Aromatherapy course: who can take it and how does it work?

An aromatherapy course is a type of educational training that teaches the practices of this type of therapy that helps thousands of people.

And if you want to understand more about the world of aromatherapy, how it works and how you can learn through specific courses, come check it out with us!

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses natural essential oils, which are extracted from plants, to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The therapy is based on the perception that essential oils have the power to positively affect both our mind and our body, providing several benefits to our health.

This type of alternative therapy is based on the idea that the smells of essential oils affect our brain, specifically the limbic system, which is responsible for our emotions and behavior.

With this idea in mind, it is believed that essential oils can be used to improve mood, relieve pain and promote even greater health.

The methods of applying this alternative practice are 4 different options: inhalation, massage, topical application and bath.

Inhalation is the most common method, where the diffuser or inhaler releases the oil along with water into the air.

Massage is also very common and can be done by professionals using these essential oils.

Topical application is done by depositing essential oils directly onto the skin, but because they are very concentrated they can end up causing skin irritation, which is why they are not used as much.

Finally, there are baths made with essential oils, the oil must be placed in the bath water.

How does the aromatherapy course work?

An aromatherapy course is the ideal opportunity to learn more about this type of art and therapy technique. 

These courses are designed to empower students to use essential oils effectively and safely to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Aromatherapy courses can be held at educational institutions, therapy centers or specific training locations. This allows direct interaction with instructors and peers.

And many of them are online, allowing students to study at their own pace and access learning materials remotely.

Some courses include hands-on workshops where students have the opportunity to directly apply aromatherapy techniques.

Courses typically begin with an introduction to the history and origins of aromatherapy, as well as the principles and science behind essential oils.

Students learn about essential oils, including their properties, origins, extraction methods, and individual characteristics. This includes detailed information on several popular essential oils.

The courses cover the use of essential oils for various therapeutic applications, such as therapeutic massage, treatment of skin problems, relief of symptoms of common illnesses, such as headaches and insomnia, and promotion of emotional well-being.

Safety is a fundamental part of training that is also taught during aromatherapy courses.

Students learn how to use essential oils safely, including proper dilution, contraindications, and considerations for specific groups such as pregnant women and children.

In these courses, future aromatherapy professionals will learn several relevant topics. Here are some of them:

• Concepts and history of aromatherapy;
• Pharmacobotany;
• Chemistry of essential oils;
• Characteristics of essential oils;
• The use of essential oils;
• Aromatherapy Applied to Yoga and Meditation;
• Applied anatomy and physiology;
• Clinical Aromatherapy;
• Psychoaromatherapy and contemplative aromatherapy;
• Absorption processes 
• Aromatic recipe;
• Care when purchasing essential oils;
• Initial interview and therapeutic indication.

In addition to these subjects, you will also find many more that may vary depending on the course you are taking.

Who can take the aromatherapy course?

There is no exact list of restrictions on who can or cannot take the aromatherapy course.

Anyone interested in learning about aromatherapy for personal use or to help friends and family can also take an aromatherapy course. You do not need to be a health professional.

But because it is a type of alternative therapy, to treat other people it is important to have valid certifications and are professionals trained in the subject.

Many healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists, seek out aromatherapy courses to integrate aromatherapy techniques into their clinical practices.

It may not necessarily be part of their professional scope in clinics and hospitals, however, they often seek to learn so they can connect more with patients and reassure them using these techniques.

Holistic practitioners, such as massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and others, are often interested in aromatherapy as a complement to their therapies.

It is important to choose an aromatherapy course taught by qualified and experienced instructors.

Where to take the courses?

You know how an aromatherapy course works and who can take this type of alternative therapy, but do you know where to find the different courses that teach this practice?

There are free courses available that can be found on several different platforms, such as:

• Unova Courses - 50 hours with certification;
• Thinking Courses - 20 hours;
• IDEA Portal - 10 to 180 hours;
• iPED - 80 hours;
• EW Courses - 50 hours.

But there are also different paid courses that can be even more complete, some of them are offered by universities and colleges.

For example, the aromatherapy postgraduate course offered by PUC Minas, which has a workload of 432 hours.

A postgraduate degree in clinical aromatherapy is also offered, Southern Cross virtual, lasting 12 months. The UNISUAM is another university that offers a postgraduate course in Aromatherapy and Aromatology.

Senac, a large platform known for offering online and in-person courses, is also promoting Aromatherapy courses with a workload of 36 hours, and is costing around R$$421 reais.

In addition, other professionals also offer courses and consultancy to other people, with the aim of training more and more people, in addition to disseminating the practice.

Try to choose courses that are related to your goals and that fit your budget.