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The S.E.E.D. Institute

I.F.P.A. Aromatherapy Diploma, Massage, Ayurveda & Post-graduate Qualifications/CPD

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Aromatherapy Massage (AR101)

Tutor: Jane Rose

In-house Location: Dorset

Summary: A Level 4 Course that forms part of our IFPA-accredited Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma and is also the in-house training Module of our Massage Training Qualification. We cover Therapists Posture, Client Consultations, Postural Analysis, Body Assessment, a Full Body Massage and Foot Reflex Assessment. For our Aromatherapists in training, we incorporate the use of clinically selected essential oils. When qualified, therapists will be able to offer several treatments: full body massages, half body massages, foot reflex treatments and facials.


Dorset: 8-12 & 18-19 August 2025 (£800)
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Overview

During this 7-day Massage Course (level 4) students will learn the art of Aromatherapy Massage, including the assessment and treatment of Foot Reflexes, to the standards required by the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA).

For our Aromatherapy Diploma (with Massage) Students, this 7 day Aromatherapy Massage Course is one of 2 in-house modules which form part of their Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma studies. The other in-house module is the 5 day Aromatherapy Practical Module. In addition to the 2 in-house modules there are 4 distance-learning modules.

Please note: For students who want to explore this fascinating subject without yet committing to the Diploma itself our 3 day Massage Taster provides a substantial introduction. These 3 days are the first 3 days of this 7 day massage module. Students will observe and practice an Aromatherapy Massage, learn correct Body Stance and Towel Technique.

In addition we offer a 2 day Aromatherapy Practical Taster where students are introduced to experiencing & working with essential oils across a broad knowledge base. We cover theory in the mornings and practicals in the afternoons where students create sumptuous products to take home. These 2 days are the first 2 days of our 5 day Aromatherapy Practical Module. Aromatherapy is a fascinating topic and this is a fun course where we become increasingly familiar with essential oils so enabling us to verify as to why Aromatherapy is such an effective holistic therapy.

For Students attending any of our 'Taster Courses' the days they have attended can count towards their studies should such Students choose to pursue the Diploma itself within a realistic time frame.

No prior experience required

What is Aromatherapy Massage?

During an Aromatherapy Massage, essential oils are applied to the skin and worked into the body, using neuromuscular techniques focused upon the nervous system. The massage loosens tight muscles and clears blocked tissue by focusing on control-points in the energy-system.

As the skin responds, the subcutaneous nerves communicate with the internal organs, glands, nerves and circulatory system. The effect may be stimulating or calming - depending upon the types of oils used - also, upon the needs of the individual receiving the treatment.

The oils are compatible with the basic structure of the skin, penetrating it layer by layer - moisturising it, making it more supple and stimulating the production of new cells. The body is also beneficially affected by the scent of the essential oils deployed.

The nose contains approximately ten million neurones, which interact with odour-molecules. These are olfactory receptors, which communicate odours to the emotional centre in the brain - otherwise known as the 'limbic system'. This phenomenally active system communicates with other vital areas of the brain, e.g. those related to controlling the heart-rate, blood-pressure, memory, reactions to stress, etc.

The endocrine glands which regulate the release of hormones, also communicate with this limbic system or 'small brain'. As the body is massaged with the powerful oils, each selected for its unique, holistic properties, the psychological, as well as the physiological effects, are astounding. In this manner, the massage acts concurrently on both body and brain, calming 'jangled' nerves and stimulating energy-flow, relieving tension and depression and eliminating toxins, whilst building healthy tissue.

By way of clarification, more must be said, in particular, about the oils. The nature of essential oils allows them to penetrate skin more easily than water or common vegetable oils. How does this happen? Essential oils are 'lipophilic', i.e. easily blended with fats, and human skin comprises fats, as well as other substances. Also, the structure of an essential oil-molecule is smaller than that of the skin, enabling it to enter the skin more easily and, thereby, the blood-circulatory system. The newer cells under the dead surface of the skin are growing and, consequently, require nourishment. The result is that essential oils, appropriately chosen, actually rejuvenate these skin-cells during the process of the massage.

An Aromatherapy massage, then, invokes nothing less than NEW LIFE in the body. As a result, one not only appears and feels younger - but actually becomes as if younger! 'Becoming younger' is not an unfounded, vain claim.

The S.E.E.D. Institute aims to teach not just the practical aspects of Aromatherapy but also the theory that underlies it. Students can thus become capable of both practicing and teaching.

Please note that we offer an Upgrade Course for qualified Aromatherapists who need to upgrade to the standards required by The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists.

We also run a series of Post-graduate courses for those who already qualified in Aromatherapy or Complementary Medicine - many of which can be attended by those with no prior experience.

Course Content

Studies commence at 9.30 a.m. and finish at 5.00 p.m.

Topics addressed during this Course include:

Practical:

Theory:

Course Requirements

A Massage Log and Case-studies will be required from those Students taking our Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma with Massage.

Practical examinations will be individually arranged and will take place in either Fleet, Hampshire (5 miles from the Ash venue) or in Dorset. Alternatively, please contact us to discuss other options.

Aromatherapy Diploma Students can start with the 'in-house' Aromatherapy Massage Module (this Course) or the 'in-house' Aromatherapy Practical Module (AR102) or the distance-learning Modules.

Exemptions: Students taking the Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma should submit details of their Massage qualifications (level 3 or beyond) if they want exemption from this Aromatherapy Massage Module (case-studies will still be required).

Please note: We welcome Students who already have a recognised massage qualification (level 3 or beyond) but who want to add an Aromatherapy Massage to their tool-kit. The cost of the Course is reduced to £770 for such Students. Such Students would not take the Massage Examination and would receive a Certificate of Attendance for the Aromatherapy Massage Course.

Student Comments

"This course has been absolutely brilliant. It is suitable for any ability from wanting to treat friends and family to building a business. The content is sound and incorporates a wide variety of references". A. Mann 3rd October 2017.

"A most enjoyable week. Group dynamics worked very well. Relaxed and informal but well structured". 3rd October 2016.

"Excellent. Thank you Jane. Gentle, yet direct coaching and support, giving us the time to put into practice new learning without feeling intimidated".

"Excellent. Tutored in a very friendly and relaxed manner and was extremely infomrative and made learning very enjoyable". K. Dennis.

"Amazing! I feel I have learnt so much , both course content and other. Love the spiritual Ayurvedic elements brought into the course. Really felt comfortable and supported. Great feeling of respect and trust in the room. K. Biggenden".