Aromatherapy Diploma (ITEC Level 3)

International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) - LEVEL 3

Validated by IPTI - (Independent Professional Therapists International)

Recognised by CtHA (Embody) and APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists)

The entry requirement for the Aromatherapy Diploma Course is the successful completion of the Anatomy & Physiology and Holistic Massage Diplomas or equivalent.

The healing art of aromatherapy is the modern name for the age-old therapy of using essential oils to alleviate a wide range of physical and emotional disorders. It is a wonderful way of enhancing the therapeutic effects of massage.
Aromatherapy owes its incredible healing power to the dynamic and versatile therapeutic properties of essential oils; mankind’s first medicine. The medicinal activities of essential oils have an amazing capacity to positively influence both body and mind.

Aromatherapy is an ancient scientific art that has been practiced and perfected over centuries. Today, Aromatherapy is well respected and widely practiced as one of the most popular complementary medicine therapies due to the powerful, natural healing benefits of essential oils. There is a growing interest in the science and art of aromatherapy and an increasing acceptance that aromatic compounds have an effect on our emotional, mental and physical well-being through their combined influences of fragrance, aromatic molecules and frequency.

This amazing treatment creates a haven of peace and tranquillity to gently calm the body and mind enabling your client to melt into a blissful state of peace, joy and relaxation, while the essential oils and massage do their healing work.
Never underestimate the power and potential of essential oils! Aromatherapy is much more than just the smell!

The syllabus for the course, as required by the CThA, ITEC and the AOC, includes the following subjects:

• THE BASICS OF AROMATHERAPY
  The practice of Aromatherapy / History, definition & development of aromatherapy / Modern natural medicine / How & why it works / Olfactory system / Aromatherapy Research / Integral Biology
• ESSENTIAL OILS
  Physiological and psychological effects / Main therapeutic effects / Recommended uses
• ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCTION & QUALITY
  Methods of extraction / Professional Sources - Growers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers / Quality control / Adulteration or degradation / Storage / Related botanical products
• ESSENTIAL OIL SCIENCE & SAFETY
  Key definitions / Botany and biogenesis / Plant identification / Taxonomy / Nomenclature and 31 plant families / Structure and function of plants / Chemical constituents & therapeutic properties / Essential oil safety and contraindications / Patch testing / Contra-indications / Toxic effects & overdose / Possible reactions to aromatherapy treatment and aftercare advice /Possible drug interactions
• INDIVIDUAL OILS
  A study of 60 essential oils / Base or carrier oils / Hydrosol / Floral water / Hydrolat
• METHODS OF APPLICATION & BLENDING
  Mechanisms of action / Various methods of applying essences, fixed oils and blends safely / Safe dosage and blending of essences and fixed oils / Synergy and the way in which the therapeutic effects of essences are strengthened when working together / Top, middle and base notes / Methods of manufacture of aromatherapy products
• AROMATHERAPY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
  Client care/preparation / Holistic approach / Consultation skills / Learning how to assess clients and design and manage clients’ treatments / How to keep clients records, respect the data protection law and maintain confidentiality of clients` details / Home care advice after treatment / Treatment approach / Aromatherapy massage techniques / Client referral / Reflective practice / Case studies / Therapeutic effects, recommended uses and safety precautions of fixed oils and other media / Aromatherapy for specific conditions / Aromatherapy and stress / Clinical contraindications / Psychological aromatherapy / Understanding the therapeutic relationship between clients` and therapists and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
  Professionalism and knowledge of ethics and conduct with clients and other professionals / Liaison with health professionals / Referral procedures / Insurance & professional associations / Legislation and working practices / Treatment environment and working area / Practice promotion
• EXAM PREPARATION
  Producing the perfect Case Study / Practical Skills for forthcoming Examination / Mock Practical Examination / New Case Study requirements

However - this course is so much more than an ITEC Aromatherapy course!

The `MSCM Aromatherapy Diploma` provides in addition a detailed study of botany including a field trip to the wonderful Royal Botanic Kew Gardens where you will have an opportunity to see and touch the real herbs, allow you to have a first-hand experience of the aromatic plants in a natural environment.

