What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote healing and well-being. The oils derive from flowers, leaves, plants and trees. The term “aromatherapy” was first used by Dr. R M Gattefosse at the beginning of the 18th century but the therapeutic use of plants and their oils can be traced back for millennia. There are many ways of using oils beneficially. These include: baths, compresses, inhalations and vaporisation. However, the main use is through massage whereby the oils are absorbed through the skin. Using oils safely is a complex art that requires in-depth training.

Aromatherapy as a Career

Aromatherapy has become increasingly popular with the general public for forty years or so. According to a report by the Consumers Association, aromatherapy is one of the most sought after forms of natural health care. Increasingly it is being used in hospitals, clinics, and as a complement to orthodox medicine.

As a professionally trained aromatherapist, running your own business you can operate from home, a natural health centre, a doctor’s surgery or a sports clinic. You can choose to work full-time or part-time depending on your interest, time and commitments. If you are already a complementary or health care practitioner aromatherapy is a particularly useful and satisfying skill to integrate into your work.

Aromatherapy training at the Bristol School

The Aromatherapy Diploma Course is a level 3 course and is the most established course as it was the original course offered by the School in 1996. The course is a fully comprehensive 18-month part-time Diploma course which runs about one weekend a month. It will take you from a complete novice to professional Diploma level. Our training is of the highest standard, abiding by the National  and will enable you to work confidently and ethically with clients as soon as you graduate.

The training is holistic throughout and abides by the National Occupational Standards for “Providing Aromatherapy to Clients“. Students are nurtured to develop their skills in the way that best suits them as individual practitioners. All students are encouraged to become self aware as this is fundamental in your work as a future practitioner.