| SHIRLEY PRICE AROMATHERAPY LTD WORLDWIDE EXPERTS IN AROMATHERAPY SINCE 1974 SHIRLEY PRICE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF AROMATHERAPY |
| National Occupational Standards CNH4 This standard is about providing aromatherapy to clients. Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils and absolutes in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy treatments may include, for example; massage, inhalation, waterborne methods, topical applications and compress. |
CNH4 Provide Aromatherapy to clients
Overview
This standard is about providing aromatherapy to clients. Aromatherapy is the systematic use of
essential oils and absolutes in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being.
Aromatherapy treatments may include, for example; massage, inhalation, waterborne methods, topical
applications and compress.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You will need to know and understand:
1. the history, principles and development of aromatherapy and its relationship to orthodox healthcare
2. the range, purpose and limitations of different aromatherapy treatments
3. the types of equipment used for aromatherapy including; steamers, vaporisers, diffusers, baths,
compresses
4. the effects and benefits of aromatherapy e.g. calming, uplifting or relaxing depending on which
essential oils are used
5. the consultation methods that are used for aromatherapy including: observation, smell, listening and
touch
6. how to recognise cautions and contraindications to aromatherapy and the appropriate actions to
take
7. how to recognise when aromatherapy may complement other healthcare which the client is receiving
8. how to recognise conditions for which aromatherapy is inappropriate and for which the client should
seek advice from other sources
9. the circumstances when you may choose not to accept a client
10. how the results of the consultation inform treatment planning
11. how to construct a suitable treatment plan for your clients specific needs
12. how to evaluate progress and identify whether any adjustments to the programme are required
13. how to assess the quality and safety of plant oils
14. the essential oils and absolutes, to include those shown in Additional Information (below)
15. how and why essential oils/absolutes can become adulterated and ways of detecting adulteration
16. the hazards associated with essential oils/absolutes - toxicity, irritation, sensitisation,
carcinogenesis, phytooestrogens
17. methods of extraction - steam distillation, expression, solvent extraction, enfleurage/maceration,
carbon dioxide, hydrodistillation and the bi-products of distillation; hydrosols
18. the range of carrier media including; plant carrier oil, cream, lotion, gel, water, air and clay
19. methods of extraction of fixed/carrier oils and production of carrier media
20. how essential oils/absolutes and fixed carrier oils can degrade and how to recognise this
21. the effect of essential oils/absolutes on the olfactory and limbic system with respect to
psychological functioning and overall well-being
22. possible pharmacological and metabolic effects of using essential oils/absolutes
23. the current legislative controls and guidelines for use of essential oils/absolutes and the
implications of these for client safety
24. the importance of hygienic practice in the selection and blending activities
25. how to use a botanical classification system for identifying the main plant families of the essential
oils/absolutes needed for treatment purposes and how this relates to blending
26. how to access current valid information on therapeutic capability of essential oils/absolutes
27. how to decide the suitability of carriers for the treatment methods agreed with clients
28. the appropriate dilution ratios for specific treatments and why this would be adjusted for different
clients
29. where and how to obtain good quality essential oils/absolutes and carriers and how to assess their
quality
30. how to determine the suitability of particular essential oils/absolutes for clients
31. contra-indications to the use of specific essential oils/absolutes
32. factors affecting the quality of all the essential oils/absolutes such as shelf-life
33. protocols for the blending of essential oils/absolutes
34. the possible interactions between essential oils/absolutes
35. the possible interactions of essential oils/absolutes with prescribed or self-medicated drugs or
other substances
36. methods for prevention of contamination of essential oils/absolutes and carriers and prevention of
cross-infection
37. the effects on essential oils/absolutes to exposure to air, heat and light and the effect of ageing on
essential oils/absolutes and carriers
38. the correct ways to store essential oils/absolutes to minimise spoilage or loss and prevent
degradation
39. the purpose and benefit of testing clients’ reaction to essential oils/absolutes
40. how to access current data on the safe use of essential oils/absolutes in relation to their toxicity
41. types of essential oils/absolutes and carrier media most likely to cause reactions and their possible
effects
42. the importance of obtaining a signature of endorsement of verified essential oils/absolutes in
blends to be used in client treatments and the possible implications if this is not done
43. how the blend best suited to the client’s health needs was identified and how the blend was verified
as appropriate and acceptable for use with clients
44. how the blend is used in treatment and how it could be protected against spoilage or loss
45. the type of aromatherapy massage methods including: effleurage, petrissage, vibrations,
tapotement, stretches, pressure point stimulus
