Aromawhat?!

Aromawhat?!?!?

Okay, in all honesty, I “experienced” an aromatherapy session before I came to work for Island Essence. I found a coupon in a visitor magazine offering 15% off of an Aroma Therapy Massage at one of the upscale hotels on Maui. My long-time friend Annie and I decided to make it a girl’s weekend. Annie was excited about the 15% discount and all I could see in the add was: massaaage…

We showed up at the spa and put our fluffy bathrobes on, excited for our (15% off!) experience! Forty-five confusing minutes later we were done. All I remember were hands and more hands waving over my face and various smells of wafting by my nose. Okay, my legs were massaged but for $buku dollars?! We hurried off for our pedicure appointment, still clutching our 15% coupon, hoping our next experience would be better (it was).

So, when I first saw the “aromatherapy line” at Island Essence, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes (after 61 years of age, you have license to roll your eyes at work and get away with it – p.s. you are welcome show this to your boss.). But gradually I Iearned about aromatherapy and its many, many benefits.

First, the great pluses. Aromatherapy is said to help with: relieving stress, boosting memory, reducing headaches, relieve pain, increased energy, speed up healing and regulating sleep are just some of its uses.

I then learned that we need to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n to appreciate the value aromatherapy. We are busy moms, dads, grandparents who work, take care of the kids, cook meals, clean the house, the list is endless. But along the way, sometimes parts of ourselves get lost or squished so tight that we forget that its there. Easy to do yeah? It doesn’t have to be every day, but during the week take 10 minutes or so to sit and inhale your favorite aromatherapy scent. And I mean sit; washing dishes, folding clothes or checking on homework is not sitting(!). Maybe go outside and watch the sunset? Or feel the breeze on your face? Sitting at the kitchen with your beverage of choice?

We offer aromatherapy in oils or spray mists. Our manager Charade uses the oils in her diffuser to calm us on the extra hectic days. Bonus – you can use the oil as a moisturizer too. There are four fragrances to choose from: Aina: represents earth and grounding; Kai: our fragrance that embodies water and revitalization; Mana: symbolizes the uplifting wind and air; and my personal favorite, Pele: in honor of the kupua (demi-goddess), which is our interpretation of energizing fire.

And please, take the time to breathe….

A Hui Hou (until we next meet),

Anty Kalei