Aromatherapy Training at Fingerlakes School of Massage
With Bob and Rhiannon Harris of Essential Oil Resource Consultants

Dates: June 9, 10, and 11, 2000

Moving from Theory into Practice

Frequently, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for the aromatherapist is getting a grasp on essential oil chemistry in a way that is directly relevant to their practice of this healing art. This initial two and a half day program is specifically designed to help you move from the theory of chemistry to using this knowledge in every day practice, from blending, creating therapeutic synergies, to working safely and confidently with essential oils.

Day one - Friday, June 9 - evening session, 6-9pm

Theoretical foundations

This evening helps to start answering questions such as

* Why do I need to know about essential oil chemistry?
* How much do I need to know?
* How is this going to help me improve my practice?

These essential questions help to motivate us and prepare for the coming days that consider oil chemistry in some detail.

Topics include:

The relevance of essential oil chemistry
Getting through mental blocks about the building blocks of essential oils
Basic organic chemistry foundation knowledge - looking at carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and their relationships with one another
How and why the plant creates the chemical cocktails that we find in essential oils

Day two - Saturday, June 10 - 9-5pm

More foundations together with putting the theory into practice

This day moves on to explore essential oil chemistry more deeply and to consider practical ways in which our knowledge of chemistry can be invaluable. Terms and concepts that were perhaps unfamiliar on day on now start to take on greater meaning as we work together considering aspects of essential oil analysis, chemotypes, synergies, safety and quality control.

Topics include:

Review of key points from day one
Considering the main component families we find in essential oils
The magic of the total oil; keeping a balanced perspective about chemistry
Understanding chemotypes
The main methods of essential oil analysis
Introduction to Gas Chromatography
Study exercise - In-depth comparative study of lavenders, their different species and hybrids to show how their varied chemistry directly influences their therapeutic potentials
How chemistry can impact on essential oil safety

Day three - Sunday, June 11 - 9-5pm

Getting the hang of formulating

This day further enhances our confidence in oil selection based not only on our intuition, holistic principles and fragrance awareness, but also on the chemical components of our essential oils. The idea of formulating purely from a chemistry standpoint may seem clinical and impersonal. Today, we show how it can be included as an integral part of your creative process.

Topics include:

The concept of synergy and its many forms in aromatherapy
Practical session on creating synergy from a chemistry perspective
Considering formulation from a chemistry standpoint
Basic rules and principles of formulation
Guidance on the therapeutic dose
Practical sessions on creating formulations for different needs and methods of application

To register your place, call the Finger Lakes School of Massage at, 607-272-9024

Cost: $300