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.

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Personality Type

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

reflexology communicate professionally with colleagues in other fields human physiology follow clinical guidelines clinical psychological treatment manage supplies fasciatherapy undertake clinical audit complementary and alternative medicine etiopathy shiatsu apply a holistic approach in care homeopathy record healthcare users' billing information apply business acumen apply acupuncture energy therapy sell services monitor stock level types of spa train employees psychology work with chemicals homeopathy remedies prescribe topical therapy spa products tai chi general medicine oversee spa maintenance sell products pathology human anatomy

Source: Sisyphus ODB