It’s a case of the sky’s the limit – no matter which country you’re in – for those qualified in the healing arts of aromaptherapy and reflexology.
So says founder of the Yaraka School of Holistic Therapies in Durban, Yavanee Singh. In a world abuzz with stress and anxiety, the healing powers of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils, and the wonder of a good massage (which, in reflexology, is massaging reflex points on the feet, hands and head that link to every part of the body) can truly make all the difference.
When Singh first studied these disciplines 12 years ago, “This was essentially a white-dominated profession – but this is presently changing.”
Anyone with a matriculation pass or a matriculation equivalent is eligible for enrolment at the Yaraka School. “No specific school subject is required although biology may be of assistance. However, if would-be students have not studied this subject at school it is not a serious disadvantage as we start our anatomy and physiology modules at a very basic level,” she says.
In each of the courses offered, the common modules taught over the two years are anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, nutrition, first aid and CPR, counselling and listening skills, as well as pharmacology.
Singh adds that one-third of the curriculum she offers entails practical work. “My students initially learn their techniques by working on each other before moving on to ascertaining case and medical histories on outside models.”
Currently, the total student population at the Yaraka School numbers 30, both full-time students and those who fit study in between work. “I believe that both curricula warrant individual attention,” says Singh. “Consequently, there are only 10-15 students per class.”
The staff complement numbers five lecturers, all highly qualified in their respective fields.
Each course costs R8500 per year.
Both courses offered at the school are accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee and the school is also registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA).”This is extremely significant because graduate aromatherapists and reflexologists must firstly be registered with AHPCSA in order to practice,” says Singh.
Opportunities are on the increase for these professionals, says Singh:” Many end up in private practice. In addition, many corporate companies, airlines and shipping companies are increasing employing our therapists as well.”
She explains that since aromatherapy and reflexology target stress, the corporate world is turning to professionals in these fields in a bid to increase the productivity of their staff.
With a growing dependence on “comprehensive therapy”, Singh says that aromatherapists and reflexologists are currently afforded the opportunity of working side-by-side with other medical professions with “phenomenal results”. “Both fields of study that we offer are relatively new, professionally speaking. However, the demand for aromatherapists and reflexologists is growing as more people realise that their health can no longer be solely entrusted to the doctor,” she says.
Singh adds that lucrative international vistas are also opening for South African aromatherapists and reflexologists because of their reputation for excellence. “For instance, I studied for my advanced qualifications in London. The quality of the South African training, and, resultantly, the calibre of the local student, far out-strips our global counterparts,” she says.
But Singh cautions against registering with fly-by-night training centres. “I’ve encountered many students who have completed shorter-term, cheaper courses only to revert to us because they could not satisfy the pre-condition for going into practice, which is registration with AHPCSA.”