46. physiological absorption via the soft body tissue, and how the oil absorption routes and processes
may be enhanced or impeded
47. how the body’s systems and physiological processes are affected by deep relaxation, with
particular reference to the nervous system
48. common client reactions to aromatherapy massage of soft body tissue areas and adjustments to
treatment which would be implemented in respect of each reaction
49. how to recognise when inappropriate degrees of pressure are being applied
50. why it is important to maintain physical contact with clients throughout the aromatherapy massage
during each sequence of the session
51. what steps should be taken at the end of the treatment session to minimise risks
52. steps to be taken at the end of the treatment sessions for clients who are in a state of deep
relaxation
53. information which will enable clients to obtain optimum benefit from the use of essential
oils/absolutes in blends and to minimise risks
54. the potential risks to clients from self treatment and how these should be managed
55. the nature of risks associated with client self-treatment, and the practitioner’s responsibility in this
respect
56. anatomy and physiology including the interaction between the following systems:
1. skeletal system
2. muscular system
3. nervous system
4. sensory system
5. endocrine system
6. respiratory system
7. digestive system
8. urinary system
9. reproductive system
10. circulatory system
11. lymphatic and immune system
12. integumentary system
57. psychological and emotional state
Performance Criteria
You must be able to do the following:
1. conduct an assessment and plan the aromatherapy programme
2. confirm consent to aromatherapy treatments
3. ensure that the environment meets the client’s needs
4. ensure that essential oils, carriers and equipment are suitable for use
5. measure and blend oils safely and correctly to meet the client’s needs
6. position the client for effective aromatherapy treatment and to give as much comfort as possible
7. administer oils and blends safely and correctly in accordance with professional codes of practice
and legal requirements
8. massage and manipulate soft body tissue to enhance oil absorption and stimulate the natural
healing process
9. make appropriate adjustments to the aromatherapy treatment to meet any changing needs
10. deal effectively with the client’s response to the aromatherapy treatment
11. check the client’s well-being throughout and give reassurance where needed
12. maintain the health and safety of the client, yourself and relevant others throughout the treatment
13. provide clear and accurate advice with regard to any required aftercare and self-care
14. evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the aromatherapy treatment to inform future plans and
actions
15. complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
(October 2004):
Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments
This standard has replaced <span>CH A1 and CH A2.</span>
Related Functions
Principles of Good Practice
CNH1 Explore and establish the client's needs for complementary and natural
CNH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
CNH1 Explore and establish the client's needs for complementary and natural healthcare
Overview
All forms of complementary and natural healthcare rely on exploring and establishing the client’s needs
and expectations. This may take place at the outset, but also during the on-going delivery of
complementary and natural healthcare. This allows the practitioner to consider whether it is
appropriate to offer the service to the client, the type of service that should be offered and any
required modifications to that service.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Knowledge and Understanding
You will need to know and understand:
1. the concept of health and well-being that is consistent with the practice, principles and theory
underlying your discipline
2. the nature of the service provided and fee structures
3. how the client’s previous and present care may affect their health and well-being in relation to your
discipline
4. how the psychological and emotional balance, as well as diet and lifestyle of the individual, can
affect their health and well being
5. how the context in which people live affects their health and well-being
6. the importance of a suitable environment and making clients feel welcome
7. how to select and use different methods for exploring clients’ needs
8. how to establish valid and reliable information about the client, and determine the priority of need, in
order to plan the service
9. the potential risks (relevant to your discipline) of various courses of action for the client
10. how to work with clients to determine the appropriate actions
11. the appropriate actions to take to suit identified needs
12. the conditions for which the discipline is appropriate and those where it must be used with caution
13. how to recognise conditions for which your discipline is unsuitable and for which the client should
seek advice from other sources
14. how to judge whether self-care procedure(s) relevant to your discipline are appropriate for the
client
15. the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
16. the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements
Performance Criteria
You must be able to do the following:
1. evaluate requests for complementary and natural healthcare and take the appropriate action
2. explain the nature of the service and fee structures to the client
3. provide an appropriate and safe environment for the service
4. make clients feel welcome and ensure they are as comfortable as possible
