Olfaction is a fascinating and mysterious sense with powerful influence on human emotion and the nervous system (central and autonomic). A review of olfactory anatomy and physiology, along with the latest information regarding the sense of smell, will be used to explain the complex, anticipated and unanticipated physical and emotional affects of essential oils and fragrance. This seminar will also include placebo, energetic and sub-atomic principles on health and well-being.

The seminar is 20 hours, and includes 17 hours of classroom experience and three hours of self-study. Classroom experience will include lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice. In addition to the “kit of 13 essential oils” you will bring to class, the instructor will supply additional materials, bases and oils for the weekend activities (approx. $45 value).

Topics include:

• Aromacology: the influence of odors on behavior
• Chemotaxis: the earliest biological sense mechanism
• The physiology and anatomy of the olfactory and limbic systems
• Memory, emotions and behavior
• Sexuality, attraction and aversion
• Suggestion and the sense of smell
• Energy and subatomic (quantum) physics
• The Structure-Effect Diagram and emotions
• Essential oil uses for emotional balance 
• Essential oils and the central nervous system
• Essential oils and the autonomic nervous system
• Protocols for essential oil selection for emotional use

Upon completion of the seminar you will be able to:

• Differentiate between aromacolgy and aromatherapy
• Define chemotaxis
• Discuss the important relationship between the olfactory system and daily human life.
• Describe the physiology and anatomy of olfaction and the limbic system
• Explain the effect and influence of smell (scent and fragrances) on emotions, mood, actions and behaviors
• Explain the relationship among sexuality, the olfactory system and odor
• Describe how smell can be influenced by thought and verbal suggestion
• Define psycho-aromatherapy
• Describe how essential oils affect emotions, memory and hormone release.
• List the essential oil compounds for emotional use and their position on the Structure-Effect Diagram
• Create essential oil protocols that address human emotions (i.e. nervousness, anxiety and depression)
• Use essential oils for emotions and psychological application according to 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.

You are invited to contact the instructor, Jimm Harrison, if you have any questions about the curriculum, or want to learn more about how this program will support your career goals.  Info@jimmharrison.com

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.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs, PDAs, CMEs, CPEUs):

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 available for LAc’s
CEUs available for LAc’s licensed in CA
ARCB CEUs approved for reflexologists

Course Notes

Receive a discount, register by Feb 27.

Assignments: Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics. Prior to class read Chapter 3 and answer review questions at the end of the chapter before attending the first day.

Bring your kit of 13 essential oils representing each functional group and fragrance category.

Location:  Bastyr University Kenmore Campus, room 280 on Friday and room 76 on Sat/Sun.  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.

Friday, bring a sack dinner and drink, as the dining commons will be closed.  On Sat/Sun a one hour lunch.  Bring your lunch or eat in the dining commons.