Aromatherapy has gained popularity as a second career profession or an integrative practice amongst Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) professionals. Becoming an aromatherapist is relatively a new career path for many individuals. The growing awareness of choosing natural and healthy lifestyle choices, has made Aromatherapy become a thriving career path.
This has been expressed in a survey mentioned below. In one of the outcomes of the survey Out of 631 responses 245 participants have been in the profession for 1-5 years, whereas only 60 Aromatherapists who participated in the survey; have been in the profession for 15-20 years. These outcomes can reflect the growth and interest in the Aromatherapy profession.
Aromatherapists work with essential oils to provide support to health and well-being. Certification of aromatherapy requires completing a standard 250–625 hours, which includes the basic sciences and understanding the safe, and effective uses of individual essential oils.
In a survey conducted by Danielle Sade Healing Fragrances Aromatherapy School in January 2020 targeting professional aromatherapists through social media. Had an objective to investigate the personal motivating factors that that directed individuals to become professional Aromatherapists.
The author of the survey feels that there are many factors why an aromatherapist chooses to venture into an education in Aromatherapy. Amongst these factors, are the individuals initial experience with an essential oil. Therefore, the survey questioned "What was your first experience smelling an essential". This question was designed to have a subjective response, in the manner to find out personal experiences. And to confirm that when becoming an Aromatherapist it is an evolution that starts with the sense of smell and how it can shift feelings that lead to seeking for knowledge about the experience.
The question resulted into six hundred and thirty-six (633) aromatherapists responded to the question. "What was your first experiences when smelling a essential oil?"
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293: I enjoyed the scent, had a feeling of wonder and the need to learn more about the experience.
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273: I enjoyed the scent and had an overall good feeling
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25: I did not like the scent but felt relief when I used it therapeutically
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20: I did not like the scent
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22: Other
Sixty-five (65) aromatherapists provided positive verbal replies. Such as
- “It was life transforming!”
- “My life took a completely different turn!”
- “It brought an uplifting feeling and I wanted to experience more”
On other hand 4-5 negative responses were received such as;
- “The essential oil triggered a PTSD reaction”
- “The essential oil gave me a headache!”