Q & A with Ayurveda Aromatherapy pioneer and acclaimed author Farida Irani | My CMS

Q & A with Ayurveda Aromatherapy pioneer and acclaimed author Farida Irani

What is Ayurveda? What are Doshas and Chakras? And how can essential oils help in creating a balance through the chakras?

This year’s World Expert Series on 20 & 21 May 2017, we are very excited to have Ayurveda Aromatherapy pioneer Farida Irani in Hong Kong to give us an exclusive insight into the science of Ayurveda Aromatherapy.

Prior to this 2-day seminar, we had a little chat with her to find out more:

1) Farida, we are so delighted to have you at our APA World Expert Series this year! You are a pioneer in Ayurveda Aromatherapy; can you tell us a bit more about your approach of combining the ancient science of Ayurveda with the science of Aromatherapy?

FDuring my trips to and from India I came across rare and unique essential oils such as the Mogra, Kewda, Gul Heena, Saffron etc. together with base oils used in Ayurveda like the Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Amla which are not known of in the western aromatherapy world.

I did my own clinical research on these oils and realised the need to take the best of both these sciences and that is how Ayurveda Aromatherapy came into being. Additionally, the principles of Ayurveda would help enhance the use of the traditional Aromatherapy oils being used and also enhance the diagnostic process.

Ayurveda Aromatherapy is the combination of the two healing sciences, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy, where ancient tactile Ayurveda therapies are implemented based on the principles of Ayurveda with the use of Ayurveda Aromatherapy essential and base oils. The Ayurveda physicians mainly use herbal oil decoctions which is a totally different method of extracting oils which we will also discuss in the workshop.

Specifically Ayurveda Aromatherapy essential oils are ingredients that are from the Ayurveda pharmacopeia but extracted using Aromatherapy methods such as steam distillation, Hydro distillation Attar making etc.

2) You are not only a clinical aromatherapist, qualified Ayurveda practitioner and Bowen therapy instructor, but also a remedial therapist and reflexologist. How do you integrate all these healing modalities in your clinic and Subtle Energy College of Ayurveda Aromatherapy?

In my clinic I use my Ayurveda diagnostic skills for consultations and recommend a treatment plan according to body types, elemental and doshic disorders in order to bring the elements into balance. I then use prescriptive Ayurveda Aromatherapy blends and Ayurveda herbs in my treatments and also recommend them as a home work plan in order to get the optimum benefit.

We have our own signature Ayurveda Aromatherapy techniques which are comprising of traditional Ayurveda techniques such as Padabhyang, Shiroabhynag, Shirodhara, Abhyang marma therapy etc., combined with lymphatic drainage, polarity, energetics, chakra techniques, reflexology, remedial and over the years they have developed into their own specific modalities within Ayurveda Aromatherapy which has been taught to our College students over the years.

We also practice and teach the Bowen technique (Bowtech, the original Bowen technique) which is a very Australian state of the art soft tissue therapy. For Bowen we do not integrate it with other modalities as its counter productive to the therapy. However we do integrate with Aromatherapy as homework for after the treatment.

3) Can you give us a little preview of what participants can expect to learn in your workshop at the APA World Expert Series?

Participants will get a glimpse of the history, principles, philosophy of Ayurveda, introduction of the Panch Mahabhutas (five basic elements), simple diagnosis through body types based on elements, understanding the connection between the vast macrocosm and microcosm, introduction to Doshas, tissues and waste products, how to establish and follow a dina charya or daily routine for health and well being for both clients and practitioners, body types constitution, blue print, Koshas (sheaths), introduction to Chakras, Nadis (Subtle channels) and Marmas (pranic or chi or life force centres), essential oils such as Mogra, Gulheean, Tulasi, Ajowan Rhukhus etc, as listed in the program and base veg oils of Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Amla, Black seed sesame and their connection with chakras.

We will also go through Meditations on chakras with powerful healing affirmations as given by the great Yogis and protection of ourselves as practitioners and also the impact of it all on the clients.

Thanks so much, Farida! To learn more about the APA Expert Series in May 2017, please click here. Early-bird fee ends on 7 April!