5. discuss the client’s needs and expectations, and ask relevant questions
6. encourage the client to ask questions, seek advice and express any concerns
7. establish the client’s needs in a manner which encourages the effective participation of the client
and meets their particular requirements
8. determine any contra-indications or restrictions that may be present and take the appropriate action
9. evaluate the information obtained and determine the appropriate action with the client
10. complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
(October 2004):
Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning
Related Functions
Principles of Good Practice
CNH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
Overview
It is important that the planning of complementary and natural healthcare takes place through
discussion and agreement with the client and relevant others (e.g. carers). This standard is about
developing and agreeing plans that meet the client’s needs. Such plans may be subject to change as
the service proceeds.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Knowledge and Understanding
You will need to know and understand:
1. the range, purpose and limitations of different methods or approaches which may be used for
clients’ individual needs
2. how to determine the most appropriate method(s) for different clients and their particular needs
3. how to recognise those occasions when your discipline may complement other healthcare which the
client is receiving
4. the alternative options available to clients for whom your discipline is inappropriate
5. the role which the client (and others) may take, and may need to take, if the approach is to be
successful
6. how to support and advise the client to make informed choices
7. how to work with the client and relevant others to plan the approach
8. why evaluation methods should be determined at the planning stage and what the client’s role will
be in the evaluation
9. the importance of encouraging and empowering the client to be as actively involved as possible
10. the relationship of the client’s involvement to the promotion of their health and well-being
11. the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements
Performance Criteria
You must be able to do the following:
1. explain the available option(s) which meet the client’s identified needs and circumstances
2. explain any restrictions, possible responses and advise on realistic expectations
3. advise the client when your discipline is inappropriate and help them to consider other options
4. discuss the approach to be taken, the level of commitment required and the potential outcomes and
evaluation with the client
5. check the client understands and support them to make informed choices
6. obtain the client’s consent and complete records in accordance with professional and legal
requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
(October 2004):
Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning
Related Functions
Principles of Good Practice
Overview
This standard is about providing aromatherapy to clients. Aromatherapy is the systematic use of
essential oils and absolutes in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being.
Aromatherapy treatments may include, for example; massage, inhalation, waterborne methods, topical
applications and compress.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You will need to know and understand:
1. the history, principles and development of aromatherapy and its relationship to orthodox healthcare
2. the range, purpose and limitations of different aromatherapy treatments
3. the types of equipment used for aromatherapy including; steamers, vaporisers, diffusers, baths,
compresses
4. the effects and benefits of aromatherapy e.g. calming, uplifting or relaxing depending on which
essential oils are used
5. the consultation methods that are used for aromatherapy including: observation, smell, listening and
touch
6. how to recognise cautions and contraindications to aromatherapy and the appropriate actions to
take
7. how to recognise when aromatherapy may complement other healthcare which the client is receiving
8. how to recognise conditions for which aromatherapy is inappropriate and for which the client should
seek advice from other sources
9. the circumstances when you may choose not to accept a client
10. how the results of the consultation inform treatment planning
11. how to construct a suitable treatment plan for your clients specific needs
12. how to evaluate progress and identify whether any adjustments to the programme are required
13. how to assess the quality and safety of plant oils
14. the essential oils and absolutes, to include those shown in Additional Information (below)
15. how and why essential oils/absolutes can become adulterated and ways of detecting adulteration
16. the hazards associated with essential oils/absolutes - toxicity, irritation, sensitisation,
carcinogenesis, phytooestrogens
17. methods of extraction - steam distillation, expression, solvent extraction, enfleurage/maceration,
carbon dioxide, hydrodistillation and the bi-products of distillation; hydrosols
18. the range of carrier media including; plant carrier oil, cream, lotion, gel, water, air and clay
19. methods of extraction of fixed/carrier oils and production of carrier media
20. how essential oils/absolutes and fixed carrier oils can degrade and how to recognise this
21. the effect of essential oils/absolutes on the olfactory and limbic system with respect to
psychological functioning and overall well-being
22. possible pharmacological and metabolic effects of using essential oils/absolutes
