Question:
I have done a Swedish massage certificate and wondering whether to do an Aromatherapy course or just use pre-blended oils in my massage and call it an "aroma-massage" or something.
So, just wondering really if you Aromatherapists out there would advise strongly against that and what the benefits are to using the "real" stuff. Are oils you blend yourself more effective, do you think?
Grateful for any advice.
ive done massage and am currently doing aroma.....
a preblended massage oil is good if you want to generate an over all feeling of relaxation, for example, i have used Dermalogica stress & toxin releif oils on the back, with a normal oil for a full massage
aroma tends to be more specific, and more personal for the client
I would advise not to blend your own oils unless you do an aroma course anyway, as some oils should not be used during pregnancy, some oils should not be used if the client has medical conditions, and so on....(im sure you get the point!)
I would reccomend doing an aroma course, i love it!!!!!
peace & love
emma.xXx.
[&:]Hi
I qualified as a masseuse and aromatherapist over a decade ago. (I'm also a lecturer, so hopefully have enough experience to help you decide). In my practice, I have offered and given aromatherapy treatments - usually administered via the massage route - and have blended the oils to suit the client and their concern. HOWEVER - these have not been regular return business for the aromatherapy but they have returned for the massage!
This is to say that the vast majority of people are very happy with pre-blended oils and don't really appreciate the difference between those and something that you have created. True aromatherapy treatments, whereby the oils are administered in a variety of ways, depending on the circumstance are few and far between and mostly in demand at specialised complementary therapy clinics etc. [/font] I would advise that you read up on aromatherapy oils so that you ahve a good understanding of them and their pros and cons - and use them as atmospheric enhancers, but offer aroma massage to your clients. You will save a fortune on a course and the required essential oils. I suggest you enhance your skills with something really popular such as reflexology.
Sorry if this sounds biased but it's the feedback I get from other therapists too!
Good luck, whatever you do.[/font][/color][/size]
Hello Miss
Thanks for your advice, that's pretty much what I was thinking myself. I am looking to do another holistic course, to add to my therapies and cant decide what to do. Hot Stone Massage sounds absolutely lovely but the courses are quite expensive and I am not sure how many clients it would attract at the end of it. Oh well, I expect I will decide on something.
Oh, and in reply to EmmaMay. I of course wouldnt attempt to blend essential oils myself without any training as I know some can be quite toxic when used in the wrong circumstances.
Best wishes
I am actually quite lost for words"miss"! Can i ask what you are a lecturer in?We are living in turbulant times with the government asking for legislations of all herbs which will soon wash over essential oils no doubt especially as those of us who have bothered to do the training use them in a variety of ways and in much differrent proportions to when aromatherapy was introduced throughthe beauty trade(no knock!).We are also trying to to get a united professional body with the same levels and quality in training Something that the public can trust,that their practitioner is qualified and knowledgable. It is people like you that put the public off coming for an aromatherapy massage .An aromatherapy treatment uses Pure plant oils therapeutically and in my mind is a form of herbalism please dont come onto this forum and put it down in the way you have.[:@]
To be fair, Jane, I think Miss was just offering honest advice and speaking from her experience as to whether an aromatherapy course was worthwhile for someone who was undecided. No one is saying that there shouldn't be aromatherapists and some of us are passionate about the treatments, and the use of oils, whether or not they give us a viable living.
Miss is perfectly entitled to her opinion on the matter, having been asked the question and we would be grateful if you could modify your tone.
This is a discussion forum for all as long as the Guidelines are adhered to.
Lesley
I do understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion and that "miss" was answering a question that was asked.It just so happened that the way she replied offended me.
And to end it with I suggest you enhance your skills with something really popular such as reflexology just topped it all really.
Well Jane, I am an aromatherapist and reflexologist and I probably do five reflexology treatments to every aromatherapy. That is fact. I can't speak for anyone else, but Miss obviously does and was just passing on information.
No one is saying that reflexology is a better, more effective treatment - it is just different and in a lot of therapist's experience, more people will book reflexology than aromatherapy.
I think the problem is, and we've discussed this before on the boards, that pure aromatherapy massage works mainly on the lymphatics and many clients want a much deeper massage. Many of us do, in fact incorporate deep tissue massage with aromatherapy, as needed, but this is not necessarily the way it is taught.