Topics covered in the Botany module includes:

• Why plants produce essential and fixed oil

• The secret life of plants - photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism and its relevance to aromatherapy
• How oils are stored in plants – different structures dedicated to oil storage in plants.Through the peeping hole – plant tissues under the professional microscope - Seeing is believing
• How do we know it is a plant? (plant cell vs animal cell)
• Plant anatomy, physiology and sex life – angiosperms and gymnosperms
• Plant classification – the past and the present - Carl Linneaus and binominal system
• Do we really need the ‘fancy’ Latin names? Oh, yes, we do!
• Who is who in the world of plants – meet botanical plant families.
• Chemotypes
• In search of the oils - seeds, rhizomes, flowers, etc
• General therapeutic properties of the essential oils of each botanical family

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is one of the world`s leading botanic gardens and during the field trip you will benefit from a number of carefully planned practical exercises (for essential oils and fixed oils) including:

• Botanical families and oils of the various climatic zones and continents – ‘around the world trip’ through different parts of Kew – in search of common and uncommon
• The climatic zones, regions and geographical (country) origins of relevant essential oils
• Physical characteristics of relevant botanical families
• Recognising the botanical families, mono- and di-cotyledons
• Meeting plants up and close - Through the magnifying glass
• A chance to take your own photos of plants for your essential oils bible/file
• The endangered species of the aromatherapy world
• Lunch at the Orangery or picnic (bring/buy your own)
• Q &A and stretching legs with all-important tea and a ‘compulsory’ cake :)

Another wonderful module, unique to MSCM and included in this diploma course, we’ve named ‘AROMATHERAPY REMEDIES AND COSMETIC PREPARATIONS’. This two day module will be filled up to its brim with both theoretical and practical info covering non-massage aromatherapy practice. The interactive demonstrations allow you to experience the step-by-step processes of creating your own professional aromatherapy blends. You will learn how easy it is to create natural tailor-made skin-care and body products that, not only offer your clients freedom from synthetic substances, but also rival those found at the most exclusive department stores. Get ready for demos and hands on fun! Make your own aromatherapeutic remedies and cosmetic preparations and expand your practice (and earn more money)!

During this part of the course you will study the following:

• Review of the anatomy and function of the skin
• The essentials of aromatic formulations – ratios, types, what to use and when
• Materials other than essential oils
• Hydrosols – what they are and how to use them in aromatherapy treatments and products
• Oil and water based products - methods of manufacturing of emulsions – lotions and creams
• How to make and use gels
• Clays – different types and their uses – i.e. face masks
• Butters (shea, coconut) – what to choose
• Using commercial bases
• Inhalers – make your own
• Safe bathing – blends and products
• Compresses – different types, ‘how to’ and what can be used
• Diffusers – the good, the bad and the ugly
• Tips, shortcuts and how to make it special.
• The equipment, hygiene, and general ‘how to’.
• Shelf life of aromatherapeutic remedies and preparations, labelling,
• The legal side of it and how to make it into a business.
• Lots of recipes J for common problems
• And lots more!

Once you have mastered the basics you will be able to apply your knowledge and imagination to add your own creative twist

A further module of the course is our special AROMATHERAPY FACIAL day. One of the joys of life is taking the time to be pampered in order to face each new day looking and feeling our best. Aromatherapy facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin, as well as minimizing skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and wrinkles.

During this part of the course we will cover:

• Getting ready – equipment , material and products

• Skin types and facial skin analysis - Consultation
• Selecting vegetable oils, essential oils & hydrolates for the skin types
• Types of formulations for each skin typeStep by step - the theory and practice of full aromatherapy facial work inc. cleansing procedures, etc
• The routine not written in stone - different treatment ‘routines’ – from relaxing to remedial facial.
• The DOs and DON’Ts
• Taking it a step further - Health problems (other than skin related) which can be helped with a right facial

What could be more indulgent than a beautifully and professionally executed facial treatment combining skilful massage and truly beneficial aromatherapy products?

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

The course is primarily practical in content and you will be required to have access to a Massage Couch and a selection of essential oils during the course.

Student insurance is mandatory for this course and is available through the IPTI or CThA or APNT and other Industry Associations who recognise ITEC qualifications. Full details will be sent to you with your joining details.

EXAMINATIONS:

During the course we will prepare you for your final exam and will conclude the course with a mock examination from which we will be able to offer you guidance. Upon satisfactory completion of this mock examination, you will be eligible to sit the ITEC Diploma in Aromatherapy QCF Level 3 examination which comprises coursework, case studies and a practical examination with an external ITEC examiner.

QUALIFICATION:

Once qualified, you will be awarded an ITEC Diploma in Aromatherapy – a fully accredited, level 3 diploma linked to National Occupational Standards. ITEC qualifications are recognised nationally and internationally - UK, Ireland, Australia, Greece, South East Asia but to name a few.

Successful completion of this diploma course will also provide you with the title of "Aromatherapist", and the knowledge and techniques needed to give a treatment at a professional level. Practitioner professional liability insurance is also available upon successful completion of the course.

QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION BY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

The ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy is one of the best recognised complementary therapy qualifications in the UK and across a range of countries. It is widely accepted by most Professional Bodies including:

• IPTI - (Independent Professional Therapists International)
• CThA (Embody)
• APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists)