From stress relief to colds and flu, headaches and even serious chronic conditions, aromatherapy may help. This month, the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (CFA) is out to make that case and begin to educate the public on who they are, what they do and how they can help.
The organization is holding its first awareness week, May 5-10, offering insight and education designed to dispel some of the confusion about the practice, fueled by a flood of products on the market that lay claim to "aromatherapy."
"There is no regulation of the use of the term ‘aromatherapy,’" says CFA president Joy Watson. "Many products have a nice smell but have no actual benefit because they use synthetic scents."
Aromatherapy is described as a complementary-care discipline that supports, but does not replace, medical treatment. It’s a natural, non-invasive practice that utilizes naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants – pure essential oils from leaves, bark, blossoms and other parts of the plant or fruit – that have therapeutic value. Lavender, for example, is known for its relaxing effects, but also shines as a treatment for burns, cuts and scrapes and has significant antibacterial properties.
"CFA members are trained in the correct application of essential oils for the maximum benefit of the people they are treating," Watson explains. "They have had extensive training to support health and well-being and can show you ways to easily incorporate essential oils into everyday life."
One problem with aromatherapy in Canada today, says Watson, is the lack of regulation and that not all practitioners are well-trained. The CFA, formed in 1993, sets standards for its members, assigning applicants who have passed a six-hour exam with the designation CAHP (certified aromatherapy health professional).
Proper training includes the study of the essential oils — their chemical composition, plant families and their uses — as well as courses in anatomy, physiology and pathology. In practical work, students are required to undertake 30 case studies. There are at least 10 certified schools across the country, primarily in British Columbia and Ontario.
More information about the practice can be found online at the organization’s website: cfacanada.com or by calling 519-746-1594 or emailing cfamanager@cfacanada.com.