Nicki Parks
Kneading Hands
No name is listed, however, on the accompanying coupon, there is the name,
Ali M. Boehm.
Aromatherapy is generally described as a form of alternative health that uses the inhalation of plant oils for the purpose of altering mind or mood. Some aromatherapists claim health-related benefits, however, evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy for medical conditions is non-existent. However, aromatherapy testing has revealed some interesting characteristics of the human response to smells; in the case of using aromatherapy to induce relaxation, the effect only lasts as long as the scent lasts and humans stop smelling an odor after a certain amount of exposure.
The aromatherapy theory that claims residual or long-lasting effects, such as resetting energy flow or improving wellness, not only cannot be proved, it appears to be wholly contradicted by current knowledge and understanding.
For consumers, there are other concerns with these two businesses.
The first is that there are no credentials listed. While the State of Colorado does not require licensing for aromatherapists, there are two governing bodies for national educational standards for aromatherapists, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists.
Second, doTerra essential oils and Young Living essential oils are both multilevel marketing schemes. Which means that both businesses spent some amount of money buying into the scheme to get started in their respective businesses. Now they must start to generate income, first to cover their initial start-up costs, and then presumably to make a living. In order to generate income, they must sell their product. They get no advertising or promotion support from the companies. Instead, both doTerra and Young Living leave it up to their individual "consultants" as to what methods they will employ in order to sell the product. Anecdotal evidence is strongly encouraged in these types of multilevel marketing schemes. Anecdotal evidence, or claims of what worked for a neighbor or friend or relative, does not serve as evidence of effectiveness or safety.
Third, the terms, "100% pure certified therapeutic grade essential oils" for doTerra and, "therapeutic grade essential oils" for Young Living are marketing terms only. There is no organization, in government or industry, that certifies essential oils. The terms are concocted by these two companies for promotion purposes.
Fourth, these are some expensive oils. The same quality oils can be purchased for much less at health food stores.
Fifth, aromatherapy is more than selling some nice smelling oils.
Consumers who wish to venture into the world of aromatherapy are well advised to seek out aromatherapists who are members of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy or the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, which ensure education, continuing education, codes of ethics, safety precautions, and standards of care.
Code of
Ethics
Professional,
Business and Donor members shall:
1.1
Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality aromatherapy service to
those who seek their professional service
1.2 Conduct
myself in a professional and ethical manner in relation to my clients, fellow
aromatherapists & colleagues and the general public so as to comply with
the highest standards of moral behavior & integrity and to uphold the
dignity and status of my profession under all circumstances.
1.3 Share
professional knowledge, research, and experiences with fellow aromatherapists
and colleagues to support the advancement of aromatherapy.
1.4 Treat
clients in accordance with holistic principles (Recommend treatment based upon
the specific needs of the client.) and render professional services for no
other purposes than the total well being of my clients.
1.5 Educate
clients in the quality and availability of true aromatherapy products and
services.
1.6 Refrain
from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving clients.
1.7 Recognize
that my primary obligation is always to the client and agree to practice
Aromatherapy to the best of my ability for my client's benefit. My client's
comfort, welfare and health must always have priority.
1.8 Provide
clients with informed consent/disclosure statement and information that
includes training, certification, scope of practice, payment structure, benefits,
limitations and expectations of both the practitioner and client.
1.9 Endeavor
to serve the best interests of my clients at all times by providing the highest
quality of service and I shall undertake continuing education and improve upon
my Aromatherapy skills and professional standards whenever possible.
1.10 Provide
services within the scope and the limits of my training. I will not employ
techniques for which I have not had adequate training and shall represent my
education, training, qualifications and abilities honestly. I shall acknowledge
the limitations of my skills and when necessary, refer clients to the
appropriate qualified professionals.
1.11 Not
diagnose, prescribe or provide any service, which requires a license to
practice unless specifically licensed to do.
1.12 Maintain
client confidentiality and not divulge to anyone the findings I acquire during
consultation, or in the course of professional recommendations, without my
clients consent except when required by law.
1.13 Support other
Consultants at all time and shall never criticize, condemn or otherwise
denigrate other Consultants in the presence of a client or other lay persons.
1.14 Respect
the rights of other healthcare professionals and aromatherapists and will
cooperate with all health care professionals in a friendly and professional
manner.
1.15 Where
another Consultant refers a client to me, I shall return such clients to the
original Consultant when the specified recommendation is completed. I will not
denigrate another Consultants recommendations.
