Pre-blended oils

[Old Folkie]

Hi everyone,
I am doing VTCT Holistic Therapies, which touched on aromatherapy, swedish massage, hopi ear candles, holistic facials and reflex zone therapy, finish end of June, then been offered a room to rent so will be scouring the forum for help with that.
Been looking through this forum for ages now, and understand the difference between pre blended oils and essential oils, but have a question on my assignment that I need help with and can't find much about
Its 'what are the advantages and disadvantages of using pre-blended oils'

I can only think of a few, can anyone else help? Much appreciated if you can, or point me at a website I havent already been to.

 

[Colin Brown]

[sm=1syellow1.gif]hi there, ive been a beauty therapist for some time now, where i work at present i use pre blended oils, they are effective, are the same every time and can be retailed as well boosting profits.
however i very much miss blending specifically for my clients, and so keep up blending at home in my spare time.
i guess it depends on what you prefer. also im not sure on the new rules regarding blending your own oils with regards to insurance and the course you have done maybe someone else could shed some light on that. there for some therapists may only be able to offer aromatherapy if they use pre blended oils.
hope you get on well with your work and that this helps a little
nic

 

[GlassyFax]

I always understood that a treatment with pre-blended oils isn't strictly aromatherapy and you don't have to be an aromatherapist to do such a treatment.

Personally, I think if someone is paying for an aromatherapy treatment, they should be getting the benefit of having the oils blended specifically for them as they present on that day.

Lesley

 

[suzi3]

agree, if a client is paying for an aromatherapy treatment they should be made aware that the therapist is using a pre-blend

also the ones I have come across are based on sweet almond oilso you have to make sure your clients dont have a nut allergy they also seem to contain Rosemary which is contra indicated for High Blood Pressure and Epilepsy

also you need to be careful if the client is pregnant

if it was that easy to use essential oils it would not require a separate course and training
I have met therapists who say that they only use chamomile and lavender, both contraindicated in pregnancy until appx 25 weeks

HG

 

[rissa]

Oh, I can't understand why you have been doing Hopi ear candles as it doesn't seem to be in theassessment book. But whatever...
Pre blended oils - disadvantages are you cannot make them up for the client's personal and specific needs nor can you 'prescribe' usage in an oil burner. If you only use these you are probably likely to only advertise 'aromatherapy style' massage as you are likely not to be an aromatherapist.
Advantages - saves time that the client's booked in for; if you spill it, it doesn't cost so much as a bottle of pure EO would if spilt.
May last longer if it has Vit E added. Or at least the shelf life is more likely to be known and constant IE annual replenishment. So easier stock handling.
The VTCT level 2 Holistic Therapies qualification is a really good start but there's much more to come!

 

[vxepluloiolirneqo]

Thanks for the advice folks! Passed that assignment ok. Love this site as you get to know all sorts of things, and I will certainly be a constant visitor to this site with help on working self employed and mobile.

Many thanks