Indian wellness centres attract women

Anti-aging concepts in demand

New Delhi: The Indian woman has good knowledge about lifestyle in the world like never before and this has resulted in a rise of advance beauty treatments, especially anti-aging solutions, in the country. Stress, sedentary lifestyle, excessive chemical usage on skin and lack of nutritional diet are reasons why the demand for the treatment is flourishing in the country, say experts.

According to a Nielsen survey of 6,500 women across 21 nations, Indian women are the most stressed in the world today. This survey, conducted in the year 2011, indicated the need of catering to the segment. In 2015, India's wellness market was estimated to be Rs 490 billion and expectations were of a 20-30 percent growth year over year. Sabreena Houggard, a wellness expert at Heaven on Earth Wellness, says women in India have become increasingly conscious of looking good.

"The social belief that the baby boomers have had of growing old, looking tired and being ready for death has changed. Children of the baby boomers are not willing to look anything less than good if not perfect and hence the demand for 'anti-aging'," Houggard said. Preeti Seth, cosmetologist and co-owner of Delhi-based Pachouli Spa and Wellness Centre, feels that as there is advancement in technology, there is also progress in the field of wellness.

"Thermage being one of the latest and non-invasive forms is a great way to work on the fine lines and wrinkles. It boosts production of collagen tissue to work on the skin's creases and folds," Seth said. Apart from thermage, there are various cosmetological procedures like thread lifts and PRP, which are picking up in India. But people can also battle aging by taking care of a healthy mind, body and soul.

"I feel that 80 per cent of the diseases are caused by lifestyle (factors), primarily the food that we eat and the thoughts we have," Sanjay Sachdeva of SENS, an anti-ageing and wellness clinic based in the South Extension market in south Delhi, said. "SENS essentially is an attempt by doctors and professionals from across the globe to come together to provide an alternative to the current medical system that is warped.

The cause of your disease is more deep-rooted and all these problems are caused by inflammation of our cells that includes stress, immune dysfunction, biological dysfunction, and we take care of all these factors. "Our patients are in constant touch with doctors from around the globe. We give them a software access that connects them with doctors sitting in the UAE, the US and France (among other countries)," he added.

SENS aims to bring world class and revolutionary age-management solutions to heal the ageing human cells through the mind, body and soul connection. From functional and regenerative medicine, cosmetic dermatology and alternative healing, it also offers hair and make-up solutions at a makeover studio.

"We predict disease and prevent it by keeping track of your key marbles. Then we compare your lifestyle with a person living in other parts of the world. This brings a sense of competitiveness and also makes you rethink about your body," Sachdeva said. The cost of anti-aging services depends on the kind of treatment. For instance, a session of thermage can begin somewhere from Rs 10,000.

Poonam Gupta, Nutrionist and Director at Gold's Gym, says that in today's world, a lot of wellness centres can fool clients. Hence people should research properly before heading out for the treatments. "A treatment which reduces your wrinkles or tightens your sagging skin is acceptable as it's not adding any side effects on you. But, yes, If you are 50 and expect a body of a 20-year-old, then of course side effects are guaranteed," Gupta said.

By Nivedita