Aromatherapy

      b. More advanced study of the history of Aromatherapy in Ancient cultures

 II. The future of Aromatherapy

      a. Current uses of essential oils

       b. Examples of other practitioners that use essential oils

 III. Botany

      a. Additional skills in knowing the botanical names, plant parts used, and Country of origin of the most commonly used essential oils

      b. Natural v. Synthetic states of essential oils

 IV. Sustainability of raw botanicals for essential oil production

      a. Fair trade

      b. Organic

      c. Plant Savers

 V. Carrier oils

      a. Discuss a wide variety of carrier oils, and non-oil based carriers used to dilute essential oils

 VI. Relate the methods by which essential oils are absorbed, metabolized and eliminated

      a. Absorption

      b. Metabolism

      c. Excretion

 VII. Demonstrate blending techniques and methods of application

      a. Blending Techniques

      b. Principles of blending

      c. Psychological impact of blends

      d. Learning notes (top, middle and base)

 VIII. Aromatherapy use in massage

      a. Basic massage strokes

      b. How to use essential oils during a massage

 IX. External use of essential oils

      a. Anatomy of the skin and appendages, skin types and conditions

      b. Benefits of essential oils in skin care

 X. Analyze current research in essential oils including safety, and general use guidelines

      a. Safety issues using essential oils

      b. Common hazardous and exotic oils

      c. Unsafe practices

      d. Toxicity

 XI. Chemistry of essential oils

      a. Functional groups

      b. Pharmokinetics

      c. Pharmacology of Essential oils

 XII. Develop research paper using APA writing style and formatting

      a. APA Basics

      b. Research strategies

 XIII. Working with clients

      a. Consultation and Communication Skills

      b. Interviewing techniques

      c. Verbal and nonverbal communication

      d. Appropriate dosages in terms of dilution percent for clients

      e. Introduction to the case study format for upcoming clinical practicum

 XIV. Olfaction and the brain

      a. How smell works

      b. Memory and essential oils

 XV. Review of Reproductive, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, immune, urinary, musculoskeletal, and digestive system

      a. A few common ailments of each system

      b. Application of appropriate oils for each system

      c. Application of appropriate oils for a variety of common ailments