Lesley
The massage itself yes is not taught as a deep therapy,that is gained by post grad courses/ workshops.But the oils themselves have massive properties that cannot be overlooked,they are not a by product of the massage,Aromatherapy is a therapy in its own right and is combined with massage as a vehicle to get the oils into the body .
Jane.
Hi All
I read 'Miss's' posting with great sadness and feel that it is a shame that someone would feel that way about essential oils. In my opinion pre-blended oils are OK but you will never beat a personal prescription tailor made (bespoke) for your individual needs by a qualified aromatherapist. Yes most courses teach that aromatherapy is performed for relaxation but it offers so much more! To be able to help reduce pain within 5 minutes with Peppermint or to be able to help someone with depression or wound care and MRSA infection is truly wonderful. Daniel Penoel describes essential oils as "life helping life".
I up to last year ran a very busy practice and was booked everyday with clients returning time and time again (most for the 11 years I was in practice) not all of them for massage but for inhalations, wound care, pre-operation and post operation advise and blends and so much more than just massage. I found that I could get significantly better results in healing my clients when essential oils were used and I was often amazed by the results. Essential oils were a cornerstone of my practice. I now teach both A,P, Massage and Clinical Aromatherapy to diploma level and talk (and boy can I talk) all over the place to groups, hosptials, carers associations, health visitors and midwives and aromatherapy is still as popular as it was. My courses are full and everyone is so interested and amazed as to what essential oils can offer and do.
I decided when I first qualified that I would study aromatherapy and massage but not any other therapy and I have never regretted that decision. I have though been on loads of further courses to do with my chosen subjects and studied aromatherapy in France to further my knowledge, and what an exciting journey it has been.
Essential oils are truly amazing and have properties that are mind blowing, buying a preblended preparation would rely on the companies choice of oils and would not cater fully for their wonderful uses.
Love and light
:)
I have to agree with Essence here and to back up janec.
I have to be careful here not to offend anybody, because I don't want to!:D
I was taken aback by 'Miss's' post. I studied aromatherapy separately for the best part of a year so it sticks in my craw a bit to see that it is ok to use pre-blends.
Why would a lecturer of aromatherapy suggest this? It baffles me to be honest and I find it disappointing. Essential oils are wonderful and powerful things and as Sharon says, to relieve somebody's pain with peppermint is fantastic. I do it frequently.
I agree that the massage is key. The courses don't teach deep stuff, but I do use deep techniques which I have been taught on post-grad courses and by other therapists, but I truly believe that the addition of the oils is the key.
I have also witnessed the most amazing results with oils for depression, sadness, anger etc etc and don't believe for one minute that a preblend would do this.
Aromatherapists are passionate about their tools and quite rightly. I take great care and pride in choosing a blend for the client and I also use them in reflexology.
I agree that reflexology is popular though.
Hi all,
I am sure to get my fingers burnt here , but I feel that perhaps the perception of a total ignoramous as to the efficacy of aromatherapy etc and thus unbiased through ignorance may be helpfull (or not:D)
I noticed that Miss states that she is a lecturer. I assume that the majority of her students come to her for practical purposes, to learn a trade whereby they can earn money. It is a sad fact of life that the people who pay, the clients, do not (in fact very seldom) appreciate the finer points of various treatments and what you the proffesionals know as being the most worth while treatment, is not always perceived as such by the clients.
I perceived Miss as speaking as she would to a class of students, not wanting them to give up their vocation after 6 months because they cannot earn enough. She specifically mentions return trade, and surely she is right when she says or implies that irrespective of what YOU think, it is what the clients think is worth coming back for that matters.
She says I think, and I seem to remember a great friend of mind confirming this, that reflexology is much more of a money earner than massage and certainly aromatherapy massage, and surely, earning money is your first priority, otherwise it is just a hobby.
Now I'll get behind the sofa.[sm=hidesbehindsofa.gif]
Leo
My experience was that aromatherapy massage and reflexology was split down the middle.
I also found those who prefered not to have to get undressed choose the reflex route.
With massage I had an equal ratio of male/female, and no nightmares there;)
I have never resorted to pre mixed blends, as I knew each client came for a particular reason and would adapt the oils to suit them. And I found it cheaper to buy my oils from a reputable dealer, and also the base oil, which always seemed to go a long way. The better the oil, the less you actually have to use, and the better effect it has.
