Level One: Foundations Aromatherapy 30 hours

Curriculum:

• Introduction to Aroma-history—focus on ancient cultures
• Profiles of 10-20 Essential Oils
• Production and Quality of Essential Oils
• Basic Physiology—methods of absorption, general overview of limbic system, lymphatic system, immune system, and skin.
• How essential oils interact on physical and emotional levels.
• Basic aroma-chemistry with contraindications of certain essential oils.
• How to create a blend, carrier oils, and various methods of safe use and application.

Essential Oils for level one:

• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
• Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
• Rose (Rosa damascena)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

In addition to the above 12 essential oils listed, 8 more may be chosen by the teacher/instructor. (The endangered or threatened essential oils; such as Agarwood, Frankincense, Rosewood and Sandalwood can be discussed in reference to their historical uses as well as suggestions for alternative essential oils to use in their place.) .

Level Two: Professional Aromatherapy Certification

1. Required Standards of Education/Training

1.1 Schools and Educators wishing to comply with NAHA’s Standards of Aromatherapy Training must provide a minimum of two hundred (200) hours of training and practical tuition in the fields of aromatherapy and essential oil studies and anatomy and physiology.

1.2 According to the standards approved and adopted by the Council, Aromatherapy and Essential oil studies should comprise of the following core curriculum requirements

• History and Modern Development
• The basics of botany (specifically taxonomy)
• Properties of essential oils within a holistic and clinical framework
• Methods of extraction
• Organic chemistry
• Carrier oils
• Blending techniques
• Methods of application
• Safety and Aromatherapy (to include contraindications and unsafe techniques)
• Consultation and treatment program design
• The basics of business development
• Legal and ethical issues (include a copy of the NAHA Code of Ethics for students)

1.3 According to the standards approved and adopted by the Council, Anatomy and Physiology training should include:

• The following systems to be covered in depth: the Respiratory system, the Integumentary system and the Olfactory process.
• Basic anatomy and physiology of the following systems: the reproductive, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic/immune, urinary, musculoskeletal and digestive.
• Graduating students should be knowledgeable in the structure and function of all the major systems of the human body, together with the clinical science of at least five (5) common ailments of each.
• Students entering an aromatherapy program with a degree in health related fields (e.g. nurses, massage therapists, doctors) may test out or be exempt from the anatomy and physiology section only in relation to that part of the training which goes over the structure and function of each system. Pre-existing health professionals are still required to complete training in the application of essential oils to each system and the effect of essential oils on a variety of common ailments.
• Any exemption of the anatomy and physiology portion of training should only be allowed when the request for exemption is fully supported by relevant documentation.

2. Required elements for student graduation based upon approved standards in aromatherapy education

2.1.1 Student must complete a 5-10 page research paper.
2.1.2 Student must complete a minimum of 10 case histories
2.1.3 Student must sit and pass examination offered by school

 *Students may also learn 10 essential oil profiles in addition to required Level I essential oils

2010 Update:  (Schools and Instructors Commitment Update) As part of my NAHA Approved School curriculum I commit to the safe use of essential oils and do not teach, apply or promote contraindicated techniques such as Raindrop Therapy (RDT), neat or internal use of essential oils. I will include education awareness for the endangered and threatened essential oils (such as Frankincense and Sandalwood) containing information about their historical use and the use of alternative essential oils so that the student has an understanding and appreciation for these species. For a complete list of the endangered and threatened species I will visit the Cropwatch Research Files at www.cropwatch.org

Neither I nor my school nor any approved aromatherapy instructors will create, post or advertise any false promises or statements in regards to an aromatherapy ‘license’ or NAHA ‘license’. Qualifying students will receive a certificate of course completion and an aromatherapy certificate pertaining to each specific aromatherapy course. Students are not promised automatic membership with NAHA and are given instructions on how to become a member of NAHA. I understand that any breach of this agreement will cause my NAHA School approval status to be null and void and my school listing will be removed and placed on a list of non-compliant schools.

Click here to visit the list of Schools that are in compliance with the current NAHA Educational Guidelines.

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