Aromatherapist Career Information
Do you have a keen sense of smell? Can you put people at ease, by talking to them and hearing them out? Do you like experimenting? Lastly, would you like flexi timings in your job? Then, why not be an aromatherapist? Let's see what this profession is all about…
What an Aromatherapist does
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance health and beauty. Apart from the physical benefits like good hair and skin, essential oils have subtle effects on the mind and emotions. Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, spices, woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expression and solvent extraction.
However, perfume oils are not the same as essential oils. The difference being perfume oils contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
The medicinal properties of essential oils were discovered quite by accident. A French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, began his research into the healing powers of essential oils after burning his hand in his laboratory and immersing it in lavender oil and being impressed by how quickly the burn healed. In 1937 he published a book about the anti-microbial effects of the oils and coined the word Aromatherapy.
Before we delve deeper in to the subject of aromatherapy lets talk about how the oils in aromatherapy work. When you smell essential oils they are drawn into the body and offer psychological and physical benefits. The aroma stimulates the brain to trigger a positive effect and the natural components of the essential oil drawn into the lungs also supply physical benefits. But if it's not done correctly it can leave severe consequences.
Getting Started
This is one field, which doesn't call for professional classes or courses. You can start by self-study. This means reading the many aromatherapy books that are available, absorbing the information they contain and by personally utilizing the information.
Many aromatherapy books available in the market contain recipes for aromatherapy blends that you can prepare at home much like a food recipe. If you seriously contemplate a career as an aromatherapist you will have to dig a little deeper about each oil - botanical name, chemistry of essential oils, safety information, techniques for therapeutic and aromatic blending, etc.
Just reading won't do. You have to research the information in the books. How do you do that? Well, to begin with, you will have to buy the oils and start spending some time with it. Sniff it and see what it does to you (yes, you are the guinea pig here).
The second way to learn about aromatherapy would be to surf the Internet. There is a huge storehouse of knowledge there.
Job Opportunities
As an aromatherapist you could work in a parlor, salon or gymnasium giving massages. If you wish to be on your own you could visit homes and offer aromatherapy treatments.
Career Prospects
With the new found interest in all things alternative, aromatherapy has got a shot in the arm. There has been enormous growth in this field in the recent past. From aromatherapy oils to candles and soaps you can specialize in anything.
Alternatively, you could also specialize in any one stream, mainly, massage, body treatment, facial treatment or hydrotherapy treatment.
Abilities & Traits Required
• You should enjoy smelling.
• You need to be a good listener to be able to give a patient hearing to your clients.
• A friendly nature will help put your clients at ease.
• Also you need to be well-groomed if you want people to flock to you.
Qualifications
There are no specific qualifications required to become an aromatherapist.
Salary
There are no fixed income scales for aroma therapists. It all depends on your area of specialization and your experience.
If you work with a salon, the pay package depends on the popularity of the salon. You could get anywhere between Rs 3500- 10000 a month, depending on your position in the salon.