Gxxx
Leonardo! lol ! of course earning money is important we all need to live eat and keep ourselves warm........if you decide reflexology is for you BECAUSE thats "your" interest then all power to you,we are all different after all even in orthadox medicine a gp may prescribe several bp/hormone patches/anti dep,before finding the right one.But as for choosing the one that makes the most money?UMMMMMMM If you are excellant at what you do it isnt a problem and as for the general public perception,knowledge is obvious to them and they feel safe and enthusiasm and belief in your product are the best sales techniques around.......LoL jANE
I chose not to persue aromatherapy for the very reasons given above. It may well be something that I will do in a year or so for my own knowledge and use, but where I am working at the moment it would not generate me any or little business.
It may be a myth, but many of the clients I treat do specifically ask that I am not an Aromatherapist, as they believe the massage not to be a deep massage, which is what they mostly want. This is due mainly to working at a Chiropractic clinic, and I appreciate that elsewhere would be different.
I can see that this would be upsetting for those of you that have spent many many hours learning the oils and their benefits, and I am certainly not knocking it, as I have said ,I will probably do this myself in the future, but we all have to know our market if we want to earn some money as professional therapists!!
[sm=hidesbehindsofa.gif]
Karen x
Hi Karen, I see where you are coming from but that isn't how I use aromatherapy. I use it to suit the client and I also work with an osteopath and I do give his patients massages too.
I would have thought that if you are in a clinic with a chiropractor or osteo then the public would realise that you give a good, deep massage.
I do get asked what kind of massage I do and there are some who think aromatherapy is no more than stroking, but it is up to us to educate the public. The addition of the oils is very beneficial and me thinks you are missing out and should do it!:D
I see that this thread has gone off topic! Sorry and all that!:D
I agree with much of what has been said here on both sides.
when doing my case studies for aroma my regular clients who were my guineas for this venture all said without a doubt they would not have the aroma over the massage i usually gave....however once i got the routine off spec for the exam purposes i used my usual deeper massage with normal tricks and treats but with the oil......they much preferred this...
Interesting to note, in my clinic, rememdial or usual massage and reflex generally as busy as each other, aroma very quiet.
Tigs
x
So, just wondering really if you Aromatherapists out there would advise strongly against that and what the benefits are to using the "real" stuff. Are oils you blend yourself more effective, do you think?
Grateful for any advice.
Answers:
ive done massage and am currently doing aroma.....
a preblended massage oil is good if you want to generate an over all feeling of relaxation, for example, i have used Dermalogica stress & toxin releif oils on the back, with a normal oil for a full massage
aroma tends to be more specific, and more personal for the client
I would advise not to blend your own oils unless you do an aroma course anyway, as some oils should not be used during pregnancy, some oils should not be used if the client has medical conditions, and so on....(im sure you get the point!)
I would reccomend doing an aroma course, i love it!!!!!
peace & love
emma.xXx.
Answers:
[&:]Hi
I qualified as a masseuse and aromatherapist over a decade ago. (I'm also a lecturer, so hopefully have enough experience to help you decide). In my practice, I have offered and given aromatherapy treatments - usually administered via the massage route - and have blended the oils to suit the client and their concern. HOWEVER - these have not been regular return business for the aromatherapy but they have returned for the massage!
This is to say that the vast majority of people are very happy with pre-blended oils and don't really appreciate the difference between those and something that you have created. True aromatherapy treatments, whereby the oils are administered in a variety of ways, depending on the circumstance are few and far between and mostly in demand at specialised complementary therapy clinics etc. [/font] I would advise that you read up on aromatherapy oils so that you ahve a good understanding of them and their pros and cons - and use them as atmospheric enhancers, but offer aroma massage to your clients. You will save a fortune on a course and the required essential oils. I suggest you enhance your skills with something really popular such as reflexology.
Sorry if this sounds biased but it's the feedback I get from other therapists too!
Good luck, whatever you do.[/font][/color][/size]
Answers:
Hello Miss
Thanks for your advice, that's pretty much what I was thinking myself. I am looking to do another holistic course, to add to my therapies and cant decide what to do. Hot Stone Massage sounds absolutely lovely but the courses are quite expensive and I am not sure how many clients it would attract at the end of it. Oh well, I expect I will decide on something.
Oh, and in reply to EmmaMay. I of course wouldnt attempt to blend essential oils myself without any training as I know some can be quite toxic when used in the wrong circumstances.
