How does a dream holiday of an aromatherapist look like? Wandering through endless fields of wild lavender maybe? Or visiting distilleries to experience essential oil production first-hand?
Every summer, world-renowned essential oil expert Rhiannon Harris invites qualified aromatherapists to the beautiful Provence in France to take part in an intense study program for furthering their knowledge and skills in advanced clinical aromatherapy applications.
We asked Rhiannon to give us more details about her popular program that will run from June 20 to June 28 (Level 1) and from July 4 to July 12 (Level 2) this year:
1) What can participants expect to learn in your upcoming summer master courses in advanced clinical aromatherapy?
The advanced clinical aromatherapy (ACA) programs have been running for the past 12 years and are destined for qualified aromatherapists. They aim to extend therapists’ knowledge and skills in clinical applications of essential oils.
This means that for example in ACA Level one (20-28th June) we comprehensively cover specific subjects such as essential oil chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and all the routes of essential oil administration (dermal, inhalation, oral, sublingual, rectal, vaginal…) in a safe and supportive setting.
Upon completion of ACA level one, participants can then go on to take the next levels should they wish. For example, in ACA level two (4-12th July), we focus on pain, infection and inflammation as main topics as well as enhancing our knowledge and uses of related products such as hydrolats. ACA level three (18-26th July) then explores respiratory, digestive and genitourinary pathologies from both holistic and clinical viewpoints, all the while building on the knowledge and skills gained from the previous levels.
All these ACA programs combine intensive theory with practical formulating as well as an authentic experience of life in Provence. What is also remarkable about these programs is that they are attended by therapists from around the world; this adds a wonderful dimension to the classes and firm friendships are established as a result.
The program costs include all travel within Provence for the duration of the participants’ stay, accommodation and 2 meals per day as well as of course, all teaching, guided tours and field trips. At the end of each program participants receive a certificate of completion.
2) Provence in France is the perfect place for aromatherapists to encounter wild aromatics. Can you briefly outline for us which areas the participants will visit and what other sights are on the program?
Provence spans a large area in the South of France, encompassing several departments. The region where the program takes place spans three departments: the Maritime Alps, the Var and the Alps of Haute Provence. These are located in the south east of Provence and the bulk of the ACA program takes place in a rural setting in the mountains. This high altitude location is ideal for wild aromatics such as lavender, mountain savory, thyme, juniper, scots pine, silver fir as well as other medicinal plants such as St John’s wort. On level one ACA we include a botanic hike to discover these plants in their native setting as well as visiting lavandin and clary sage fields under cultivation.
Students are accommodated in the small but very colourful town of Castellane that has a wonderful provencale market and is located close to the famous Gorges du Verdon. During ACA level one, we take one day to discover the spectacular gorges as well as visiting the Valensole plateau to see lavandin under cultivation. The end of June is the perfect time for visiting these fields as they are coming into full bloom so it is very beautiful and is the perfect photo opportunity for the “fields of blue”.
We are also close to the town of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world; on ACA level one we spend an afternoon in Grasse and visit one of the main fragrance houses, Maison Fragonard. On the last day we visit the distillery Florihana as well as the scenic perched village of Gourdon with its views of the coast. In other levels we plan other activities, visiting other distillers and local artisans as well as different areas of Provence.
ACA program with Rhiannon Harris Lewis
3) Any tips of what to prepare prior to traveling to beautiful Provence this summer?
The ACA program provides extensive documentation as well as giving participants access to numerous publications during class time so students do not need to bring any books. However, they may wish to brush up on their essential oil chemistry knowledge before attending level one! This will help students to fully assimilate the depth of information we cover in class. A suggested text is “The chemistry of Aromatherapeutic oils” by Joy E Bowles.
As we are in a rural location, it is essential that participants bring any medications or essential health items on their trip and that they inform us of their health status and specific needs prior to booking.
Students also need to check with regards to any visa requirements and obtain fully comprehensive travel insurance prior to attending.
The hotel provides items like hairdryer and washroom essentials. There will also be a swimming pool so students can bring a bathing suit! There is limited wifi connection in the hotel.
Provence in June and July is always warm but not humid like Hong Kong! Participants will need sun protection as well as stout shoes for hiking. I advise all students to travel light but with a big suitcase in order to be able to bring home many souvenirs and excellent quality essential oils from Provence!
Thanks so much, Rhiannon! To see a detailed itinerary and to enroll in the program, please click here. Spaces are limited and fill up fast!