I have just trained in IHM and am now looking for my victi......er volunteers for my case studies. (Already have 2!!) I am absolutely buzzing having had a great time doing the training. IHM feels so right for me.
The only slight fly in the ointment is that as I don't have an aromatherapy qualification I can only use carrier oils. So I am wondering how often you experienced therapists use them? While I would like to train in aromatherapy I don't feel I can justify the cost. So does it really add much to IHM?
I have just trained in IHM and am now looking for my victi......er volunteers for my case studies. (Already have 2!!) I am absolutely buzzing having had a great time doing the training. IHM feels so right for me.
The only slight fly in the ointment is that as I don't have an aromatherapy qualification I can only use carrier oils. So I am wondering how often you experienced therapists use them? While I would like to train in aromatherapy I don't feel I can justify the cost. So does it really add much to IHM?
I don't know if this will help you, Tashanie, but I am not qualified in aromatherapy either, but can use pre-blended oils, according to the FHT and my insurer.
I use Songbird Natural massage wax - it's lovely to use, and they have a very good range of blends. It is a wax, however, rather than an oil, but some of the reviews on their site are from IHM practitioners.
There are other similar products out there, but here is a link to them in case you want to look:
[url]Tui Massage Wax & Balmes[/url]
I don't know if this will help you, Tashanie, but I am not qualified in aromatherapy either, but can use pre-blended oils, according to the FHT and my insurer.
I use Songbird Natural massage wax - it's lovely to use, and they have a very good range of blends. It is a wax, however, rather than an oil, but some of the reviews on their site are from IHM practitioners.
There are other similar products out there, but here is a link to them in case you want to look:
[url]Tui Massage Wax & Balmes[/url]
Thanks Derek 🙂 Yes I know I can use pre-made blends. And I think technically I could 1 drop of one oil to a carrier and get away with it. (But I wouldn't do it) My college sell blends but its always good to have a choice! But I was wondering how often the oils are really useful?
I am an amateur self taught aromatherapy enthusiast. About the level of a first aider compared to a doctor. I am just wondering if its worth the expense of official teaching. I wouldn't want to do full massages but I know my college offer a course that doesn't include the massage element.
If you don't have the qualification, you don't have insurance. If you put a drop of e.g. tea tree (an oil which so many of us know and love, which some become sensitive to over time) in someones blend and they react, you have no come back, you are personally liable. In these days of litigation, it's just not worth the risk to your reputation, or their health..
If you don't have the qualification, you don't have insurance. If you put a drop of e.g. tea tree (an oil which so many of us know and love, which some become sensitive to over time) in someones blend and they react, you have no come back, you are personally liable. In these days of litigation, it's just not worth the risk to your reputation, or their health..
I am a pharmacist. Trust me I know ALL about the risks of stepping beyond what you are competent and insured to do. I did say I wouldn't do it. 🙂 But its still frustrating....
How essential ARE essential oils in IHM. Does anyone feel it is VITAL, that using pre blended mixes is a poor substitute for making your own?
Is it worth studying aromatherapy to be able to make your own blends for IHM?
No, it isn't cost effective.
Would IHM be more effective with such oils?
May be if suitable and indicated for the client. I would say that IHM is a form of bodywork and with focused intention in the massage techniques is therapeutic enough.
Not all IHM is oiled any case. Different teachers have their own ideas and interpretations, some will teach IHM with oils and some teach without oils. Not all clients want their hair all greasy or remove their upper clothing.
Since Sally you are a pharmacist, wouldn't you be better off in becoming an aromatherapist, than practicing a partial therapy like IHM. IHM is nice and useful but there is only so much you can do with it.
RP
Is it worth studying aromatherapy to be able to make your own blends for IHM?
No, it isn't cost effective.
Would IHM be more effective with such oils?
May be if suitable and indicated for the client. I would say that IHM is a form of bodywork and with focused intention in the massage techniques is therapeutic enough.
Not all IHM is oiled any case. Different teachers have their own ideas and interpretations, some will teach IHM with oils and some teach without oils. Not all clients want their hair all greasy or remove their upper clothing.
Since Sally you are a pharmacist, wouldn't you be better off in becoming an aromatherapist, than practicing a partial therapy like IHM. IHM is nice and useful but there is only so much you can do with it.
RP
Thanks RP you have answered my question. I am not sure what you mean about my pharmacy background tho. Aromatherapy is an anathema to many pharmacists! I am not interested in doing full massage - and interested as I am in aromatherapy I am not sure the costs involved make it worthwhile or cost effective.
IHM fits in well with how I see my practice developing at the moment
Opps forgotten to reply Tashanie.
You say
I am not sure what you mean about my pharmacy background tho.
Well isn't aromatherapy is essentially biochemistry??!!
Aromatherapy is an anathema to many pharmacists!
Does that matter? I'm sure Reiki and Readings are anathema to many in the medical, scientific and even religious communities.
IHM fits in well with how I see my practice developing at the moment
Fair enough, it's just that full body massage is a good skill/prerequisite to other wonderful therapies 😉 Some people do it for that purpose and never practise.