Learn the fundamental knowledge necessary for competent and efficacious use of essential oils and aromatherapy. Moving beyond a simple definition of individual oils, you will gain an understanding of the chemical composition of essential oils; holistic properties and contraindications; their impact on body systems and olfaction; and the relation to energy principles.

The 20-hour seminar includes 17 hours of classroom experience and three hours of self-study. Classroom experience will include lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice (instructor will supply the necessary materials, bases and oils – approx. $60 value). Complete this seminar and begin to use your new-found skills immediately, or continue your studies by completing the entire Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Certificate Program.

Topics include:

• Definitions of aromatherapy and essential oils
• History of aromatherapy
• The olfactory system and the sense of smell
• Psycho-Aromatherapy: use of essential oils for mood and emotions
• Essential oil distillation and other plant essence extractions
• Essential oil quality
• Specified botanical origin
• Essential oil chemistry and the Structure Effect Diagram
• Molecular groupings and their properties
• Chemotypes
• Therapeutic properties of essential oils
• Contraindications and safety
• Diversity of essential oil application
• Creating synergies
• Formulation and dilution percentages
• Fragrance notes
• Structure Effect Diagram and the skin
• Essential oils in cosmetic formulation
• Essential oils in relation to diet/nutrition
• Carrier oils for blending and their properties
• Steps to creating essential oil formula for therapeutic purposes
• 30 essential oils and their properties
• Aromatherapy consultation
• Formulas for therapeutic purpose
• Creating the blends for massage or skin care

Upon completion of the seminar you will be able to:

• Accurately define essential oils and aromatherapy
• Describe the sense of smell and the effect of odor on the brain's limbic system and how this relates to essential oil use for memory and emotion
• Identify the extraction methods and quality control for "genuine and authentic" essential oils
• Select essential oils according to their chemical makeup, properties and safety using the “structure-effect diagram”
• Select appropriate application and dosing for essential oil treatments following a review of 11 application methods and six categories of dosing
• Formulate with essential oils using the given equation for calculating "drops" used and selecting suitable carrier oils from a review of 10 general care oils and 10 valued in skin care
• Identify the chemistry, properties and use of 25 essential oils
• Evaluate the composition and formulation of over four skin care and healing formulas for professional and personal use
• Perform an aromatherapy consultation that will guide the selection of oils, application method and formulation
• Competently create a formula and blend of essential oils based on the learning objectives for this seminar
• Use essential oils with awareness of state and federal regulations, individual scope of practice, confidentiality of client and ethics

This class is part of a non-credit program offered by Bastyr’s Continuing Education Department. To read about the program course sequence, program requirements and fees, just click on the Program Flier PDF.

Jimm Harrison, Cosmetologist and Certified Aromatherapist, founded the Phytotherapy Institute in 1995 to advance education in essential oil and plant therapy. He was the first cosmetologist invited by Harvard University and MIT to discuss the impact of essential oils in skin care. Harrison has been conducting certification programs and lectures in essential oil therapy for accredited massage, spa therapy, cosmetology and medical esthetic institutions across the country since 1993, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. He is the author of Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics, and has developed natural/organic skin care products for the professional and retail markets. To read more about this presenter, please visit his website at www.jimmharrison.com.

Cost Notes

Receive a discount, register by Sept. 21
CEUs available for NDs (except CA & OR)
CEUs available for LMPs licensed in WA
NCBTMB CEs available for LMPs
CEUs available for ARNPs and RNs licensed in WA
CEUs available for DCs licensed in WA
Category II CMEs available for MDs and PAs licensed in WA
NCCAOM PDA points pending approval for LAc’s
CEUs approved for LAc’s licensed in CA
ARCB CEs approved for reflexologists in WA

Course Notes

It is recommended that you register at least four days prior to start of the seminar to obtain the required text, Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics (approximately $60), and do the homework. Prior to class read the Forward, Introduction and Chapter 1, and answer review questions at the end of chapter before attending the first day.  Call the bookstore to check availability: 425-602-3026, or order on line at http://bookstore.bastyr.edu/category/29-books.aspx

You will have the option to purchase natural skin care products and essential oils directly from the instructor after the class concludes (credit card, cash or check payable to the instructor).

Location: Bastyr University Kenmore Campus, room 284. Bastyr University is housed in an older facility with fluctuating interior temperatures; it is advisable to wear layers. Also, Bastyr is a “fragrance-free” campus.

Fri: We suggest you bring a sack meal and a bottled drink (the cafeteria closes at 4).

Sat/Sun: One hour lunch break – Bring a sack lunch or eat in Bastyr’s dining commons