Aromatherapy in Sam style

 Aromatherapy known as an alternative medicine, that makes use of volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds especially for the purpose of treating a person's mind, mood, cognitive function or health. The concept of aromatherapy is said to have first mooted in Europe, by European scientists and doctors, sometime during 1907. Some say that similar kind of therapy existed during Mughal regime in India. However,the word first appeared in print in a French book on this subject in 1937 and the English version of the same was published 1993.

Aromatherapy soon popularised in a treatment form for prevention of disease by use of essential oils. Its other uses included pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching. In India it is used for massage in some of the health & fitness centres. But, to use the same, it is very necessary to know the effects of different oils and its mixture with others to give best results. MagzMumbai found one such expert in Mumbai, who throws more light about this therapy and the use of different oils.

Sumresh Bhansali, popularly known as Sam is a Gujarathi- Jain, but speaks Malayalam fluently. Thanks to his stay at an Ayurveda Ashram in Kerala, where he learnt all his holistic therapies.Sumresh practices aromatherapy, reflexology and dowse lymphatic drainage through his massage . Sporting a beard with a gifted personality , you will mistake him as a modern day priest.

It’s difficult to find a professional Masseur; at least in India, who is well versed in English and having deep knowledge about ‘Body science’, aroma effects and massage points’ together. You shower on Sam various questions and he replies coolly to clear all your doubts. “ People have their own doubts about holistic massage, after they hear news stories appearing in newspapers and news channels. But, in my therapy, you don’t have to remove your clothes,” he clarifies.

It is a simple way of touching your head and shoulders followed by slightly pressing a point at the origin of spinal cord behind the neck. In just 8 minutes people go into a trance and when they wake up, they feel re-energized ,” tells Sumresh while explaining his mode of treatment. No wonder, he was recently invited by Shri Shankaracharya, for a particular treatment with the use of this therapy.

Actually, the vapours of the aroma mix he uses, makes all the difference. He is specialized in blends of Aroma oil for different ailments of the body. “ I select the mixture according to the person’s behaviour and attitude. Initially, I judge a person during the first visit and only from the subsequent visits I prepare the mixture of aromas best suited to them.”

Sumresh is very particular about maintaining the secrecy of his clients; but, close friends of Sumresh say that many TV artistes are his regular clients. These celebrities have full faith in his treatment. He is also invited to Dubai by his elite clients. “These are my NRI clients, who have shifted from Mumbai for business. Recently, he was also tried by a Shaikh from UAE, who besides paying, also presented him with a classic memento as a gesture.”

What way does this Holistic healing with head and neck Massage combined with Aroma helps people ? Sumresh has an explanation: “Holistic therapy often includes mind-body medicine, acupressure and any modality that looks to treat the whole person with non-invasive measures aimed at releasing stress and stimulating the nervous system. For those with difficulty in relaxing I ask them to go through some breathing exercises before treatment. It suits people of all ages and is tailor made to each individual's needs.

All oils used are of the highest quality and mixed with perfect proportion” he adds. . Having trained himself abroad, helps him a lot in understanding the flavours quickly , as some popular oils include lavender, clove, tea tree, sandalwood, eucalyptus, basil, bergamot, rose and citronella..

And, what brings him here in this profession ? Otherwise, from a family of tea and coffee growers in Southern India, Sumresh could have had an easy life; but, his interests and liking for this new way of healing, couldn’t stop him from coming to Mumbai.

Caption: Sam Bhansali treating his Guru Appaji.