London Diploma Course in Aromatherapy & Therapeutic Massage
Modules 9-12
This module gives students a thorough grounding in the anatomy, physiology and basic pathology of the human body, essential for the practice of complementary medicine.
• Cells: organisation, metabolism, responsiveness, growth, repair and reproduction; the structure and functions of the cells; DNA and RNA; mitosis and meiosis.
• Tissues: epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissue; tissue repair and conditions affecting it.
• The Integumentary System: the functions of the skin; the epidermal, dermal, subcutaneous layers of the skin; sebaceous, ceruminous and sweat glands; keratin and melanin; erythema; common skin diseases and allergies.
• The Skeletal System: the development of bone cells; the structure, location and functions of the bones; surface anatomy; the facial and cranial bones and sinuses; the spinal vertebrae; the effects of ageing on bone; the structure and functions of the joints; common diseases of the joints.
• The Muscular System: skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle, its structure and functions; muscle contraction; origin and insertion; muscle fatigue; tendons and ligaments; common diseases of the muscular system.
• The Nervous System: the structure and functions of neurones and glial cells; synapses; the structure and functions of the brain and spinal cord; the limbic system; sensory reception and adaptation; the structure and functions of the peripheral nerves; the autonomic nervous system; common diseases of the nervous system.
• The Special Senses: the structure and functions of the special senses: hearing, sight, taste, touch and smell; the process of olfaction; sensory receptors; sensory disorders.
• The Endocrine System: the functions of the endocrine system; homeostasis; the location and structure of the principal glands; the functions of the principal hormones; common diseases of the endocrine system.
• The Cardiovascular System: the composition and functions of the blood; blood disorders; the structure and functions of the heart; the cardiac cycle; blood pressure; common heart diseases; the principal arteries and veins; vasoconstriction and dilation; common vascular disorders.
• The Lymphatic System: the structure and functions of the lymphatic system; the composition, circulation and functions of lymph; lymph nodes and lymphatic tissue; common diseases of the lymphatic system.
• The Immune System: specific immunity and non-specific defence mechanisms; antigens and antibodies; inflammation; phagocytosis; the allergic response; common immune disorders.
• The Respiratory System: major respiratory structures; the structure and functions of the lungs; external and internal respiration; common respiratory diseases.
• The Digestive System: the component parts and functions of the digestive system; ingestion, digestion, absorption and elimination; gastric, pancreatic and hepatic secretions; digestive enzymes; the small and large intestines; common diseases of the digestive system.
• The Urinary System: the structure and functions of the urinary system; the structure and functions of the kidneys and nephrons; antidiuretic hormone; water and electrolyte balance; common diseases of the urinary system.
• The Reproductive System: the structure of the male and female reproductive systems; the male and female sex hormones; the menstrual cycle; the stages of pregnancy; common diseases of the reproductive system.
10. Professional Practice Management
The focus of this module is on training students
in the promotion and ethical management of a professional aromatherapy
practice.
• Ethics and professionalism: Secure
record keeping, confidentiality and ethical practice; codes of conduct;
safety in the clinic setting; the role of the therapist.
• Liaison with health professionals: when
and how to liaise with the other practitioners and medical personnel;
working in different healthcare environments.
• Practice promotion: establishing
and maintaining an aromatherapy practice; advertising and promotion;
managing fees and finances; keeping accounts; taxation.
• Legal aspects of practice: Health,
hygiene and safety regulations in the workplace; local by-laws; professional
indemnity and public and products liability insurance.
11. Professional Self-Development
The purpose of this module is to provide students
with an understanding of the key elements of continuing professional development
and research.
• Continuing professional development: the
importance of on-going education; keeping up to date with changes
in the profession; aromatherapy professional bodies and opportunities
for participation; local support groups.
• Aromatherapy research: introduction
to research methodologies; conducting literature searches and accessing
scientific data.
• Personal self-development: methods
of maintaining practitioner health and well-being.
12. Emergency First Aid
The purpose of this module is to ensure that
students gain the necessary skills to effectively address the most common
health emergencies.
• First Aid: certificated practical
instruction in first aid skills; the use of natural remedies for
minor emergencies.