1.16 Not make
false claims regarding the potential benefits of Aromatherapy and shall
actively participate in educating the public regarding the actual benefits of
True Aromatherapy.
1.17 Not give
guarantees regarding the results of any recommendations, nor exploit a client
for financial gain through inferences or misrepresentation of any sort.
1.18 Practice
honesty in advertising, promote my services ethically and in good taste, and
practice and or advertise only those skills for which I have received adequate
training or certification.
1.19 Maintain
my premises in a hygienic condition, and ensure that my premises offer my
Clients sufficient privacy.
1.20 Maintain
complete records of each Client, including specific details of my
recommendations.
1.21 Refrain
from the use of any mind-altering drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants prior to or
during a professional Aromatherapy consultation or while representing the
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
1.22 Dress in
a professional manner, proper dress being defined as the attire suitable and
consistent with accepted professional practice.
1.23
Represent a united front to the public and refrain from criticism of colleagues
either in writing or verbally before clients or the general public.
1.24 Shall,
upon being found to have transgressed any of the By-laws of the National
Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and/or this Code of Ethics voluntarily
surrender and return my membership certificate to the Association.
General
Safety Precautions
1. Keep all
essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
2. Do not
use or recommend the use of photosensitizing essential oils prior to going into
a sun tanning booth or the sun. Recommend that the client stay out of the sun
or sun tanning booth for at least twenty-four hours after treatment if
photosensitizing essential oils were applied to the skin.
3. Avoid
prolonged use of the same essential oils.
4. Avoid the
use of essential oils you know nothing about on your clients. Research and get
to know the oil prior to using it on others.
5. Avoid the
use of undiluted essential oils on the skin, unless otherwise indicated.
6. If you
suspect your client may be sensitive to specific essential oils or if your
client has known allergies or sensitivities, it may be wise to perform a skin
patch test.
7. Know the
safety data on each essential oil and place into context of use and knowledge.
8. Use
caution when treating a female client who suspects she is pregnant or has been
trying to become pregnant.
9. Keep
essential oils away from the eyes.
10. Essential
oils are highly flammable substances and should be kept away from direct
contact with flames, such as candles, fire, matches, cigarettes, and gas
cookers.17
11. Make sure
your treatment room has good ventilation.
12. Do not
use essential oils internally unless properly trained in the safety issues of
doing so. Please visit NAHA's approved schools to explore education in
aromatherapy.
Standards
of Practice
by Laraine K. Pounds, RN,
MSN
Adopted by the AIA Membership on October 19, 2007
We are entering a new era in
health care where the public is informed regarding choices in health care and
the availability of alternative and complementary health care modalities. There
is an increasing expectation for mainstream health care providers, such as
physicians, nurses, health administrators, and educators to be knowledgeable
regarding the existence, availability and benefits of alternative and
complementary healthcare modalities.
For the clinical aromatherapy
community to grow as a profession and take its place with more-established
complementary care modalities, it has the obligation to identify and establish
standards of care and practice. Professional standards of practice and reflect
the current knowledge base and practice in any given field and imply
accountability. Standards are dynamic, and subject to evaluation and subsequent
change through time as practice norms evolve.
The following Aromatherapy
Standards of Practice are stated to identify the scope of care and reflect
professional norms that are inherent in the practice of clinical aromatherapy.
This is in contrast to the use of essential oils by individuals for home and
family use or as a hobby.
Definitions:
Qualified aromatherapist – one
who has completed a recognized training in aromatherapy at the minimum level of
200 educational contact hours (such as approved by the National Association of
Holistic Aromatherapy or the Alliance of International Aromatherapists) or has
been recognized through a standardized exam, such as provided by the
Aromatherapy Registration Council.
Interdisciplinary cooperation –
collaboration by a collective of health care providers in response to a
client’s health care needs
Standard I: Theory and Practice
The qualified aromatherapist understands and applies
appropriate, scientifically sound theory as a basis for essential oil use. The
art and science of Aromatherapy is characterized by the application of relevant
information that provides the basis for a skilled use of essential oils and
subsequent evaluation of the outcomes.
The Aromatherapy Registration Council
(ARC) has categorized the scope of aromatherapy education based on historical
input by leading schools in aromatherapy. For example, the knowledge base
includes, but not limited to:
[1] Basic Concepts of Aromatherapy – essential
oils, sources, history, client assessment;
[2] Scientific Principles – botany,
extraction, chemistry, anatomy and physiology
[3] Administration –
therapeutics, safety, delivery methods, contraindications, blending
[4]
Professional Issues – documentation, quality control, ethics
This standard also applies to
those engaged in fragrance blending or product development as these activities
are predicated on the basic concepts relating to essential oils, chemistry, and
blending, for example.
