HealthcareISCO 2230
Aromatherapist
An aromatherapist is a person who applies essential oils extracted from herbal products to the skin and mucous membranes in order to improve a client's wellbeing.
Check yourself in a minute: aromatherapist
Rate 5 of the 28 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
prepare oils
provide health psychological advice
empathise with the healthcare user
record healthcare users' progress related to treatment
develop personalised massage plan
About aromatherapist
The work begins with a consultation. The aromatherapist establishes what the client has come with, what they are already being treated for and what they are sensitive to, then prepares the oils: selecting them, diluting them in a carrier and blending them for that person rather than from a standard recipe. The preparations are applied through therapeutic massage, to the skin and the mucous membranes. Relaxation techniques are taught and used alongside it, including breathing and positioning.
Aromatherapists observe healthcare users through a course of treatments, noting how skin, sleep and mood respond and adjusting what is used. They work on physical and psychological conditions under supervision and on the referral of a doctor.
Promoting mental health and giving mental health advice belong to the practice. The quality standards of healthcare practice apply throughout, as do the records that go with them. Formal requirements differ by country.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (28)
types of essential oilstypes of essential oilsDistinction of different types of essential oils derived from plants. Healing and therapeutic properties of these, as well as their effect on the body. Methods of diffusion such as through air, inhala...types of aromatherapy treatmentstypes of aromatherapy treatmentsField of information which distinguishes a variety of ways to apply aromatherapy treatment, such as massages, inhalers, baths, vaporizers, compresses, diffusers, meditiation or deodorizers.phytotherapyphytotherapyThe characteristics, the effects and the use of herbal medicines.consultationconsultationThe theories, methods and concepts related to consultation and communication with clients.massage theorymassage theoryPrinciples of holistic therapeutic body massage, the application of massage techniques and the appropriate body posture, massage sequences and different mediums, massage benefits and contraindications...therapeutic massagetherapeutic massageMassage techniques used to relieve pain and alleviate other symptoms associated with a number of different medical conditions.relaxation techniquesrelaxation techniquesThe various methods and techniques used to alleviate stress and bring peace and relaxation to the body and mind. This includes activities such as yoga, qigong or t`ai chi.acupuncture methodsacupuncture methodsTechniques and methods used to normalise the flow of Qi energy in the body for relieving pain and related symptoms by applying various specific types of needles into different acupuncture points.prepare oilsprepare oilsSelect the appropriate oils for the client, mix and blend them in order to create individualised compounds with specific needs and ratios for clients, keeping records of applied treatments and the ble...provide health psychological adviceprovide health psychological adviceProvide health psychological expert opinions, reports and advice in regard to health related risk behaviour and its causes.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...record healthcare users' progress related to treatmentrecord healthcare users' progress related to treatmentRecord the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.develop personalised massage plandevelop personalised massage planDetermine the massage treatment to be applied based on the medical diagnosis, the prescription plan, and according to the condition of the patient.maintain work area cleanlinessmaintain work area cleanlinessKeep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.apply massage oilapply massage oilAdminister oil on the client, either through sprays, salt baths, massage oils or inhalation techniques.provide health educationprovide health educationProvide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.develop therapeutic relationshipsdevelop therapeutic relationshipsMaintain the individual therapeutic relationship to engage the individual's innate healing capacities, to achieve active collaboration in the health education and healing process and to maximise the p...follow-up on healthcare users' treatmentfollow-up on healthcare users' treatmentReview and evaluate the progress of the prescribed treatment, taking further decisions with the healthcare users and their carers.discuss the medical history of the healthcare userdiscuss the medical history of the healthcare userAsk the healthcare user about his medical condition and physical well-being and the desired results to be achieved through the suggested therapy and follow the prescribed treatment.advise on mental healthadvise on mental healthAdvise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and menta...comply with quality standards related to healthcare practicecomply with quality standards related to healthcare practiceApply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associati...listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...observe healthcare usersobserve healthcare usersObserve healthcare users and record significant conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents, notifying a supervisor or physician when required.promote mental healthpromote mental healthPromote factors that enhance emotional well-being such as self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, control of one`s environment, spirituality, self-direction and positive relationships.ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing condit...apply context specific clinical competencesapply context specific clinical competencesApply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within ...apply massage therapyapply massage therapyApply massage therapy to relieve patient's pain by using various specialised techniques.
