IT’S NOT THE DOCTORS WHO CAN ONLY HEAL “AROMATHERAPY” HAS COME A STEP CLOSER -READ THIS INTERVIEW OF RENOWNED AROMATHERAPIST RUPAL SHABNAM TYAGI WITH OUR EDITOR TARUN SHARMA
Editor: Please tell us something about your current profile.
R.T: I have been practicing aromatherapy for close to a decade now and all the knowledge and experience that I have accrued reflects in my range of natural personal care wellness products that I have introduced under the brand ‘Wikka’. As a qualified aromatherapist and a perfumer, I have started another vertical where I create Bespoke fragrances and Perfumes for corporate and individuals.
Editor:Aroma as a word spreads a vision of fragrance, Do you believe this is true.
R.T: Yes. Our sense of smell is the most powerful sensory organ of our body. We often have memories associated with a typical smell. A whiff of the same triggers a clear vision of the lasting memory.
That is the prime reason for us to introduce our unique concept of Wikka fragrance solutions where we create customized brand fragrances for Hotels/Malls/Hospitals/Retail chains/Offices etc in order to create a brand recall through the power of smell.
Editor: What are the special courses if any you underwent to become a successful aroma therapist expert which you are at present.
R.T: I completed a thorough course in Aromatherapy where Anatomy, Physiology etc were a part of the curriculum along with a detailed study on the benefits and effects of various essential oils. There is a vast list of essential oils that have therapeutic benefits which may not be completely covered in your course-ware. So your research on each essential oil that you use has to be extensive before you introduce that oil in your practice. I had to read and understand a lot of researches that are going on or have been concluded to explain the benefits of each oil on different healing parameters.
Editor: What are the most important benefits of Aromatherapy according to you?
R.T: Aromatherapy can be defined as an alternate form of healing that heals your body , mind and spirit. The response to the sense of smell, on an emotional level, is stronger than any other sense. One of the most important benefit of aromatherapy is healthy cell regeneration which ultimately results in anti aging effects. The essential oils used also act as antioxidants for your system.
Editor: You being married and attached to a royal lineage now, what is it that royal class believe aromas can benefit.
R.T: The most distinct thing that I would like to mention of our royal family is that everybody enjoyed a unique fragrance of their own. They would like to make their presence felt where ever they went by their aroma that they carried.
Also essential oils of Rose, Chamomile, Patchouli along with saffron, henna and turmeric extracts were regularly used for grooming and healing purposes.
Editor: Why Aromatherapy is not much wider accepted in INDIA at present, is it the price or is it meant for a niche category people?
R.T: I don’t think price is an issue neither it is meant for a niche category of people. It is more about awareness of the healing benefits of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy as an alternate form of healing is accepted and practiced in US, Europe and other parts of the world but in India not many people are aware of it therapeutic benefits. People have largely considered or taken aromatherapy for its fragrance aspect but now gradually people are willing to consider the therapeutic aspect as well.
Editor: What is the aromatherapy massage and its benefits?
R.T: The healing benefits of aromatherapy can be achieved by either inhaling the blend of essential oils or can be locally applied to the skin or by way of massage. Aromatherapy massage is a proper lymphatic drainage massage that helps not only in delivering the benefits of essential oils but also eliminating toxins from our body through the lymphatic system and also helps in relaxing the body and mind.
Editor: What is the difference between essential oils and aromatherapy oils according to you?
R.T: Essential oils are an integral part of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, as defined, is the therapeutic use of plant derived aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well being. We use a combination of essential oils to make aromatherapy blends for heal specific issues. there is no difference between the two except only therapeutic grade essential oils are used in aromatherapy.
Editor: Why is Aromatherapy termed as balance of Heart and Mind ,do u also believe this as an expert in this field?
Aromatherapy directly affects the Limbic system in the brain which is very close to the pituitary gland and has a huge impact on it. This is the master gland and acts as an orchestrator to all other glands of the body thus managing their functioning. Aromatherapy balances the mind body and soul . It reduces stress and anxiety and creates a harmony in our system.
Editor: What are the avenues open for budding aroma therapists in INDIA?
R.T: There is a great need to create awareness among people on the healing benefits of aromatherapy. The avenues for budding aromatherapists are very few at present.
The government of India runs very promising schemes under the ministry of AYUSH for optimal development and propagation of AYUSH systems of health care. “Through your medium, I wish to request the Ministry of AYUSH to bring aromatherapy under their umbrella so that we can educate and create awareness for this alternate form of healing. This will not only create direct employment but also generate research opportunities in this field to highlight the therapeutic benefits of essentials oil in day to day life”.
Editor: Your valuable message for budding aroma therapists and visitors of our site.
R.T: Aromatherapy is genuine form of alternate healing and lot of researches have been happening in this field to show the benefits of essential oils and their healing properties. The benefits of aromatherapy are not limited to the beauty aspect only but researches being conducted have shown that therapeutic grade essential oils used aromatherapy have great antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help the human mind and body. This form of healing requires a lot of passion and integrity for practicing. Since only therapeutic high grade essential oils can give desired results while low grade fragrant oil which are cheaper in price will only do more harm than any good.
