by Jodie Rogers

After 12 years in a high-powered career at a major investment bank in the UK, Karen Crow gave it all up in a day. The stress that was building up in her life was becoming unbearable and she decided she had to put it behind her. The same stress had sent her searching for ways to relax and find release - from reiki to acupuncture she had tried them all. With her newly found freedom from the rat race, Karen began contemplating her next (note: not final) journey in life, which lead to her enrolment at the highly acclaimed Tisserand Institute in London and a qualification as a Holistic Therapist in Aromatherapy.

Shortly after graduation, Karen learned that her husband would be transferred to Tokyo and she saw it as an opportunity to begin working in her new field. Karen now runs an aromatherapy massage business out of her home in Yoyogi. Offering personalized service, Karen spends 30 minutes on a pre-massage consultation in order to get an idea of what scents would best suit a client's (women only) lifestyle, diet and needs. Her massages are a combination of Swedish and shiatsu and promise to loosen up the tightness in your muscles, regardless of the cause.

Karen entertained the FEW audience with her stories and scents. Although admittedly nervous in front of the group, she came off like the pro that she is. After her short introduction, Karen opened the floor to a Q&A session. Dedicated and professional, Karen educated the group in aromatherapy and its benefits. Many FEW members also proved to be knowledgeable on the topic and lively discussions took place. All members showed great interest.

Following the Q&A came an exercise in the senses. Karen broke the room into groups of 5 or 6 and one-by-one handed out small strips of paper dipped in an essential oil. She asked members and guests to take notes and try to associate the smells with memories from childhood, feelings and remedies for possible ailments. Scents of May Chang, Ylang Ylang and Fennel soon filled the room as shouts of "Lemon Drops," "Grandma," and "Licorice" followed. After letting us giggle, argue and discuss our likes and dislikes for several minutes, Karen gave us insight into the healing properties of each.

May Chang's (a lemony scent) physical effects include being good for muscular aches and pains, colitis, sluggish digestion, and slowing down tumor growth. Psychological emotional effects include being good for depression, post natal depression and emotional cancer support.

Ylang Ylang's (flowery) physical effects include being good for high blood pressure, panic and anxiety attacks, and psychologically it is both aphrodisiac and euphoric. Good for depression, anger, frustration, PMS, irritability and bottled up feelings. Don't know about you, but sounds like a necessity for me!

Fennel (black liquorice-like) is a menstrual regulator and an antispasmodic, also good for menopausal problems, flatulence and indigestion. Psychologically it is good for lethargy.

For a visit with Karen Crow and an escape from the stress that plagues you, if only for a few hours, email her at karen.crow@talk21.com or call 03-3299-7732. Karen also does home visits for parties of 4 women or more - a great idea for your next Hen's night or slumber party when the hubby's out of town. Enjoy!