Aromademics is Badass

Sorry to use such colorful language.  I’m sure there’s a blog etiquette guide somewhere that tells you not to use profanity in blog titles.  However, I can’t think of any better word to describe the Aromatherapy course I’m on.  In addition I’ve decided to coin the term “aromademics” to describe the act of studying aromatherapy on a diploma course.  On NadineJolie.com I’ve recently written about how aromatherapy is a serious complementary therapy and not just mixing up some oils to smell nice (although that is a small part of it).  In order to become an accredited aromatherapist by the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) I have to pass my diploma course (post-graduate diploma comparable to an Associate degree in the US) at the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (ITHMA) which is an approved course for full entry into the IFPA.  In order to pass the ITHMA course I have to attend no less than 85% of lessons (i.e. no less than 37 out of the 43 days training) and take 3 exams:

• A written exam in aromatherapy
• A written exam in anatomy and physiology
• A practical exam in aromatherapy and massage

The reason why I think aromademics is badass is because from day 1 the academic material has been very challenging.  Extremely interesting, but challenging.  After 3 days of studying the aromatherapy oils we’ve already been introduced to more than 20 essential oils and started on oriental medicine.  So far on the oriental medicine topic we’ve studied the theories of yin and yang and the 5 elements which aromatherapists can use to treat their clients energetically.  The use of these philosophies is very helpful in treating mental conditions.  After our first day of massage class we’re expected to complete seven 30 min lower leg massages (although only the backs of the legs, we haven’t learned how to massage the front of the legs just yet!)  After 2 days of anatomy and physiology we’ve covered basic chemistry, cells, tissues, and more specifically bone and muscle tissues.

I’m really enjoying my aromatherapy course so I’ll keep blogging about it so you can follow along what we’re learning.  I hope at least from this introduction to aromademics that you have a deeper appreciation for the academic rigours of an aromatherapy diploma!