As a rule, anyone can take part in an aromatherapy course. One restriction is often the minimum age of 18 years. Sometimes the schools require basic training in anatomy, physiology and dermatology or basic knowledge of massage or state this as an advantage. This means a completed training course in a nursing or paramedical profession with at least 150 hours of anatomy, physiology and pathology or a module on the basics of conventional medicine. Ask your training institution about the applicable admission requirements.

Aromatherapy is a perfect complement for massage therapists, alternative practitioners and beauticians, but also an extremely interesting course for anyone who wants to explore the world of fragrances for personal benefit. In addition, this method can be learned in order to become a self-employed aromatherapist in the future. This means that you can learn the basics of aromatherapy in a seminar lasting several days, or you can study the finer points in a fully comprehensive training course, depending on the goals you are pursuing with such a course. All courses are usually part-time, so that your professional activity does not have to be minimized or only partially minimized.

Continuing education, further training in aromatherapy aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to treat people optimally and gives you the opportunity to have your method officially registered. For this reason, these training courses are structured according to the requirements of the EMR (ErfahrungsMedizinischesRegister) and ACSA (Schweizerische Stiftung für Komplementärmedizin). However, the content may differ from one educational institution to another. Please clarify this carefully in advance. The following contents are possible in a diploma course:

• Basic knowledge of aromatherapy
• Botany and distillation
• Fatty carrier oils
• Chemistry of essential oils
• Respiratory tract and immune system
• Aroma massage
• Application and use in palliative and geriatric care
• Application and use for babies and children
• Digestive, urogenital tract and women's health
• Wraps and compresses
• Application and use for psychological complaints and illnesses
• Nerves and skin

The duration of aromatherapy continuing education, further training can vary greatly depending on the provider and training concept. For example, there are basic aromatherapy seminars that only last one day and provide a first impression of the use and effects of different fragrances and essential oils. For people who want to delve deeper into the subject, there are short training courses that last 5 to 7 days and provide an in-depth introduction to the production and application of the therapy. For comprehensive training in aromatherapy, we recommend a course that extends over several weekends and can last up to two years. In any case, the duration of the training should always be adapted to your own goals and needs.

Aromatherapy training costs around CHF 175 - 250 per day - rarely up to around CHF 400. Entire training courses therefore cost around CHF 5,000 - 9,000. Online courses or seminars are closer to CHF 500. Those who continue their training up to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) can easily reach CHF 20,000 or more - although the training is then subsidized by the federal government. Check the costs and all additional costs carefully before you register for a course.

Aromatherapy oils are used as:

• Massages
• Thermo fragrance stone
• Ointments
• Diffuser for room scenting
• Fragrance lamp
• Room spray
• Skin application
• Cosmetic additive
• Shower gel, bubble bath, foot bath
• Inhalation
• Gargle

The following types of aroma therapy are frequently used:

• Aroma care for emotionally traumatized people
• Accompanying aroma care for stress, burnout and depression
• Aromatherapy for children
• Aroma skin care
• Aroma massages
• Palliative care
• Pain relief
• for dementia
• all about pregnancy, birth and postpartum
• in everyday sport and exercise
• in natural gynecology

After training in aromatherapy, you have the following opportunities for further development:

• Becoming self-employed with aromatherapy in the wellness sector, when advising on home, hotel or salesroom furnishings (not in the healthcare sector)
• Specialization in a new subtopic in the field of aromatherapy and aroma care
• Further development in ear acupuncture, massage or kinaesthetics through additional training