How to Choose an Aromatherapist

Aromatherapy involves treating both mental and physical ailments with essential oils derived from plants. It's been in existence for hundreds of years and some say it can be used to address ailments that range from stress to athlete's foot. One of the best ways to improve your chances of success with aromatherapy is to work with a qualified aromatherapist.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for researching aromatherapists

Choose an Aromatherapist

1. Ask around. One of the best ways to find a talented aromatherapist is via referrals. If friends or family have had success with this mode of treatment, get the name and number of their practitioner.

2. Place importance on experience. You'll likely find more success with a veteran than with a newbie. Understand that a long track record can have a favorable impact on the quality of work delivered by an aromatherapist.

3. Consider your practitioner's affiliations. An aromatherapist who is part of one of the major aromatherapy organizations is likely to be up to date with news and breaking developments in the field, resulting in higher-quality service. Significant aromatherapy organizations include the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).

4. Appreciate the value of a good education. Choose a practitioner who has benefited from aromatherapy training. Not all aromatherapy schools are the same. NAHA offers a list of aromatherapy schools that meet its guidelines on its Web site (see Resources below).

5. Broaden your knowledge of aromatherapy by visiting the NAHA Web site. There you'll find useful information on aromatherapy's history and applications, along with a membership directory of NAHA-certified professionals.

Tips & Warnings

• The cost of aromatherapy treatments is linked to the length of the treatment. A 90-minute treatment, for example, will be more costly than one that lasts 30 minutes. Prices are moderate, but should you choose to schedule multiple treatments, overall costs can quickly get expensive.
• There is no national body governing aromatherapy certification. However, certification is offered by a handful of private companies.
• Aromatherapy should not be used to treat severe conditions such as extreme chest pain and prolonged vomiting. These conditions may be life-threatening and require the attention of a doctor.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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