Kathmandu:

Have you ever noticed how different scents and smells affect your mood? The smell of freshly washed linen, of the wet soil after rain, of the way your loved ones clothes smells — all these relate to our memories and mood.

Scent or aroma can even work as alternative medicine to heal many health problems. This method of healing mental and physical problems through the essence of different plants is known as aromatherapy.

What is it

Aroma is the ‘scent’ and therapy is ‘treatment’, thus aromatherapy is treatment using scents. The therapy can be administered through massage given by trained and professional therapists and masseurs using essential oils. The oil can even be added to bath water, inhaled directly or diffused into a room.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. The therapy is used for relief from pain, care for the skin, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and for relaxation. It works on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves. Scientific studies have shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. It is believed that the smell reaches the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.

Josephine Tan, director of Touch Nature — a place that is well-known for providing aromatherapy services says, “The massage you receive during aromatherapy heals the part that has problems. But unlike other healing processes like acupressure, aromatherapy not only heals the physical problem, it also helps in relaxation and works as a stress buster.”

Touch Nature previously used to just produce aromatherapy products like essential oils, moisturisers, body washes, candles and soaps, but have been providing aromatherapy massages since the last two year. All their masseurs are trained in Singapore.

Oils used

The pure essential oils used in Aromatherapy are extracted from specific plants; these oils are complex and highly fragrant extracted from various flowers, fruits, leaves, spices, roots and woods. These oils essence helps in preventing and healing psychological and physiological problems.

There are about 150 essential oils, and most of these have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, antidepressant and expectorant. For example, aroma of lavender helps in calming hyper moods and sleeping disorders, vanilla essence helps in stress management, basil oil can be used to relive headaches and migraines and also for depression.

Naresh Maharjan, Assistant Manager of Club Oasis at Hyatt Regency said, “Because the molecules of essential oils are so minute and so quick to evaporate, they penetrate human

skin and enter the blood stream and organs before being excreted.”

Club Oasis as well as the recently opened Healing Hands Spa at Shangri-La provide are the some of the places apart from Touch Nature where you can luxuriate in the healing powers of different aromas.

The therapists promise that they provide the finest environment for total relaxation, de-stressing and rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul.

Donald Cha, Director of Healing Hands said, “We are trying to promote aromatherapy in Nepal. All the essential oils that we use are from Nepal itself. So in a way we are promoting the local industry too.”

Maharjan said that they usually get the oils from the local market or from India.

So, the next time you are feeling blue, why not give the healing powers of scents a try?

Remember that...

• It is recommended to use aromatherapy under the care of a qualified therapist.

• Essential oils are very concentrated, so one must not use too much of it.

• Some people are allergic to essential oils; test on a small area before using.

• Caution is particularly recommended for patients who are pregnant, who are allergic, have high blood pressure or epilepsy.

• Be careful while using with young children.

Do not use on infants.

• If you spill the oil on your skin or eye, wash it off immediately with whole milk.

• Olive oil or other vegetable oil can be used if any burning sensation is experienced.

• Don’t use on inflamed skin.

• If you consume the oil by accident, drink a lot of milk, eat soft bread and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

• Close your eyes while inhaling the aromatic oil.

• Don’t apply any oils close to your eyes.

• Certain oils such as mint oil causes insomnia.

• Essential oils should not replace health care. If you are under medical supervision, consult your health care provider before using essential oils.

Oily properties

Jasmine: Works as an antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sensual stimulant, helps alleviate stress.

Sandal wood: Used to soothe anxiety, nervous tension, and is good for the respiratory system.

Rose: Soothes nerves, works as anti-depressant and reduces wrinkles.

Citrus fruit (lime): Boosts circulation, good for cellulite treatments, arthritis and poor circulation

Lavender: Has a calming, refreshing, relaxing effect, and also stimulates, invigorates and lifts the spirit Winter green: Good for joint pains, cough and cold.

Ginger: Improves circulation, good for tight muscles, tired feet and stiffness.

Add anywhere

• Bath: Fill the tub with water and add 9-10 drops of essential oil, or to the

bath water.

• Liquid soap: Add 30-45 drops of essential oil to eight ounces of unscented liquid hand soap or body wash. Shake vigorously.

• Body oil: Add about 12-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil and shake to blend.

• Body lotion: Add 50-60 drops of essential to 16 ounces of unscented body lotion. Stir with a spoon or stirring stick to blend the essential oil into the lotion until smooth.

• Shampoo/ conditioner: Add 12-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of unscented or mild shampoo and conditioner. Shake well to blend.

• Hair brush: Place three drops of essential oil into the palm of your hand. Rub over the natural bristles of a hair brush and brush through your scalp and hair.

• Scent: Add five drops of an essential oil to a hanky or tissue and carry with you throughout the day. Or place under your pillow case to help you to sleep. Add five drops to a cotton ball and place in drawers and linen closets.