Sunita Teckchand: Transforming Wellness Through Aromatherapy and Holistic Healing

Welcome to an insightful conversation with Sunita Teckchand, a seasoned clinical aromatherapist and integrated holistic therapist with over 27 years of expertise in alternative medicine and complementary healthcare systems. In this exclusive interview, Sunita graciously shares her remarkable journey, from her early life in Hong Kong to becoming a pioneering figure in Dubai's holistic therapy landscape.

Through her experiences founding The Holistic Institute and establishing The Holistic Alternatives, an innovative online digital training platform, Sunita has not only shaped the aromatherapy scene but has also empowered countless individuals worldwide with the knowledge and practice of clinical aromatherapy. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story, explore her impactful contributions to the field, and gain invaluable insights into her vision for the future of holistic healthcare.

Early Life and Education

Sunita Teckchand is a qualified clinical aromatherapist and integrated holistic therapist with over 27 years of experience in alternative medicine and complementary healthcare systems.

She moved to Dubai from Hong Kong, her place of birth, in 1997 to give her family a better quality of life. At that time, she realized that holistic therapies were not recognized there and there was a void in aromatherapy except for a few places to buy essential oils. She recognized this as a niche market for her background and decided to open a first-of-its-kind aromatherapy center in 1999, which she ran for 9 years before experiencing burnout. She obtained a specialized rehabilitation license from the authorities, which helped her treat both men and women equally.

After selling the center, Sunita took a sabbatical for a year to recover and later opened The Holistic Institute in JLT in 2010. It was a proper adult education center teaching alternative therapy with IFPA and ITEC qualifications and diplomas. She ran the institute for 4 years until the authorities changed some regulations that did not support her, leading to its closure in 2014.

She then began traveling to Hong Kong and London to offer her services and teachings through seminars, hands-on workshops, and other educational programs. This continued for several years until COVID-19 hit in 2020. However, in 2018, she had already decided to create an online digital teaching platform solely emphasizing a Level 4/5 Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma. The platform continues to operate today, with several students completing their diplomas and receiving accreditation from The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists UK.

Earlier, when she had moved to Dubai, Sunita also created her own brand of pure organic essential oils and base oils under the brand “eSSensuals,” which she still sells today. Students receive a 15% discount if they purchase the products while studying the diploma course. These oils are available through www.theholisticalternatives.org.

During her early years, Sunita explored many different businesses until she joined her husband in the corporate world and worked with him until they moved to Dubai. Studying in school was not her forte; she completed her O levels and started working at age 16 because she wanted to earn and travel the world.

Her introduction to aromatherapy came in Hong Kong when her sister introduced her to a compassionate aromatherapist who helped treat her severe back pain. From then onwards, she never looked back and decided to dedicate her life to learning this science because of how deeply it supported her own healing journey.

Business Overview and Market Presence

The Holistic Alternatives is an online digital training program where students are taught diploma courses in clinical aromatherapy accredited with IFPA. Students sign up for the course they wish to study, and once payment is received, the course becomes immediately accessible.

The platform is designed to be student-based, allowing learners to study on the go, enter and leave at any time, attempt quiz papers when ready, and submit assignments upon completion. The course is divided into modules, and students must complete one module before progressing to the next. Finally, they are required to submit case studies and complete an online final examination. Everything is time-based, and there is only one attempt, meaning students must be fully prepared before taking their tests and exams.

The curriculum includes comprehensive aromatherapy theory, covering the origins of aromatherapy and its development over time. Students study 66 essential oil profiles in detail and 22 base oils. The syllabus also includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, professional development, and business awareness.

The platform additionally offers short courses for students seeking awareness and foundational knowledge in the field. Students completing short courses receive a “Certificate of Completion.”

For practical skills such as massage, reflexology, and manual lymphatic drainage, students based in the UAE can top up their studies either during or after the course period to gain hands-on training. The institute also trains spas and individual students interested in practical applications even if they have no prior experience.

Growth and Expansion Plans

Being a digital platform, there is always room for growth. New courses are added regularly to the platform. The organization has also applied for the NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) curriculum, which is a US-based association. In the future, there are plans for additional affiliations and further curriculum upgrades to advance clinical aromatherapy education.

Reflecting on the Year

According to Sunita, the year has been relatively quiet. Since COVID-19, many students have preferred face-to-face learning rather than online education. However, the platform continues to work effectively for overseas students who prefer online training.

The company continues exploring ways to attract students into the field by hosting short Zoom webinars, discussions on career advancement, and similar educational initiatives.

Competitive Market Offering

At present, The Holistic Alternatives is the only organization in the UAE market offering this type of online training with a complete curriculum exceeding 800 hours alongside multiple short courses.

Focus on Research and Innovation

Research remains the company’s number one priority. Sunita believes that without research into areas such as the sustainability of essential oils, it would not be possible to educate students about why oils like Sandalwood and Rosewood are becoming nearly extinct.

The organization’s focus is on education and ensuring that professional aromatherapists entering the industry can safely care for clients while offering effective healthcare and recovery support. The ultimate goal is client well-being and helping people understand that nature’s pharmacy is both natural and effective. While Sunita does not dismiss the pharmaceutical industry, she believes it complements the work of professional aromatherapists.

Advice for Start-Ups

Sunita advises startups to ensure they create the right type of syllabus when teaching any online program.

She emphasizes making programs user-friendly and easy for any layperson to complete, acknowledging that not everyone is computer savvy.

She also stresses the importance of having all materials and research papers properly organized, as students tend to ask many questions and providers must respond immediately with accurate explanations.

Additionally, she recommends creating manuals that students can download and print for study purposes.

According to Sunita, there are many important factors to consider when teaching digitally.

Compiled by Sunita Teckchand
Clinical Aromatherapist MNAHA MIFPA
Board Member and Trustee of IFPA
External Examiner for IFPA

As we conclude this enlightening interview with Sunita Teckchand, it's evident that her passion for aromatherapy and holistic healthcare has driven her to remarkable achievements. From pioneering aromatherapy centers to spearheading innovative online training platforms, Sunita continues to revolutionize the industry with her expertise and dedication. Her commitment to research, education, and professional standards sets a commendable benchmark for aspiring therapists and seasoned practitioners alike. To stay updated on Sunita's latest endeavours, courses, and insights into holistic wellness, visit The Holistic Alternatives website and connect with her on LinkedIn. Join us in embracing the transformative power of clinical aromatherapy and embark on a journey towards holistic health and wellbeing.

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