Students use essential oils to tend body, mind, and spirit

The Press (Canterbury, New Zealand); 6/21/1999

The Press (Canterbury, New Zealand)

06-21-1999

Students use essential oils to tend body, mind, and spirit
EDITION: 2
SECTION: FEATURES:GENERAL
COLUMN: EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

The Canterbury College of Natural Medicine has a new course for those who want to become professional aromatherapists.

The course has increased its hours to include clinical practice. A specialist aromatherapy clinic will start in August within the existing college clinic. The clinic was developed to educate students in the use of essential oils for specific treatments.

"If people are considering a career as an aromatherapist, the clinic will provide them with a professional perspective and a better understanding of what they are about to undertake," says college director Valmai Becker.

"If prospective students visit the college they will also be able to talk to current students in the programme and ask the clinical supervisors any questions they may have."

The term, aromatherapy, emphasising therapeutic action and aroma, was first coined by the French chemist, Gattefosse, to describe the use of essential oils to promote health and well-being.

Essential oils are extracted from plants, often by a process of steam distillation, and are concentrated and chemically complex.

Aromatherapists consider three general effects on the body when using these plant remedies: their drug-like action, the effect on the mind and psyche, and the effect on body functioning.

Essential oils enter the body by inhalation, and by absorption through the skin and mucous membranes.

Their chemical constituents are carried in the bloodstream to all areas of the body, where they interact with the body's chemistry and have a balancing, sedating, or stimulating effect on body systems.

Certain oils also have an affinity with particular areas of the body, such as eucalyptus for the upper respiratory tract.

Aromatherapists are trained in a similar way to other complementary natural therapists, who all take a holistic approach to healthcare. This means analysing the state of the body, mind, and spirit when considering a particular illness.

The Diploma in Aromatherapy involves a detailed study of the chemistry of essential oils, as well as the protocol for prescribing essential oils for therapeutic use.

Emphasis is placed on the theory and practical application of aromatherapy, with client case management and supervised treatment sessions.

Students receive a good grounding in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and are taught many techniques for applying oils.

Students in the aromatherapy course will train in the clinic under the supervision and guidance of professional aromatherapists Karina Thorpe and Kaliope Sikiotis.

The Aromatherapy Clinic will open on August 7 and will run every Saturday, until the end of November, from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

For further inquiries, phone 365-5410.

KEYWORDS: ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE-GENERAL EDUCATION-GENERAL HERBAL MEDICINE CHRISTCHURCH CITY