Best wishes
Answers:
I am actually quite lost for words"miss"! Can i ask what you are a lecturer in?We are living in turbulant times with the government asking for legislations of all herbs which will soon wash over essential oils no doubt especially as those of us who have bothered to do the training use them in a variety of ways and in much differrent proportions to when aromatherapy was introduced throughthe beauty trade(no knock!).We are also trying to to get a united professional body with the same levels and quality in training Something that the public can trust,that their practitioner is qualified and knowledgable. It is people like you that put the public off coming for an aromatherapy massage .An aromatherapy treatment uses Pure plant oils therapeutically and in my mind is a form of herbalism please dont come onto this forum and put it down in the way you have.[:@]
Answers:
To be fair, Jane, I think Miss was just offering honest advice and speaking from her experience as to whether an aromatherapy course was worthwhile for someone who was undecided. No one is saying that there shouldn't be aromatherapists and some of us are passionate about the treatments, and the use of oils, whether or not they give us a viable living.
Miss is perfectly entitled to her opinion on the matter, having been asked the question and we would be grateful if you could modify your tone.
This is a discussion forum for all as long as the Guidelines are adhered to.
Lesley
Answers:
I do understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion and that "miss" was answering a question that was asked.It just so happened that the way she replied offended me.
And to end it with I suggest you enhance your skills with something really popular such as reflexology just topped it all really.
Answers:
Well Jane, I am an aromatherapist and reflexologist and I probably do five reflexology treatments to every aromatherapy. That is fact. I can't speak for anyone else, but Miss obviously does and was just passing on information.
No one is saying that reflexology is a better, more effective treatment - it is just different and in a lot of therapist's experience, more people will book reflexology than aromatherapy.
I think the problem is, and we've discussed this before on the boards, that pure aromatherapy massage works mainly on the lymphatics and many clients want a much deeper massage. Many of us do, in fact incorporate deep tissue massage with aromatherapy, as needed, but this is not necessarily the way it is taught.
Lesley
Answers:
The massage itself yes is not taught as a deep therapy,that is gained by post grad courses/ workshops.But the oils themselves have massive properties that cannot be overlooked,they are not a by product of the massage,Aromatherapy is a therapy in its own right and is combined with massage as a vehicle to get the oils into the body .
Jane.
Answers:
Hi All
I read 'Miss's' posting with great sadness and feel that it is a shame that someone would feel that way about essential oils. In my opinion pre-blended oils are OK but you will never beat a personal prescription tailor made (bespoke) for your individual needs by a qualified aromatherapist. Yes most courses teach that aromatherapy is performed for relaxation but it offers so much more! To be able to help reduce pain within 5 minutes with Peppermint or to be able to help someone with depression or wound care and MRSA infection is truly wonderful. Daniel Penoel describes essential oils as "life helping life".
I up to last year ran a very busy practice and was booked everyday with clients returning time and time again (most for the 11 years I was in practice) not all of them for massage but for inhalations, wound care, pre-operation and post operation advise and blends and so much more than just massage. I found that I could get significantly better results in healing my clients when essential oils were used and I was often amazed by the results. Essential oils were a cornerstone of my practice. I now teach both A,P, Massage and Clinical Aromatherapy to diploma level and talk (and boy can I talk) all over the place to groups, hosptials, carers associations, health visitors and midwives and aromatherapy is still as popular as it was. My courses are full and everyone is so interested and amazed as to what essential oils can offer and do.
I decided when I first qualified that I would study aromatherapy and massage but not any other therapy and I have never regretted that decision. I have though been on loads of further courses to do with my chosen subjects and studied aromatherapy in France to further my knowledge, and what an exciting journey it has been.
Essential oils are truly amazing and have properties that are mind blowing, buying a preblended preparation would rely on the companies choice of oils and would not cater fully for their wonderful uses.
Love and light
:)
Answers:
I have to agree with Essence here and to back up janec.
I have to be careful here not to offend anybody, because I don't want to!:D
I was taken aback by 'Miss's' post. I studied aromatherapy separately for the best part of a year so it sticks in my craw a bit to see that it is ok to use pre-blends.
Why would a lecturer of aromatherapy suggest this? It baffles me to be honest and I find it disappointing. Essential oils are wonderful and powerful things and as Sharon says, to relieve somebody's pain with peppermint is fantastic. I do it frequently.
