THE POWER OF aromatherapy

Northfields-based Madhavi is an established aromatherapist, perfumer and facialist With an experience spanning over 22 years, Madhavi’s expertise relies on her extensive knowledge in the healing arts, combining the finest natural and therapeutic ingredients to create indulgent bespoke perfumes, skincare and therapies We spoke to her about how aromatherapy can benefit you

How does aromatherapy enhance health?

We practice aromatherapy everyday - whether the senses are stimulated by a field of wildflowers, the aroma of a deliciously home cooked meal or the fragrance artist's creation, these scents affect us on an often profound level Through the exploration of the spheres of scent we become more aware of the potency of scent and its ability to affect the mind, body and spirit The practice of aromatherapy through the use of intelligent formulas coupled with therapeutic touch can bring about deep states of relaxation to relieve conditions such as insomnia and anxiety to invigorating and bringing balance when you require nurturing and healing Simple techniques such as infusing your home with your favourite scent to perfuming yourself with your signature scent are all profound ways to change the energy and enhance your mood

Can aromatherapy have physical benefits as well as emotional/psychological?

When inhaled, the scent molecules in the essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and impact the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotions, memory and behaviour Aromatherapy can have physical, emotional and psychological benefits Physical benefits include pain relief, improving sleep and treating skin care conditions Emotional and psychological benefits include stress reduction, improved concentration and relaxation.

What’s the difference between the expensive and the cheap brands of aromatherapy out there?

When selecting an aromatherapy brand you must take the following into consideration:

The quality of the essential oils

The concentration of essential oils within the formulation

The base formula

The purpose & method of application

Most of the aromatherapy brands within the marketplace have very little essential oil within the formulation to bring about a profound difference The modern day brand satisfies and caters to the masses to ensure commercial success For a results focussed and therapeutic experience I always recommend consulting with a qualified practitioner As for what the main difference is between an expensive and cheap brand - it really depends on the brand I have seen products selling for hundreds of pounds with inferior quality formulations and ingredients, and very very rare, less expensive products sell for a lot less than what they are worth

Which scents would you prescribe for someone experiencing anxiety?

Scent is subjective and ,within the art of healing and aromatherapy, one must consider the individual's association with a particular essential oil or blend Through a consultation an experienced practitioner will be able to understand the impact of a scent/essential oil upon the recipient through observation and discussion For example the scent of lavender which has numerous therapeutic properties including helping to relieve anxiety may work for some but for others could trigger feelings of sadness and grief. To help change the energy and assist you when feeling anxious, consider essential oils and scents that you have positive associations with Generally speaking, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood, frankincense and rose are good for instilling a feeling of peace and calm

Would you say aromatherapy is a very personal thing? Do people react differently to scents?

Yes, I would most definitely say scent is a personal thing and when practiced and applied with thought and precision can bring about profound changes I have had the privilege of working and observing how scent can influence people in different ways and a memorable and thought provoking experience I can share is of a client of mine who had asked me to formulate her a signature perfume The scent I had formulated for her was based around the exotic fragrance of champaca - a heady/narcotic aroma which she still wears today She said it was the perfume she wore the night she met her now husband of 14 years My client believes it was the scent that helped to attract her husband - now the husband isn’t much of a scent enthusiast but one could argue it could have been working subconsciously However I believe through my clients own words the fragrance makes her feel sexy and confident - it is the impact of the scent on my client's mind that gave her the confidence and oomph to attract her husband I have introduced champaca to other clients, who want to feel sexy, strong and confident Some love it and others find it too overpowering - so it really is all down to your own association and relationship with the scent www.rishiveda.co.uk