Aromatherapy is a self-regulated field in the United States with education guidelines of 200 hours of formal training. The Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) offers a voluntary board exam for those that meet the minimum requirements.
Many spas and massage practices offer some form of aromatherapy, inhaled or topical, for customers to experience. Without clear regulation many of these spa technicians and massage therapists are providing a therapy with little to no formal education on the subject and are putting themselves in danger.
National Warnings on Raindrop Therapy
In 2001 Barber and Gagnon-Warr wrote White Paper Raindrop Therapy which has been formally adopted by the Aromatherapy Registration Council and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy on this dangerous practice. The authors' biggest complaints stem from the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils, especially those that have been clinically tested to be toxic to humans in undiluted applications.
The company Young Living offers workshops and training materials in the technique known as "Raindrop Therapy" which has now been banned in countries like Norway due to unsubstantiated health claims such as curing scoliosis.
Due to this and similar practices in the United States NAHA is collecting reports on reactions to essential oils through their website.
Can Aromatherapy Massage Oil Blends be Harmful?
Essential oils have been researched and studied for decades now to determine their safety for children, adults and pregnant/lactating women. While this information is freely distributed in aromatherapy education programs, it is not standard curriculum in a massage or spa course. Unintentionally the untrained therapist can cause skin sensitization and reactions to not only herself but also to her clientele through the use of a massage oil or lotion.
There are a variety of shorter programs on essential oil use and safety available to the bodywork professional via home study or a series of weekend workshops. Simply put - having the training to provide therapeutic touch via massage or bodywork does not qualify the practitioner to use essential oils.
How Will I know if my Practitioner is Properly Trained?
The spa goer can easily request more information about the training of her therapist before booking an appointment. It is better to ask questions in advance though then to discover at the time of the appointment that the practitioner is not properly educated on the modality!
Some questions to ask include:
- Where did you receive your aromatherapy training?
- Are you a member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy?
- Do you offer an unscented oil or lotion if I am sensitive to the essential oil you plan to use?
As a general rule of thumb most topical applications of essential oils should never go over 5% unless they are being used under supervision from a well trained aromatherapist in an urgent setting. An example would include the use of lavender essential oil for a cut or burn at a stronger percentage.
Where can I Train to Become an Aromatherapist?
Aromatherapy courses are popping up around the globe as the demand for more holistic wellness solutions becomes greater. Check with local and national organizations for a directory of local schools or contact more progressive institutes like the local hospital or wellness center.
References:
- Aromatherapy Registration Council website accessed January 2011.
- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy website accessed January 2011.
- White Paper Raindrop Therapy Barber, K., Gagnon-Warr, J., November 25, 2001, revisedMay 12, 2002.
- Suggestions for cross-training individual who are familiar or exercising the Raindrop Therapy Techniques (RDT), Jennifer Hochell.
- The author's personal experience as an aromatherapy student at Boston Medical Center.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
Join the Conversation