Aromatherapy — that’s the word on everyone’s lips. It’s the best way to relive stress. For those who came in late, aromatherapy involves a full body massage using natural oils like lavender, rose, olive and other such natural products. Today it’s not enough to have a figure to die for — healthy skin is a must too.

An aromatherapist puts slight pressure on the body using the thumb and the palm. The process works on our sense of smell. Bet you didn’t know that about 15 per cent of the air we inhale goes to the roof of the nose, where the receptors transport the odours to a section of the brain called the limbic system. This area is connected with instincts, moods and emotions. “It is believed that aromatherapy stimulates the release of chemicals that in turn play a part in unlocking feelings,” says Celine Cortinchi, of the Jean Claude Biguine Salon.

The Process
Add six to eight drops of your favourite scent to water in a diffuser, or place the drops directly into a bowl of boiling water. Dr Naresh Arora of Chase Aroma says that to create the atmosphere of aromatherapy at home one should place cotton balls with oils in the direction of the air conditioner or cooler. “For a peaceful atmosphere, keep basil oil on the cotton ball; for meditation, keep lavender oil; and to stimulate and de-stress the body, keep orange oil.”

To get the best benefits, go for at least 15 sessions of aromatherapy. Each session costs anywhere between Rs 3,000-3,800.

Be careful
Aromatherapy helps those with back, lower back and shoulder related problems and headaches. It stimulates the body, thereby strengthening the immune system.

But those who suffer from any skin infection, need to be careful. Pregnant women are better off without it. Studies show that the oils used for the therapy can be harmful for the foetus.

© HT Media