I agree that the massage is key. The courses don't teach deep stuff, but I do use deep techniques which I have been taught on post-grad courses and by other therapists, but I truly believe that the addition of the oils is the key.
I have also witnessed the most amazing results with oils for depression, sadness, anger etc etc and don't believe for one minute that a preblend would do this.
Aromatherapists are passionate about their tools and quite rightly. I take great care and pride in choosing a blend for the client and I also use them in reflexology.
I agree that reflexology is popular though.
Answers:
Hi all,
I am sure to get my fingers burnt here , but I feel that perhaps the perception of a total ignoramous as to the efficacy of aromatherapy etc and thus unbiased through ignorance may be helpfull (or not:D)
I noticed that Miss states that she is a lecturer. I assume that the majority of her students come to her for practical purposes, to learn a trade whereby they can earn money. It is a sad fact of life that the people who pay, the clients, do not (in fact very seldom) appreciate the finer points of various treatments and what you the proffesionals know as being the most worth while treatment, is not always perceived as such by the clients.
I perceived Miss as speaking as she would to a class of students, not wanting them to give up their vocation after 6 months because they cannot earn enough. She specifically mentions return trade, and surely she is right when she says or implies that irrespective of what YOU think, it is what the clients think is worth coming back for that matters.
She says I think, and I seem to remember a great friend of mind confirming this, that reflexology is much more of a money earner than massage and certainly aromatherapy massage, and surely, earning money is your first priority, otherwise it is just a hobby.
Now I'll get behind the sofa.[sm=hidesbehindsofa.gif]
Leo
Answers:
My experience was that aromatherapy massage and reflexology was split down the middle.
I also found those who prefered not to have to get undressed choose the reflex route.
With massage I had an equal ratio of male/female, and no nightmares there;)
I have never resorted to pre mixed blends, as I knew each client came for a particular reason and would adapt the oils to suit them. And I found it cheaper to buy my oils from a reputable dealer, and also the base oil, which always seemed to go a long way. The better the oil, the less you actually have to use, and the better effect it has.
Gxxx
Answers:
Leonardo! lol ! of course earning money is important we all need to live eat and keep ourselves warm........if you decide reflexology is for you BECAUSE thats "your" interest then all power to you,we are all different after all even in orthadox medicine a gp may prescribe several bp/hormone patches/anti dep,before finding the right one.But as for choosing the one that makes the most money?UMMMMMMM If you are excellant at what you do it isnt a problem and as for the general public perception,knowledge is obvious to them and they feel safe and enthusiasm and belief in your product are the best sales techniques around.......LoL jANE
Answers:
I chose not to persue aromatherapy for the very reasons given above. It may well be something that I will do in a year or so for my own knowledge and use, but where I am working at the moment it would not generate me any or little business.
It may be a myth, but many of the clients I treat do specifically ask that I am not an Aromatherapist, as they believe the massage not to be a deep massage, which is what they mostly want. This is due mainly to working at a Chiropractic clinic, and I appreciate that elsewhere would be different.
I can see that this would be upsetting for those of you that have spent many many hours learning the oils and their benefits, and I am certainly not knocking it, as I have said ,I will probably do this myself in the future, but we all have to know our market if we want to earn some money as professional therapists!!
[sm=hidesbehindsofa.gif]
Karen x
Answers:
Hi Karen, I see where you are coming from but that isn't how I use aromatherapy. I use it to suit the client and I also work with an osteopath and I do give his patients massages too.
I would have thought that if you are in a clinic with a chiropractor or osteo then the public would realise that you give a good, deep massage.
I do get asked what kind of massage I do and there are some who think aromatherapy is no more than stroking, but it is up to us to educate the public. The addition of the oils is very beneficial and me thinks you are missing out and should do it!:D
Answers:
I see that this thread has gone off topic! Sorry and all that!:D
Answers:
I agree with much of what has been said here on both sides.
when doing my case studies for aroma my regular clients who were my guineas for this venture all said without a doubt they would not have the aroma over the massage i usually gave....however once i got the routine off spec for the exam purposes i used my usual deeper massage with normal tricks and treats but with the oil......they much preferred this...
Interesting to note, in my clinic, rememdial or usual massage and reflex generally as busy as each other, aroma very quiet.
Tigs
x
1 2