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For a refreshed mind and body

and other traditional alternative systems are raking in the moolah now, writes S. AISHWARYA

PHOTO: R.M. RAJARATHINAM

GLOWING Enhancing physical appearance.

The contemporary market bows to those who rediscover age-old traditional method — be it in apparel industry or health care.

The marketing giants constantly perk up the antiquated methods of rejuvenating the stressed body and mind with a pinch of exotic touch to allure the crème customers.

Lucrative

The ancient systems of alternative medicine, rooted in the country for centuries, has become a lucrative and pricey commodity; thanks to the multinationals, who took a step ahead in pioneering the popularity of this therapeutic method. And the fallouts are the high-priced spas and health salons in the heart of the metros.

"Why should comfy spas and health centres be associated only with metros and cosmopolitans. Stress and tension can be the problem of those living in any city," says a frustrated K. M. Rajasekaran, who works with a Bangalore-based private concern.

Till a few years ago, spacious massage centres with steam-bath facilities were all the means of rejuvenations one heard of. But not any longer. Many entrepreneurs and practitioners now claim to bring the benefits of Ayurveda and other native medicinal systems to the ordinary masses at an affordable cost.

Rejuvenation centres and hospitals offering such treatments are slowly making an entry into the city, without much hype though. Among the few notable ones, is Shri Jayaranga, a nature cure hospital cum yoga research centre.

Naturopathy consultant and acupuncturist, R. Sughumar of the hospital says the treatment is based either on yogic techniques, ayurvedic treatment or a combination of both here.

"Though yoga is the best alternative, many prefer oil massages and other kind of ayurvedic treatment than physical exercises," he points out. Packets of soothing and detoxifying herbal medicines are offered to patients to sustain the effect of oil treatments.

Health benefits of oil massage are plenty, say doctors and beauticians. Oil massages are stated to be effective in flushing out fat deposits and cutting down the weight considerably.

Scalp massages are known to invigorate blood circulation and bring in multiple health benefits. It is considered to be effective in alleviating body pain and treating cracked soles, dry dermis, hair fall and relieving stress. A dash of herbal oil tipped on the forehead makes one realise the nagging neck pain or the stress draining out of the body within moments, says Mr.Sughumar. Aromatherapy, which had branched off from Ayurveda, is also essentially a therapeutic massage that is gaining popularity for its instant effects.

"Unlike Ayurveda, which involves a course of treatment, Aromatherapy shows visible changes in quite a few weeks," says Priyanjali Anand, an aroma therapist-cum-beautician.

Aromotherapy

The aromatherapy done in her beauty salon, `Utpalaa', first identifies the skin type and then treats accordingly.

Like an ayurvedic massage, aromatherapy too needs a trained hand. Therapy carried out by untrained people can backfire, she cautions.

"Those with dry and normal skin can use the essential oil with a base cream but they are a strict no for acne-prone and oily skin. Creams aggravate the acne and pimple. A measured blend of gel and essential oil is all that the oily skin needs," she advises.

Cost factor is no longer a major snag for people.

The problem essentially lies in the understanding of fine distinctions among various therapies.

"Many are familiar only with aroma facial. But how many know that the whole package of aroma, that comes along with a steam treatment and body massage, can soothe both the body and mind right away."

Both the floral fragrance and herbal effects are among the in things now.

Though the `spa-special' feel or the soothing ambience might be missing in tiny cubicle parlours and massage centres here, but they do serve basic purpose — distressing and refreshing the mind and body without feeling the pinch in the pocket.

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