Optional (33) — show
complementary and alternative medicinecomplementary and alternative medicineMedical practices which are not part of the standard care in healthcare.etiopathyetiopathyAlternative medicine therapy which has as its basis the idea that the practitioner uses only his hands to treat the patients' symptoms on longer term by diagnosing the deeper cause of the illness.fasciatherapyfasciatherapyA manual therapy applied on the fascia (the connective tissue woven through the entire body) which is used for the treatment of physical or psychological disorders such as pain and movement disorders.reflexologyreflexologyThe application of pressure to plantar, palmar, facial, cranial, dorsal, atrial and reflex points of the body with a specific finger or hand gestures and techniques, such as acupressure and the massag...general medicinegeneral medicineGeneral medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.types of spatypes of spaField of information which distinguishes different kinds of spa such as thermal, hammam, medical, ayurvedic, relaxation, destination and traditional spas. These practices differ in treatments, therapi...energy therapyenergy therapyAlternative medicine therapy which assumes that healers use the channel healing energy to get positive effects on the patients` well-being.clinical psychological treatmentclinical psychological treatmentTreatment methods and intervention strategies used in clinical psychology, such as the treatment of persons with mental illnesses and disorders in different settings, with different clinical symptoms ...human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...tai chitai chiThe traditional medicine practice, originally conceived as a martial art, which is based on Chinese philosophical principles and is known for its defense training and health benefits.shiatsushiatsuThe complementary medicine massage therapy which is based on the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine and it is performed by finger massages on clients to reduce their stress and pain...psychologypsychologyThe human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.homeopathy remedieshomeopathy remediesThe characteristics, components and effects of homeopathic medication.homeopathyhomeopathyThe alternative medicine whereby pills or liquid mixtures containing only a little of an active ingredient (usually a plant or mineral) can treat a disease.pathologypathologyThe components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.manage suppliesmanage suppliesMonitor and control the flow of supplies that includes the purchase, storage and movement of the required quality of raw materials, and also work-in-progress inventory. Manage supply chain activities ...undertake clinical auditundertake clinical auditUndertake internal clinical audit through the collection of statistical, financial and other data related to service delivery.sell servicessell servicesEncourage sales by identifying the customer’s buying needs and by promoting benefits and features of the organisation’s services. Respond to and resolve customer objections and agree to mutually benef...oversee spa maintenanceoversee spa maintenanceInspect, direct and execute preventive maintenance and repair of spa facilities. Check for the proper functioning and availability of equipment and supplies. Contact and coordinate on-site maintenance...sell productssell productsEncourage sales by identifying the customer’s buying needs and by promoting benefits and features of the organisation’s products. Respond to and resolve customer objections and agree to mutually benef...apply a holistic approach in careapply a holistic approach in careUse bio-psycho-social models for care and take into account cultural and existential dimensions of the healthcare user, transforming a holistic understanding into practical measures.address side effects of menopauseaddress side effects of menopauseAddress side effects of menopause such as fatigue, body temperature changes, mood swings, depression and weight gain. Search for symptoms of health problems that can be caused by menopause, such as he...monitor stock levelmonitor stock levelEvaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.apply business acumenapply business acumenTake appropriate actions in a business environment in order to maximise possible outcome from each situation.communicate professionally with colleagues in other fieldscommunicate professionally with colleagues in other fieldsCommunicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.apply acupunctureapply acupunctureUse procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles manipulated by the hands or by electrical...record healthcare users' billing informationrecord healthcare users' billing informationRecord the healthcare user`s information for the billing of provided medical services.prescribe topical therapyprescribe topical therapyPrescribe topical therapy and medication, such as foams, lotions, ointments and creams, to patients with dermatological conditions.carry out preventative internal medicine interventionscarry out preventative internal medicine interventionsRecommend to patients, depending on their condition, preventive and therapeutic treatments such as the use of medications, lifestyle changes, modification of addictive behaviours, physical therapies, ...work with chemicalswork with chemicalsHandle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...keep up to date with spa productskeep up to date with spa productsKeep up to date with new spa products such as certain oil and nail products being introduced by the market, and implement their benefits in the company or facility.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
herbal therapist15 shared essential skillssophrologist14 shared essential skillsacupuncturist13 shared essential skillsshiatsu practitioner13 shared essential skillstraditional chinese medicine therapist12 shared essential skillsclinical psychologist9 shared essential skillshealth psychologist9 shared essential skillsphysiotherapist9 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does an aromatherapist do?
Aromatherapists use essential oils extracted from herbal products at the level of the interface skin and mucous membranes to improve the clients` well-being. They treat a variety of illnesses and physical or psychological conditions, under supervision and on a doctor's order.
What skills does an aromatherapist need?
An aromatherapist needs 28 essential skills, including types of essential oils, types of aromatherapy treatments, phytotherapy, consultation, massage theory.
Will AI replace aromatherapist jobs?
The AI disruption score for aromatherapist is 17/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor stock level, types of spa, record healthcare users' billing information. Most resilient: etiopathy, apply massage oil, fasciatherapy.
AI Replacement Risk
17/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
Is aromatherapist right for you?
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