One of the fastest growing new areas for aromatherapy is the Spa industry.  Here essential oils and hydrosols are used primarily for esthetic, detoxification, massage and relaxation ‘treatments’.  As interest in the use of aromatics increases in this field the need for in-depth training in Aromatherapy for Spa practitioners also becomes imperative.  Clients seeking treatments should consider the scope of practice to be expected from a Spa and / or Spa treatments and should carefully decide at what point health concerns require expertise available only from a professional Aromatherapist or other qualified health practitioner.  In particular there is concern regarding cure-based treatments such as Raindrop therapy.

Cure based treatments are those that claim to cure diagnosed medical conditions including structural, spinal or skeletal problems i.e.: scoliosis, as is the case with Raindrop Therapy.  Any practitioner claiming to cure a diagnosed medical condition or making diagnosis without referring the client to a medical or qualified health practitioner may be practicing medicine without a license.  Raindrop therapy is no longer allowed in the country of Norway, as the claims to cure scoliosis etc. are unsubstantiated.

Due to the wide variation in skin sensitivity, essential oil quality, and reaction to topical absorption, it is virtually impossible to gauge exactly how an individual may respond to undiluted application of some of the oils specifically used in Raindrop therapy.  Certain of these essential oils can cause dermal reactions ranging from mild to severe and for this reason professional Aromatherapists most often prepare custom blends for their clients to accommodate individual needs.  Adequate education in the chemistry, therapeutic attributes, contra-indications and appropriate use of essential oils and other aromatics is absolutely necessary both to maximize the potential health benefits and to prevent any inappropriate effects or actions.  Make sure your practitioner is properly educated.

NAHA has created detailed standards for education of qualified Aromatherapists.  These educational guidelines require a minimum of 200 hours of specific aromatherapy education including anatomy and physiology relevant to the effects of aromatherapy in the body and basic pathology allowing a practitioner to know when referral to other qualified practitioners is necessary or appropriate. Full details of the NAHA education requirements and a list of qualified schools may be found at www.naha.org and click on education.

NAHA also offers a database of qualified Aromatherapy practitioners and educational establishments as a resource for the public and our members.

Aromatherapy Regulation, Scope of Practice & Product Label Requirements Questions
Essential Safety Report Form