The Professional Body of Choice for Aromatherapists
By registering with the IFA, you demonstrate to employers, commissioners and the public that you conform to the highest standards in your work. With over 100 benefits to advance your practice.
Specialist Courses & Qualifications
Designed to prepare learners for employment in various health and social care environments. Enabling postgraduates to work in a multitude of medicinal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as care homes, clinics and private practice.
Choose with Confidence
Whether you are a member of the public seeking a treatment, an employer looking to recruit an Aromatherapist or a product brand consultant, you can choose with confidence by searching the IFA PSA Accredited register, referred to by the NHS.
Integration of Aromatherapy in Health and Social Care
Having pioneered aromatherapy in the NHS, we are committed the integration of aromatherapy into a variety of environments. Annually, we donate funds and expertise to raise awareness and initiate charity projects to support those in need and further validate the profession.
Changing lives through regulation and specialist qualifications that develop and recognise world-class Clinical Aromatherapists
Choose with Confidence
Having met the UK-wide highest standard of practice and governed by stringent regulations, you can relax in safe hands with an IFA registered therapist
Evidence Base for Aromatherapy
The objective evidence base which supports aromatherapy comprises clinical trials, case histories, clinical audits and patient reported outcome data
Standing Up for Your Interests
We stand up for our registrant's interests and represent the profession before decision-making bodies to strengthen the recognition of aromatherapy
Industry Insights
Safety & Toxicology
Essential oils have been used medicinally for thousands of years and when used appropriately pose little risk. Essential oils are obtained from plants and, when processed correctly, contain potent chemical compounds each with their own proven therapeutic properties. Some oils are carcinogenic, phototoxic, hepatotoxic, neuro-toxic and renal toxic. Others can cause sensitisation and irritation and should not be applied to the skin. It is vitally important that they are handled with the relevant knowledge to ensure their effective, safe use.
Essential Oil Legislation
While it is impossible to predict the long-term implications that Brexit may have on the essential oil trade industry, it will be ‘business as usual’ until the UK government decide which of our current laws and regulations they wish to keep, and which to amend. Approximately 60% of these laws were put in place by the EU so it seems unlikely all of these are going to change any time soon. Importantly, no matter what changes the UK decides to make, all products supplied to EU member states must continue to comply with the existing EU regulations.
Healthcare Policy Updates
The IFA are a stakeholder in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) who advise Government health policy. The Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health 10-year report highlights good practice in antipsychotic medicine prescribing for patients with dementia. This includes suggestions for alternatives, naming aromatherapy as an alternative. This was highlighted in NICE’s patient decision aid who also call for improvements to be made in the frequency of reviewing antipsychotic medication for people with dementia.
Sustainable Healthcare
A survey conducted by the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative (IHC) of which the IFA is a core member, showed that 85% of complementary and natural healthcare therapists do not use plastic-based products in their practice. Practitioners from across the complementary health sector took part to find out how sustainable our working practices are, and our sector’s impact on the environment. These results reveal a sector which has high environmental awareness, which cares deeply about the welfare of both the planet and patients.
Latest & Upcoming
Essential Oil Aroma, Subjective Stress Research and Comparative Trials of CO2 & Traditional Oils
Ground breaking research, trial one - results are released!
The IFA appointed Northumbria University to undertake three studies to determine whether essential oils can reduce chronic stress. Also comparing the difference between CO2 and traditionally obtained essential oils. Previous studies have not kept the essential oil active, subjecting it to oxygen and sunlight, which quickly kills the active ingredients, so results are not accurate. That is until now ….
The uniqueness of this research is that in the past, other studies have only investigated acute effects of stress with the impact of a single exposure of an essential oil sniffed over 10, 20 or 30 minutes once. Our pioneering study involved tackling chronic stress rather than just lowering stress levels for a small amount of time in response to an immediate stressor. There have been many studies that have identified the effects of massage on stress but none done in such a rigorous research protocol on the effects of essential oils on stress alone without massage. We are delighted to announce the results of the first trial are now available.
Aromatherapy Under the Microscope
Conference & Trade Show 18th May 2024
@ University of West London St Mary's Rd, London W5 5RF
Bringing together lead professionals in the field, this event promises to be the event of 2024 in the aromatherapy industry. Attendees will listen to motivating and inspiring talks and gain invaluable knowledge transferable to their own practice. The theme of our conference was chosen because it draws together the very greatest and latest research findings in a variety of specialist areas. Including mental health, end of life care, cancer care and palliative care. Additional features include:
Opportunity to meet authoritative figures in the field with an open forum
Book signings
Networking with colleagues
Buffet lunch free of charge
Sample the latest brands in the market with a free goody bag for attendees
