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HBN Members In The News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ESSENTIAL OIL PROFESSIONALS VOICE OPPOSITION TO REGISTRATION EFFORTS

July 10, 2000 - Increasing numbers of concerned aromatherapists and other users of essential oils are expressing opposition to efforts by a few aromatherapy educators to establish testing and registration for people working with essential oils.

According to Sherill Pociecha, among the first to express concern, the would-be registration entity simply has not done its homework. Pociecha says that ARC (Aromatherapy Registration Council) is a small self-appointed group comprised primarily of aromatherapy school-owners and educators who "have not educated their potential clients--prospective examinees-about what they are doing, why they are doing it, and the implications to the general aromatherapy community that registration may entail".

Pociecha and others have expressed concern that ARC has neglected to lay the necessary groundwork for a valid professional assessment exam, and that an exam/registration could represent a step toward untimely legislation restricting the availability of essential oils and the practice of aromatherapy in North America.

Restrictive legislation could potentially affect the work of growers, distillers, distributors, chemists, manufacturers, perfumers, retailers, spa and personal care professionals, educators, and a wide range of wellness professionals. The aromatherapy community also includes the millions of people who continue a centuries-old tradition of using aromatic plants for their own personal well being.

A steadily growing number of essential oil users are signing onto an opposition statement requesting that ARC halt its efforts toward its first exam sitting, currently scheduled for the end of 2000.

Those concerned have expressed frustration at the lack of straightforward answers to fundamental questions. They indicate that the information forthcoming from ARC has been "evasive, contradictory and often garbled to the point of being nearly incomprehensible." The group of concerned aromatherapists has set up a website detailing the questions that have been asked of ARC and the replies from that organization. The group urges interested parties to evaluate the information ARC has presented. The website provides a vehicle by which people can express their own concern if they feel that the registration effort is not in the best interest of natural aromatics businesses and therapies, as well as access to essential oils by the public.

The group's mission states, "The purpose of this coalition is to oppose efforts to introduce (a) registration/licensing in the fields of aromatherapy and the aromatic arts and sciences, and (b) legislation restricting the availability and conscientious use of natural aromatic substances."