Holistic health and herbal medicine are a natural choices for career changers.
In these times of layoffs and downsizing, many people are considering changing careers. the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) in Portland, OR, gave us insight into the myriad of choices available to people interested in careers in these expanding fields.
What Types of Alternative Health Careers Are Available?
The number of choices is pretty impressive. ACHS is one of the first accredited, fully online colleges offering distance education programs in complementary and alternative modalities that include:
- Aromatherapy
- Iridology
- Flower Essences
You can study herbal medicine, holistic health, nutrition, wellness consulting and other fascinating subjects.
For several years, I’ve had an interest in aromatherapy. What is aromatherapy and what could I do career-wise if I had more of an education in that modality?
Aromatherapy as Part of a Naturopathic Medical Career
Aromatherapy is “the art and science of using volatile plant oils for preventative care, healing and relaxation”. It has been around since almost the beginning of time, but has only become accepted in the Western world in the last century.
Essential oils can have a variety of affects on our bodies. When the scents of these oils are inhaled, they titillate the olfactory nerve, which in turn sends messages to the limbic system in our brain. The limbic system, which controls memory, emotion and learning, can then stimulate various physiological reactions. Depending on which essential oils are used, the results can either be stimulating or sedating.
As far back as Ancient Egypt, there have been recordings of aromatherapy being used to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments. These aromatic oils were used in medicines, skin care products, massage oils, perfumes, cosmetics and embalming preparations.
Aromatherapy has been used in many cultures, including Greek and Roman, African, East Indian, Aztec. Mayan and others. It began to become recognized in the U.S. in the 20th century.
Today, aromatherapy is being embraced by many healers, including some mainstream doctors. It has grown into a billion dollar industry in the United States.
Careers in Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be a career in itself or it works complimentary with other careers, such as massage therapy.
Aromatherapists must have knowledge about each oil and its affect. They are the people who develop specific mixes of oils in proper ratios to create the desired results. These compounds are often custom created for individual clients.
Another career option for someone with an education in aromatherapy is an aromatherapy retailer or, more specifically, the person who sells the oils to individual customers and practicing therapists. They need to be able to educate their clientele about the affects of each oil. Many of these specialists own their own business or work at a specialty counter in a natural health store or other business.
Aromatherapy is also a natural extension to the skills of a massage therapist. Being able to enhance a client’s experience by reducing stress levels or creating deeper relaxation can only benefit a massage therapist and her customers.
Aromatherapy is just one of the natural and holistic healing fields that are going to make a difference in the future of health care. Prevention of health problems, along with remedies that are sustainable and natural, are going to play an ever increasing role in taking care of both our physical and emotional needs. Along with learning a new career, following this path will also enable you to help others and enhance the quality of life for all the people who come in contact with you, including your own family.
It seems to me that if you are looking to make a career change, something in the naturalistic or holistic field would just be…well…natural.
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I love my studies in Aromatherapy at ACHS! I hope to complete the diploma program next year and then continue my studies in holistic health in herbs and nutrition.