The Foundation Course is an introduction to the healing realm of aromatherapy. It is an exploration of how essential oils, originating in plants, work holistically, interacting with and benefiting the human body, its emotions, as well as the mind and spirit. Students look at the use of essential oils in the ancient Egyptian and Greek worlds, their chemical makeup, and study their effects on the Immune System, the Lymphatic System, the Endocrine System and the Limbic Brain. An introduction to skin care and aromatherapy massage is explored. Twenty-three essential oils are introduced.
Students practice the skills of blending oils and preparing case studies.
This course is a prerequisite to Level II courses. This course is a fascinating study of the evolution of medicine. Students follow the circuitous path of that evolution. Students create herbal and essential oil balms and write a short research paper on one figure or therapy from the colorful history of medicine. The abstract and mysterious quality of essential oils become a living botanical reality as students study the plants of their origin.