Profession aromatherapist

Aromatherapists use essential oils extracted from herbal products at the level of the interface skin and mucous membranes to improve the clients` well-being. They treat a variety of illnesses and physical or psychological conditions, under supervision and on a doctor's order.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Social
• Social / Realistic

Knowledge

• Massage theory

  Principles of holistic therapeutic body massage, the application of massage techniques and the appropriate body posture, massage sequences and different mediums, massage benefits and contraindications.

• Types of aromatherapy treatments

  Field of information which distinguishes a variety of ways to apply aromatherapy treatment, such as massages, inhalers, baths, vaporizers, compresses, diffusers, meditiation or deodorizers.

• Phytotherapy

  The characteristics, the effects and the use of herbal medicines.

• Therapeutic massage

  Massage techniques used to relieve pain and alleviate other symptoms associated with a number of different medical conditions.

• Relaxation techniques

  The various methods and techniques used to alleviate stress and bring peace and relaxation to the body and mind. This includes activities such as yoga, qigong or t`ai chi.

• Acupuncture methods

  Techniques and methods used to normalise the flow of Qi energy in the body for relieving pain and related symptoms by applying various specific types of needles into different acupuncture points.

• Consultation

  The theories, methods and concepts related to consultation and communication with clients.

• Types of essential oils

  Distinction of different types of essential oils derived from plants. Healing and therapeutic properties of these, as well as their effect on the body. Methods of diffusion such as through air, inhalation or by topical applications.

Skills

• Comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

  Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

• Advise on mental health

  Advise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and mental health.

• Promote mental health

  Promote factors that enhance emotional well-being such as self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, control of one`s environment, spirituality, self-direction and positive relationships.

• Develop personalised massage plan

  Determine the massage treatment to be applied based on the medical diagnosis, the prescription plan, and according to the condition of the patient.

• Listen actively

  Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

• Apply aromatherapy

  Use the therapeutic benefits of essential oils to produce massage blends, cream or lotions and help improve the physical and emotional health and well-being.

• Provide health education

  Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.

• Provide health psychological advice

  Provide health psychological expert opinions, reports and advice in regard to health related risk behaviour and its causes.

• Maintain work area cleanliness

  Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.

• Discuss the medical history of the healthcare user

  Ask the healthcare user about his medical condition and physical well-being and the desired results to be achieved through the suggested therapy and follow the prescribed treatment.

• Apply context specific clinical competences

  Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.

• Follow-up on healthcare users' treatment

  Review and evaluate the progress of the prescribed treatment, taking further decisions with the healthcare users and their carers.

• Record healthcare users' progress related to treatment

  Record the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.

• Observe healthcare users

  Observe healthcare users and record significant conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents, notifying a supervisor or physician when required.

• Reflect on practice

  Routinely evaluate own practice, critically evaluating and monitoring the practice methods and outcomes in consistent, coherent and appropriate ways, being aware of relevant methodologies and utilising feedback from managers, supervisors, other professionals, and patients/clients, in order to adapt the practice accordingly.

• Apply massage oil

  Administer oil on the client, either through sprays, salt baths, massage oils or inhalation techniques.

• Prepare oils

  Select the appropriate oils for the client, mix and blend them in order to create individualised compounds with specific needs and ratios for clients, keeping records of applied treatments and the blends used during the therapy.

• Develop therapeutic relationships

  Maintain the individual therapeutic relationship to engage the individual's innate healing capacities, to achieve active collaboration in the health education and healing process and to maximise the potential of healthy change.

• Ensure safety of healthcare users

  Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

• Apply massage therapy

  Apply massage therapy to relieve patient's pain by using various specialised techniques.

• Identify customer's needs

  Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.

• Empathise with the healthcare user

  Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB