The New York Institute of Aromatherapy, the first professional training and education center of its kind in NYC, is offering a unique opportunity next month for incoming students: an aromatherapy retreat at The Standard Hotel Miami Beach.
Part-vacation, part-seminar, the retreat is lead by Amy Galper, executive director and founder of the Institute. In just four, sunny Florida days, attendees will receive certification for the Aroma 101: Foundations of Aromatherapy program, a 40 credit-hour course. From Feb. 23-26, students will immerse themselves in the studies of aromatherapy, botanicals, product formulation, essential oils, healing powers and more, learning the basics of the field and developing clear, individualized, career goals.
The retreat package includes daily yoga classes and meditation baths to inspire wellness, as well as accommodation, beach access, and spa and dining credits to provide the vacation get-away needed at this time of year. In The Standard Hotel’s spa, guests can indulge in holistic and hydro-therapeutic services in the aroma steam room, cedar sauna, infinity pool or mud lounge, to experience the ancient art of bathing.
The NY Institute of Aromatherapy was established in September 2013, to offer aromatherapy certification from a highly respected and nationally recognized program to students seeking continued education credits or those wishing to become accredited with the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA).
“I see the NY Institute as a hub for the best workshops, classes and professional trainings offered in NYC for conscious beauty and aromatic plant medicine,” Galper says.
While aromatherapy is an unlicensed profession in the U.S., the industry is self-regulated, represented by both NAHA and AIA, who set precise standards for those hoping to enter the field. Licensed aromatherapists have a wide-range of career opportunities in front of them; everything from teaching to consultancy to integrative healthcare. In recent years, the popularity of aromatherapy has grown exponentially, with business such as spas, yoga studios and even hotels incorporating essential oils into their daily operations.
Courses at the NY Institute of Aromatherapy are taught by Galper herself and include Aroma 101: Foundations of Aromatherapy and Aroma 201: Advanced Aromatherapy, with two additional programs being added this year. The school has seen such success that it has expanded to incorporate business coaching, consultancy services and dynamic formulation. More than 150 students have taken classes and participated in training programs.
Galper has been singing the praises of essential oils since 2001, after receiving over 400 hours of training in aromatic plant medicine, preaching the potential of healing and wellness through the use of oils like lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile and clove.
“Their power is amazing,” says Galper. “They approach the whole body: physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual. On a day-to-day basis, I can’t live without them!”
Looking to the future, Galper has many ideas for the school, including workshops offering DIY beauty cooking, and informational series on the use of essential oils in general health and well being.
“We will also have a fully stocked apothecary with a huge range of assorted organic ingredients, and a comprehensive selection of wild crafted essential oils from around the world, to make your own beauty products at home,” Galper says. newyorkinstituteofaromatherapy.com