Standard II: Assessment
Assessment is a part of the scientific process
beginning with collecting information from the client or target population.
Standard III: Planning and
Identifying Goals (desired outcomes)
The
qualified aromatherapist co-constructs an aromatherapy intervention based on
client’s needs.
Standard IV: Application
The qualified aromatherapist uses standard
applications of essential oils in the manner most suitable for the client’s
identified outcomes. Providing client education is inherent in this standard of
care.
Standard V: Evaluation
The qualified aromatherapist evaluates the
client response and maintains a system of documentation.
Standard VI:
Continuing Education
Continuing educational opportunities are available to
aromatherapists through conferences, workshops, graduate courses, journals,
tele-conferences and research. The qualified aromatherapist assumes
responsibility for his/her continuing education and professional development,
and modifies one’s practice to assimilate new knowledge gained from continuing
education.
Standard VII: Integrated Care
through Interdisciplinary Cooperation
The
qualified aromatherapist seeks opportunities to participate with other health
care providers to develop an integrated plan of care, as possible. The
aromatherapist communicates the benefits of essential oil use to the public and
health care providers. The qualified aromatherapist is valued as a health team
contributor.
Standard VIII: Ethics
The qualified aromatherapist upholds professional
standards of care and supports an identified code of ethics which is stated
below.
As a member
of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, I shall:
1. conduct myself in a
professional and ethical manner in relation to my clients, health
professionals, and the general public.
2. recognize that the public has
the right to share in decisions pertaining to their health care. I shall
educate and guide clients toward this goal and actively encourage them to take
responsibility for their care and well-being.
3. represent my education and
qualifications honestly in advertising and practice and acknowledge the limitations
of my skills, as indicated.
4. provide the highest quality
of aromatherapy products available.
5. provide services within the
scope and the limits of my training and to refer to appropriate qualified
professionals as indicated.
6. maintain professional
confidentiality except when failure to take action could constitute a danger to
others.
7. refrain from guaranteeing a
specific wellness outcome, acknowledging that aromatic extracts support self
healing and that holistic health outcomes are influenced by many factors.
8. visibly display a copy of the
AIA Code of Ethics for the benefit of employees and the public.
9. avoid discrimination against
individuals on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, age and national
origin.
10. appreciate the importance of
thoroughness in the performance of duty, compassion with clients, and the
significance of the tasks I perform.
11. respect the law and avoid
dishonest, unethical, or illegal practices.
12. refuse primary
responsibility for health care for any client. Individuals who are licensed or
otherwise authorized to provide primary health care are excluded.
Standard IX: Research
The qualified aromatherapist contributes to the
continuing development of knowledge of clinical aromatherapy through data
collection, research activities and documentation of findings.
Aromatherapy
Safety
Internal Use Statement
AIA does not endorse internal therapeutic use (oral,
vaginal or rectal) of essential oils unless recommended by a health care
practitioner trained at an appropriate clinical level. An appropriate level of
training must include chemistry, anatomy, diagnostics, physiology, formulation
guidelines and safety issues regarding each specific internal route (oral,
vaginal or rectal). Please refer to the AIA Safety Guidelines for essential oil
use.
Use of Essential Oils in Pregnancy
There are differing opinions regarding the use of
essential oils during pregnancy, labor and delivery. AIA recommends that
schools of aromatherapy include an educational component regarding the
appropriate and safe uses of essential oils during pregnancy including
patho-physiology, risks and benefits. This will include, but is not limited to,
emmenagogue and abortifacient essential oils.
Including a safety-based educational component
relating to pregnancy will prepare the qualified aromatherapy practitioner to
determine safe oils for each trimester, appropriate dilution and a variety of
uses of essential oils to complement routine maternity care. Aromatherapy
practitioners will avoid using any essential oil when safety issues are
uncertain.
Is it safe to use essential oil
“neat” (undiluted) on the skin?
Essential oils are concentrated
substances, and because of this we do not recommend using them without diluting
them first. Add essential oils to a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut,
almond, or others, before using. Diluting them in this way provides a measure
of protection from skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even sensitization.
