Program Overview

SHBBBOS009 - Provide Aromatherapy Massages

Unit Overview

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills, and knowledge required to provide aromatherapy massages using blended aromatic plant oils. It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients and synthesise knowledge of skin science and lifestyle factors to select aromatic oils and massage techniques to meet client needs. Aromatherapy massage can be a single treatment or form part of a series of treatments.

Unit Details

• Unit Code: SHBBBOS009
• Study Level: TAFE
• Nominal Hours: 80
• Location: City Campus
• Prerequisites:
  • SHBBSSC001 - Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
  • SHBBSSC002 - Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
  • SHBXCCS006 - Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context
  • (Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)

Overview

This unit applies to beauty and spa therapists who work in beauty salons, massage clinics, and spas. In this environment, they work as part of a team but make independent treatment decisions. They have knowledge of aromatherapy massage techniques and blended oils. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.

Assessment

For Melbourne Campuses

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce and extend knowledge and skill competence within set and controlled parameters in accordance with each unit's learning outcomes and performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work-based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.

Required Skills

• Provide five safe and appropriate aromatherapy massages to different clients that cover at least three of the following established client objectives:
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Detox and clearing
  • Immune-boosting
  • Muscular tension relief
  • Relaxation
  • Skin hydration
• Explain to the above clients the effects and benefits of blended oils listed in Knowledge Evidence and recommended aromatherapy treatment on body systems
• Design and provide treatment routines for each of the above clients that demonstrate appropriate selection, application, and combination of the following aromatherapy massage movements:
  • Effleurage
  • Friction
  • Petrissage
• Provide aromatherapy massage treatments that demonstrate appropriate variation in rhythm and repetition of movements
• Design a series of four treatments for three of the above clients to address ongoing needs of each client
• Develop, record, and update treatment plans and records for each of the above clients specifying details of:
  • Client feedback
  • Contraindications and conditions
  • Products and blended oils used
  • Massage routine
  • Outcomes of previous and current treatment
  • Post-treatment lifestyle and product advice
  • Relevant medical history and medication
  • Treatment duration, areas treated, and areas not treated
  • Treatment objectives
  • Recommended future treatments

Required Knowledge

• State or territory and local health and hygiene regulations and requirements relevant to aromatherapy massages
• Organisational policies and procedures relevant to aromatherapy massage:
  • Client record management
  • Equipment use and maintenance
  • Incident reporting
  • Linen use and laundry procedures
  • Personal hygiene and presentation
  • Presentation of treatment area
  • Waste disposal
  • Work health and safety
  • Legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities regarding treatments
• Scope of practice:
  • When to refer clients to other practitioners
  • Importance of not stating a diagnosis of a contraindication
  • Limitations to passive joint movements
  • Role of complementary therapist and medical practitioner
• Factors likely to affect suitability of treatments for client needs:
  • Budgetary and time constraints
  • Outcomes of previous treatments
  • Physical attributes
  • Gender and cultural issues and attitudes in relation to body massage
• Effects and benefits of:
  • Each type of massage movement and technique
  • Gentle, passive movement and appropriate massage techniques
  • Blended oils
• Massage on body systems
• Effects of aromatherapy treatments on body systems
• Anatomical position terminology in relation to aromatherapy massage
• Common disorders of body systems and their relationship to aromatherapy treatments
• Anatomy and physiology of skin structures as it relates to aromatherapy massage
• Factors affecting penetration of aromatic plant oils
• Sensory functions of skin
• Potential capacity of aromatherapy massage to affect sleeping patterns, muscular tension, relaxation of client, healing of skin
• Care, handling, and storage of oils
• Ingredients in mixed oils and their effect on skin and possible contraindications in combining oils with other products
• Contraindications that prevent treatment or require clearance from a medical professional to proceed
• Contraindications that restrict treatment and appropriate modifications to treatment and use of oils
• Appearance and limitations of aromatherapy treatments in skin disorders and diseases
• Reactions to aromatherapy massage and appropriate remedial action
• Lifestyle factors and benefits of lifestyle changes
• Sustainable operating procedures for the conservation of product, water, and power
• Aftercare advice, products, and treatments relevant to aromatherapy massage

As Part of a Course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

• Diploma of Beauty Therapy
• SHB50121 | Diploma | Duration: Refer to the course page for information.