Institute of Holistic Studies

The Aromatherapy Courses combine excellent tuition with a broad coverage of all aspects of this fascinating therapy. Students must have a recognised Massage and Anatomy & Physiology Certificate before enrolling on this course. LIFE-FORCE holds Holistic Massage Courses twice a year, which encompass Anatomy & Physiology. This leads to a professional qualification in Massage Therapy and is recognised by ITEC. If you would like more information on this course please go to MASSAGE

Susan Ager (MIFA, AC Registered) is the Principle Tutor who leads an experienced team of tutors but teaches the main part of the course herself. Past students who have worked with her know of her intuitive knowledge of essential oils gained by many years continuing study and practical experience gained by working with clients. Susan aims to teach with humour and has the ability to convey in-depth, complex information to students.

Overall, the course offers a comprehensive training programme in a supportive atmosphere and in excellent surroundings for the student Aromatherapist.

Course Syllabus
The course is run over 11 weeks, including tuition in:

• History
• Philosophy of Aromatherapy
• Extraction of essential oils, resins and absolutes
• Storage methods
• Extraction and properties of carrier oils, specialist oils and macerated oils
• Routes into the body available to essential oils
• Anatomy & Physiology of the Olfactory System
• The limbic system and the effect of aroma and memory and learning
• Botany, plant classification, bio-synthesis, chemistry of essential oils, resins and absolutes, and photosynthesis
• Blending Guidelines and percentage blending
• Contraindications to treatment and safe handling techniques
• Irritation, sensitisation and phototoxicity reactions
• In-depth study of 50 essential oils
• Application methods for essential oils massage, compress, topical
• Skin care and masques
• Pathology of disease and treatment of specific disease processes
• Client consultation and assessment techniques
• Case histories
• Ethics and Code of Practise
• The Importance of Good Nutrition
• Insurance, business promotion and financial and legal requirements

Students will be expected to complete assignments including case studies at home.

A First Aid certificate must be obtained from a recognised body before the end of the course.

Qualification Gained at the End of the Course
The course is fully accredited by ITEC, and successful students will be awarded a 'Diploma in Aromatherapy' from ITEC (the verifying and awarding body) and will gain free membership of ITEC.

The successful student will then be able to obtain full professional membership and insurance from The Complimentry Therapy Association(CTHA) and thereby fulfil all legal requirements to be able to practice as an Aromatherapist. The newly qualified practitioner will be able to use the title "ITEC (Dip. Aromatherapy) CTHA" after their name.

This qualification and membership of CTHA allows entry onto the Aromatherapy Council (AC) register for Voluntary Regulation of Title, which is a government sponsored register to allow referrals to the medical profession and the general public who require an Aromatherapist who has been trained to the recognised National Occupational Standard.

Registration Information
This course starts in September each year and consists of one weekend per month in-house teaching at the Hythe Community in Colchester Essex. Students are expected to complete assignments, a project related to aromatherapy and case studies at home. Students are also expected to broaden their knowledge of other complementary therapies. Students enrolling on this course must be qualified in Massage and Anatomy & Physiology.

Fees and Enrolment
The fee for the Aromatherapy Course is £1,150 including exam fees and is payable in monthly instalments.

Enrolment is by completion of the registration form to be found in the prospectus. Contact : info@lifeforce-centre.co.uk