International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)

The IFA was established primarily to protect the public, which we do in a number of ways in our various capacities.

About Us

The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) is the first and foremost governing body for aromatherapy, established in 1985. As an educational charity, set up in the public interest, our purpose is the preservation of health by advancing the knowledge and practice of aromatherapy for the safety of the public.

Our expert tutors and specialist practitioners, who created and informed the curriculum and qualifying standards for aromatherapists, were taught by some of the most influential names within the field including the original pioneers of aromatherapy itself.

Having worked with various Government Health committees worldwide, the IFA is actively involved with elevating academic standards and influencing policy in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) field. The IFA pioneered the use of clinical aromatherapy in the medical profession, with our first stationed Head Quarters at the Royal Masonic Hospital. To this day, the IFA continues to be the authoritative voice for the profession and carries on with the same strong sense of purpose, enthusiasm and commitment, which first inspired its creation.

The IFA is an accredited register of the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), a UK body accountable to Parliament. We are referred to by the NHS and the UK Government National Careers Office and UCAS for its courses. Our journal is registered with the British Library and our recently commissioned research trials, conducted by the Northumbria University, scientifically proved the use of essential oils with chronic stress. We are a stakeholder representative for the industry within the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

Governing Body

The IFA is a stakeholder in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), referred to by the NHS and an active member of the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative (IHC), amongst various others prestigious affiliations. We established Aromatherapy Awareness week in the early noughties. Our journal ‘The Aromatherapy Times’ is registered with the British Library and we are currently undertaking three research trials with the Northumbria University to further validate the profession.

Awarding Body

The IFA is recommended by the UK Government National Careers Office and UCAS.

Professional Body

The IFA is an approved accredited register by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) a UK body accountable to parliament and recommended by the UK Government National Careers Office.

• Membership Criteria & Categories
• Apply Today