23. the current legislative controls and guidelines for use of essential oils/absolutes and the
implications of these for client safety
24. the importance of hygienic practice in the selection and blending activities
25. how to use a botanical classification system for identifying the main plant families of the essential
oils/absolutes needed for treatment purposes and how this relates to blending
26. how to access current valid information on therapeutic capability of essential oils/absolutes
27. how to decide the suitability of carriers for the treatment methods agreed with clients
28. the appropriate dilution ratios for specific treatments and why this would be adjusted for different
clients
29. where and how to obtain good quality essential oils/absolutes and carriers and how to assess their
quality
30. how to determine the suitability of particular essential oils/absolutes for clients
31. contra-indications to the use of specific essential oils/absolutes
32. factors affecting the quality of all the essential oils/absolutes such as shelf-life
33. protocols for the blending of essential oils/absolutes
34. the possible interactions between essential oils/absolutes
35. the possible interactions of essential oils/absolutes with prescribed or self-medicated drugs or
other substances
36. methods for prevention of contamination of essential oils/absolutes and carriers and prevention of
cross-infection
37. the effects on essential oils/absolutes to exposure to air, heat and light and the effect of ageing on
essential oils/absolutes and carriers
38. the correct ways to store essential oils/absolutes to minimise spoilage or loss and prevent
degradation
39. the purpose and benefit of testing clients’ reaction to essential oils/absolutes
40. how to access current data on the safe use of essential oils/absolutes in relation to their toxicity
41. types of essential oils/absolutes and carrier media most likely to cause reactions and their possible
effects
42. the importance of obtaining a signature of endorsement of verified essential oils/absolutes in
blends to be used in client treatments and the possible implications if this is not done
43. how the blend best suited to the client’s health needs was identified and how the blend was verified
as appropriate and acceptable for use with clients
44. how the blend is used in treatment and how it could be protected against spoilage or loss
45. the type of aromatherapy massage methods including: effleurage, petrissage, vibrations,
tapotement, stretches, pressure point stimulus
46. physiological absorption via the soft body tissue, and how the oil absorption routes and processes
may be enhanced or impeded
47. how the body’s systems and physiological processes are affected by deep relaxation, with
particular reference to the nervous system
48. common client reactions to aromatherapy massage of soft body tissue areas and adjustments to
treatment which would be implemented in respect of each reaction
49. how to recognise when inappropriate degrees of pressure are being applied
50. why it is important to maintain physical contact with clients throughout the aromatherapy massage
during each sequence of the session
51. what steps should be taken at the end of the treatment session to minimise risks
52. steps to be taken at the end of the treatment sessions for clients who are in a state of deep
relaxation
53. information which will enable clients to obtain optimum benefit from the use of essential
oils/absolutes in blends and to minimise risks
54. the potential risks to clients from self treatment and how these should be managed
55. the nature of risks associated with client self-treatment, and the practitioner’s responsibility in this
respect
56. anatomy and physiology including the interaction between the following systems:
1. skeletal system
2. muscular system
3. nervous system
4. sensory system
5. endocrine system
6. respiratory system
7. digestive system
8. urinary system
9. reproductive system
10. circulatory system
11. lymphatic and immune system
12. integumentary system
57. psychological and emotional state
Performance Criteria
You must be able to do the following:
1. conduct an assessment and plan the aromatherapy programme
2. confirm consent to aromatherapy treatments
3. ensure that the environment meets the client’s needs
4. ensure that essential oils, carriers and equipment are suitable for use
5. measure and blend oils safely and correctly to meet the client’s needs
6. position the client for effective aromatherapy treatment and to give as much comfort as possible
7. administer oils and blends safely and correctly in accordance with professional codes of practice
and legal requirements
8. massage and manipulate soft body tissue to enhance oil absorption and stimulate the natural
healing process
9. make appropriate adjustments to the aromatherapy treatment to meet any changing needs
10. deal effectively with the client’s response to the aromatherapy treatment
11. check the client’s well-being throughout and give reassurance where needed
12. maintain the health and safety of the client, yourself and relevant others throughout the treatment
13. provide clear and accurate advice with regard to any required aftercare and self-care
14. evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of the aromatherapy treatment to inform future plans and
actions
15. complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
(October 2004):
Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments
This standard has replaced <span>CH A1 and CH A2.</span>
Related Functions
Principles of Good Practice
CNH1 Explore and establish the client's needs for complementary and natural
CNH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
