Words: Ash Pritchard

Alternative medicine, while given short shrift by many western doctors, is an established part of Asian life. From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayervedic remedies, Eastern culture is infused with a rich and varied heritage of holistically minded treatments for physical and spiritual ailments. One concept that underpins many healing approaches is the idea of chakras, energy centres that enable the flow of life force. Aligned along the base of the spine to the crown of our head, the chakras are also important elements of Hindu and Buddhist teachings.

The seven main chakras are the crown chakra located at the top of the head, the third eye chakra over the forehead, the throat chakra, the heart chakra, the solar plexus chakra over the navel area, the sacral chakra located over the prostate and the base chakra at the root of the spine. Acting to support the flow of life force energy, each chakra is said to influence its corresponding organs, as well as having an effect on our emotional states

Alternatively minded boys and girls will already be familiar the chakras. In fact, a wide variety of massage and other techniques are also based upon the concept. Related teachings underpin many practices such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, tai chi, crystal therapy and shiatsu. Now, an Australian spa owner and health and wellness trendsetter has developed a set of oils specifically devised to heal the body and mind through correcting imbalances in the chakras.

Verdel Maclean is best known for opening an exclusive hair and beauty day spa in Sydney’s trendy Paddington area, just around the corner from well-known fashion designer Collette Dinnigan. However, she has also working on formulating chakra/chi balancing oils for many years and developed her Anoint Chakratheapy range after a series of profound dreams that guided her to focus on healing the body and mind through correcting the imbalances we experience.

The oils work similar to acupuncture and reiki. During the creation process, each batch is infused with “positive thoughts and good energy”. Applying the smallest amount of these oils into the body helps to enhance the free flow of energy and enable a better connection with the spirit or life force. The 10 oils have been formulated to help unblock issues relating to certain aspects of life. For example, No. 4, Emotions Oil, is a blend of Organic Australian Jojoba Seed Oil and therapeutic grade essential oils that is targeted at the heart chakra. This chakra is associated with issues such as lack of trust, grief and inability to love.

The range also includes ritual bath salts. Bathing the body or feet in water infused with these potent salts is said to kick-start the chakra clearing process. So why not consider treating your chakra system with some anoint chakratheapy oils, or even some alternative treatments such as reiki or crystal therapy? For Hong Kong dwellers dealing with the city’s frenetically high-paced and materialistic lifestyle, the stress release and voyage to inner peace and balance can only be beneficial.

Anoint Chakratheapy oils range from $354 for 100ml to $999 for a travel pack, available at www.globalessence.com.hk.

Alternative treatment rates vary according to practitioners, they often advertise at www.newageshop.com.hk.