Aroma SA

An important notice!

Your professional responsibilities don't disappear when you go online.

AHPCSA's Code and Guidelines contain specific provisions relating to social media use by registered practitioners and therapists.

Practitioners should not use social media in a false or misleading way, and their ethical and legal duty to protect patient confidentiality continues to apply online.

AHPCSA also does not permit interaction with a patient on an open or public social media platform where that interaction concerns the patient's condition or constitutes medical advice and can be accessed by third parties.

Before posting about your services, patients or healthcare topics, consider the accuracy of what you are communicating, patient confidentiality and the professional rules that apply.

Think before you post. Your online conduct is part of your professional conduct.

🌐 www.ahpcsa.co.za
📞 +27 12 349 2331
📧 [email protected]

Patient confidentiality is a professional and legal responsibility.

Information obtained about a patient in the course of providing healthcare must be treated with appropriate confidentiality.

This responsibility extends beyond conversations in the consulting room. Practitioners and therapists should carefully consider how patient information is stored, discussed and shared, including when using email, messaging services, photographs and social media.

There are circumstances in which disclosure may be permitted or required by law, so confidentiality is not an absolute rule without exceptions. However, patient information should never be shared casually or without proper consideration of the applicable professional and legal requirements.

Before you share, send, discuss or post patient information, consider your confidentiality obligations.

🌐 www.ahpcsa.co.za
📞 +27 12 349 2331
📧 [email protected]

Public Protection Notice: Be aware of Bogus Practitioners/Therapists

The AHPCSA has become aware of persons advertising on social media offering treatments falling within the allied professions WITHOUT being registered with the AHPCSA.

PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE BOGUS PRACTITIONERS/THERAPISTS

The AHPCSA regulates Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Phytotherapy, Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Massage Therapy, Therapeutic Reflexology and Unani Tibb in South Africa.

Only practitioners/therapists registered with the AHPCSA are legally permitted to use the title and perform any act, service, or treatment falling within the scope of practice of these professions.

Receiving treatment from unregistered individuals places your health and safety at risk.

To protect yourself:
✔ Always ask for your practitioner/therapist’s AHPCSA registration number
✔ Confirm their registration status before receiving treatment
✔ Use the official verification platform: https://ahpcsa.co.za/practitioners

Choosing a registered practitioner/therapist ensures that you are receiving care from someone who meets the required professional, ethical, and educational standards.

STAY SAFE: DO NOT LET UNREGISTERED PERSONS TREAT YOU

Spring is in the air, but so too are the pollen and allergens that can trigger unpleasant symptoms.

Aromatherapy may provide supportive relief for some hay fever and allergy symptoms, particularly congestion, stress, and discomfort.

Ways aromatherapy may help.

1. Supporting clearer breathing
Some essential oils contain aromatic compounds that can create a sensation of easier, clearer breathing:
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Ravintsara

These may be used cautiously in a diffuser or as part of a properly diluted inhalation blend.

2. Promoting relaxation
Hay fever symptoms can interfere with sleep and leave sufferers feeling tired and irritable. Calming oils such as:
• Lavender
• Roman chamomile
• Frankincense
may help promote relaxation and wellbeing. Essential oils must always be diluted in a vegetable base oil such as grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil. These can then be gently massaged into the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and feet.

3. Creating a soothing environment
Gentle diffusion of a well-tolerated essential oil may create a pleasant, calming atmosphere when seasonal allergies are causing discomfort.

Important safety considerations
• DO NOT INGEST ESSENTIAL OILS
• DO NOT apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin.
• If an oil causes coughing, wheezing, irritation, or worsening symptoms, stop using it immediately.
• People with asthma or severe allergies should be particularly cautious with inhaled fragrances
• Essential oils should not replace prescribed allergy medication or medical treatment.

Find a registered Therapeutic Aromatherapist to assist you at www.aromasa.org.za or www.ahpcsa.co.za

An important message!