CNH1 Explore and establish the client's needs for complementary and natural healthcare
Overview
All forms of complementary and natural healthcare rely on exploring and establishing the client’s needs
and expectations. This may take place at the outset, but also during the on-going delivery of
complementary and natural healthcare. This allows the practitioner to consider whether it is
appropriate to offer the service to the client, the type of service that should be offered and any
required modifications to that service.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Knowledge and Understanding
You will need to know and understand:
1. the concept of health and well-being that is consistent with the practice, principles and theory
underlying your discipline
2. the nature of the service provided and fee structures
3. how the client’s previous and present care may affect their health and well-being in relation to your
discipline
4. how the psychological and emotional balance, as well as diet and lifestyle of the individual, can
affect their health and well being
5. how the context in which people live affects their health and well-being
6. the importance of a suitable environment and making clients feel welcome
7. how to select and use different methods for exploring clients’ needs
8. how to establish valid and reliable information about the client, and determine the priority of need, in
order to plan the service
9. the potential risks (relevant to your discipline) of various courses of action for the client
10. how to work with clients to determine the appropriate actions
11. the appropriate actions to take to suit identified needs
12. the conditions for which the discipline is appropriate and those where it must be used with caution
13. how to recognise conditions for which your discipline is unsuitable and for which the client should
seek advice from other sources
14. how to judge whether self-care procedure(s) relevant to your discipline are appropriate for the
client
15. the anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to your discipline
16. the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements
Performance Criteria
You must be able to do the following:
1. evaluate requests for complementary and natural healthcare and take the appropriate action
2. explain the nature of the service and fee structures to the client
3. provide an appropriate and safe environment for the service
4. make clients feel welcome and ensure they are as comfortable as possible
5. discuss the client’s needs and expectations, and ask relevant questions
6. encourage the client to ask questions, seek advice and express any concerns
7. establish the client’s needs in a manner which encourages the effective participation of the client
and meets their particular requirements
8. determine any contra-indications or restrictions that may be present and take the appropriate action
9. evaluate the information obtained and determine the appropriate action with the client
10. complete and maintain records in accordance with professional and legal requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
(October 2004):
Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning
Related Functions
Principles of Good Practice
CNH2 Develop and agree plans for complementary and natural healthcare with clients
Overview
It is important that the planning of complementary and natural healthcare takes place through
discussion and agreement with the client and relevant others (e.g. carers). This standard is about
developing and agreeing plans that meet the client’s needs. Such plans may be subject to change as
the service proceeds.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Knowledge and Understanding
You will need to know and understand:
1. the range, purpose and limitations of different methods or approaches which may be used for
clients’ individual needs
2. how to determine the most appropriate method(s) for different clients and their particular needs
3. how to recognise those occasions when your discipline may complement other healthcare which the
client is receiving
4. the alternative options available to clients for whom your discipline is inappropriate
5. the role which the client (and others) may take, and may need to take, if the approach is to be
successful
6. how to support and advise the client to make informed choices
7. how to work with the client and relevant others to plan the approach
8. why evaluation methods should be determined at the planning stage and what the client’s role will
be in the evaluation
9. the importance of encouraging and empowering the client to be as actively involved as possible
10. the relationship of the client’s involvement to the promotion of their health and well-being
11. the procedures for record keeping in accordance with legal and professional requirements
Performance Criteria
You must be able to do the following:
1. explain the available option(s) which meet the client’s identified needs and circumstances
2. explain any restrictions, possible responses and advise on realistic expectations
3. advise the client when your discipline is inappropriate and help them to consider other options
4. discuss the approach to be taken, the level of commitment required and the potential outcomes and
evaluation with the client
5. check the client understands and support them to make informed choices
6. obtain the client’s consent and complete records in accordance with professional and legal
requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework
(October 2004):
Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning
Related Functions
Principles of Good Practice