A general rule of thumb for
diluting is to use a 1% dilution for children (aged 6 years and older);
pregnant women; elderly adults; those with compromised immune systems,
sensitive skin, or other serious health issues. A 2% dilution is acceptable for
the average adult with no health issues. Higher dilutions can be used,
depending on the situation and the health of the person they will be applied
on. We recommend that you use the lowest dilution possible that provides
effective results.
Note: A 1% dilution would be
adding 3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier.
Statement on Raindrop Technique
Raindrop Technique (RDT), Aroma Touch and similar
techniques do not meet the criteria for safe practice, as defined by the AIA
Standards of Practice. There have been reported adverse effects regarding RDT,
in particular. These techniques are typically practiced as a one-size-fits-all
technique, and may not be suitable for people with compromised liver or kidney
function, those with heart disease, those on blood thinning medication, those
with allergies to aspirin, and other disorders. Read more . . .Janice Gagnon-Warr has given
AIA permission to reprint the paper on RDT.
General Safety Guidelines (Storage, dilutions, how
used)
Essential oils are highly concentrated
substances and should always be diluted before applying to skin. It is
important to be aware of the chemistry and the quality of the oils being used.
Use only high quality oils from reputable sources. Store oils in a cool, dark
place. Dosage is another important factor in aromatherapy. Too much of certain
oils can irritate skin or cause other side effects. Essential oils are always
applied to the skin in combination with vegetable and nuts oils, gels, lotions,
butters, salts or other herbal ingredients. Always lower the dosage for
children, elderly, pregnant women or anyone with serious health conditions.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a true holistic therapy, offering
simultaneous healing possibilities on physical, emotional and energetic levels.
Aromatherapy works by simply taking a deep breath: the aromatic molecules enter
our blood stream and travel to all parts of our body. The wide range of aromas
available can gently help any mood or emotion.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy are highly
concentrated substances, extracted most commonly by steam distillation from a
variety of flowers, herbs, trees, roots, and fruit. Each oil offers its own
unique chemistry of healing qualities. Lavender, geranium, spruce, tea tree,
eucalyptus, lemon and myrrh are oils commonly used in aromatherapy.
Each essential oil has its own distinct chemical
profile that offers therapeutic properties. Each is classified as stimulating,
balancing, relaxing, or more specifically, as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal,
decongestants, analgesics, antiinflammatory, digestives, to name a few.
A typical example is shown by the use of lavender, one
of the most versatile and widely used oils. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
is known to soothe tension headaches, reduce inflammation and pain, cleanse
wounds,aid in tissue repair for burns and cuts, and relax you to sleep.
Today, aromatherapy is widely used in various health
care settings: in hospitals for stress, nausea and cancer care; in senior care
environments for reducing agitation, improving sleep, and improving indoor air
quality; and in massage therapy for relaxation and reducing body pain.
To begin receiving the benefits of aromatherapy-find
an aroma you love and enjoy all the gifts provided by nature’s healing gifts.
How to use Essential Oils
Essential oils are a complement to conventional
medicine. Always seek medical advice for serious health conditions. Essential
oils are generally used in two ways: topical and inhalation.
Topical uses include: adding essential oils to baths
and showers to refresh and cleanse; applying directly to skin for wounds,
sprains, strains, muscle pain and tension; and making personalized skin care
products for a wide array of common skin conditions.
Inhalation of essential oils molecules is the most
common method for mood and emotional support, respiratory conditions, and
cleansing and purifying the air. Essential oils can be inhaled from tissues or
inhalers, dropped onto steaming water, added to vaporizers, diffused or
sprayed.
Consulting with an Aromatherapist for oil selection,
best application methods and concentration levels will ensure success.
What to Expect from Your First Aromatherapy
Consultation
When choosing an
Aromatherapists, it is important to consider their education. experience. and
philosophy of care. Working with an Aromatherapist is similar to working with
other Holistic Healthcare Providers. The more information they have about your
health background, the better the practitioner can advise you.
Taking a healthy history covering basic information
about chronic and acute healthy conditions, allergies and current medications
in included in the first visit.
Depending on the Aromatherapist’s background and
training, the therapist may also assess your emotional needs and energetic
systems. The therapist will advise you as to which oils best fit your needs and
how to use them to their fullest potential.
The Aromatherapist skillfully blends
together selected oils, synergistically combining them to enhance desired
properties and aroma. A follow up visit is important to discuss your response
and progress with your therapist, in case any changes are needed in your plan.
