Why a Diploma in Somatology Means so Much  

If you’re under the impression that a diploma in somatology from Isa Carstens Academy, is anything less than a highly regarded, officially accredited professional qualification, you’re sorely mistaken.

In fact, it’s one of South Africa’s top somatology diplomas; one that prepares graduates for a multitude of employment, personal and professional growth opportunities within this challenging, satisfying, holistic and scientific field, and which is accredited locally, as well as internationally.

That sounds like a real mouthful, doesn’t it? Again, the converse is true, although the science of somatology is complex, because of its content, as reflected in our diploma course. However, all the knowledge (practical and theoretical) you need to have to become a successful, qualified somatologist can be acquired by completing our somatology course and attaining the relevant diploma.

Somatology or Beauty Therapy

The terms “somatology” and “beauty therapy” are frequently used interchangeably, but there is actually a considerable difference between the two concepts.

Beauty therapy involves taking care of a client’s appearance in various areas, as well as applying various products and techniques to do so, enhancing aesthetic appearance, mainly externally. Beauty therapy treatments include:

• The skin, especially that of the face, treated with facials, exfoliation and other therapeutic techniques, and also the skin of the body (exfoliation and depilation).
• The finger nails and hands (manicures).
• The toenails, feet, hands, arms and legs (pedicures, exfoliation and depilation).
• The hair (scalp massage, styling, cutting, extensions, colouring, straightening or curling).
• The brows and eyelashes (shaping and tinting).
• The neckline and décolletage.
• Cosmetics and make-up.
• Various techniques of relaxing or therapeutic massages.
• Weight loss.
• Lymph drainage.

Anthropology is defined as one of two fields of scientific study – mankind’s social cultures and societies, and the development thereof, or humans’ physiological and biological attributes, and how they’ve evolved/continue to evolve. The latter anthropological definition relates to somatology, which is a branch of anthropology, and far more than beauty therapy.

This somatology branch or offshoot studies and treats the human body holistically and scientifically. Somatology studies have a strong focus on scientific elements, as is apparent in our formal diploma course curricula.

Typical Somatology Diploma Subjects 

• Anatomy and physiology.
• Biotics – the role of exercise in a balanced, healthy lifestyle (recognising stress and exercise’s role in managing stress), the knowledge and understanding of sport-induced injuries, and suitable exercise regimens for pregnant women.
• Practical and theoretical somatology, as it relates to the human body, its health, optimal function and aesthetic appearance.
• Nutrition – essential in maintaining a holistically sound and healthy lifestyle.
• Business practice, management and planning – vitally important in and to every successful business venture.
• Cosmetic science – enables students to interpret cosmetology and pharmacology literature, as well as the physics and chemistry relevant to optimal, innovative health, skincare and aesthetics treatments and therapies.
• Chemistry of oils – essential oil compounds and formulations with which to treat clients, using appropriate treatment plans.
• Research methodology, principles and practice – without which the necessary scientific approach to the research process, reviews, case studies and science-based findings would be impossible.

Curriculum and Diploma Accreditation

Our somatology diploma is internationally accredited by CIDESCO, and nationally accredited by and associated with the South African Spa Association and SAAHSP – your passport to the wonderful world of somatology.