In the ever-evolving landscape of holistic wellness, few individuals have left as profound a mark as Sunita Teckhand. A true pioneer in the UAE, Sunita’s passion for alternative medicine and aromatherapy has not only shaped her personal journey but has also transformed the lives of countless others. With over 27 years of experience as a clinical aromatherapist and holistic therapist, her story is one of determination, resilience, and vision.
Sunita’s journey began in Hong Kong, where she first discovered the transformative power of aromatherapy. Her move to Dubai in 1997 opened a new chapter, where she quickly identified a gap in the market for holistic therapies. From establishing one of Dubai’s first aromatherapy centers to launching. The Holistic Institute in JLT a KHDA approved academy which she shut down in 2014 due to some issues. After which she opened The Holistic Alternatives, a groundbreaking online education platform, Sunita has always been ahead of her time. Her work has helped raise awareness and promote holistic wellness in a region where alternative medicine was once little known.
This article takes us through Sunita's experiences, from her early years to her current achievements in the aromatherapy industry. It provides insight into the challenges she faced, the innovations she brought to the field, and the passion that drives her to continue educating others in this ancient healing science. Through her journey, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how one person’s vision can shape an industry, influence lives, and create lasting change.
Early Life and Education
Sunita Teckhand’s story begins in Hong Kong, where she was born and raised before making a life-changing move to Dubai in 1997. A qualified clinical aromatherapist and integrated holistic therapist with over 27 years of experience, Sunita has dedicated her life to the study and practice of alternative medicine and complementary healthcare systems. Her personal journey into aromatherapy began in Hong Kong after an encounter with a compassionate therapist who helped alleviate her chronic back pain. This experience ignited a passion that led her to dedicate her career to this science.
Academically, Sunita admits that traditional schooling wasn’t her forte, having completed her O levels before starting work at 16. Despite this, her curiosity and drive to learn didn’t fade. Instead, they led her down a path of self-discovery in the realm of holistic healing. Sunita's early career saw her exploring various businesses before joining her husband in the corporate world. However, it was the personal transformation she experienced through aromatherapy that convinced her to pursue it professionally.
A New Chapter: Establishing Aromatherapy in Dubai
Sunita’s move to Dubai was not just about seeking better opportunities for her family—it was also the beginning of her journey as a pioneer in aromatherapy in the region. When she arrived in 1997, holistic therapies were virtually unknown, and there was a clear gap in the market for alternative healthcare solutions. Seeing this, Sunita decided to open the first aromatherapy center in Dubai in 1999, making history in the process.
Running the center for nine years, Sunita was able to secure a specialized rehabilitation license, allowing her to offer treatment to both men and women—a rare feat at the time. While her center was a success, the intense demands of the business eventually led to burnout. In 2008, she sold the center and took a year off to rest and recharge.
Education and Innovation: The Holistic Institute
In 2010, rejuvenated and determined to continue sharing her knowledge, Sunita opened The Holistic Institute in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT). The institute was a proper adult education center, offering internationally recognized qualifications from The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) and The International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). Through her institute, Sunita educated countless students in alternative therapies, creating a new generation of professionals equipped to make a difference in holistic wellness.
However, in 2014, regulatory changes made it difficult to sustain the institute, leading to its closure. Yet, Sunita's commitment to the field never wavered. Instead, she expanded her reach, travelling to Hong Kong and London to teach seminars and conduct workshops. This work continued until the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Recognizing the need for an adaptable approach to education, Sunita had already launched an online platform, The Holistic Alternatives, in 2020
The Holistic Alternatives: Pioneering Digital Aromatherapy Education
The Holistic Alternatives is an innovative online training program where Sunita offers comprehensive courses in clinical aromatherapy. Accredited by IFPA, the platform provides a diploma program that allows students to learn at their own pace, anywhere in the world. The course covers a range of essential topics, including aromatherapy history, anatomy, physiology, essential oil profiles, and business awareness.
Students work through carefully structured modules, progressing at their own speed and submitting assignments, case studies, and quizzes. Sunita has also designed shorter courses for individuals looking to gain a foundational understanding of aromatherapy. Her platform stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to enter and exit the courses at their convenience, while still maintaining rigorous academic standards.
The Holistic Alternatives has carved a unique niche in the UAE, where it remains one of the few platforms offering such an extensive online curriculum. With over 800 hours of coursework, Sunita’s program continues to attract learners from across the globe, helping them build professional careers in aromatherapy.
Innovation and Expansion: Looking to the Future
Sunita’s business is continually evolving. The Holistic Alternatives is not just focused on maintaining its current offerings but expanding into new territories. The platform has recently applied for accreditation from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) in the U.S., with plans to further upgrade the curriculum to include advanced clinical aromatherapy. Sunita’s commitment to research ensures that her courses stay ahead of industry trends, especially in areas like sustainability, where she educates students about the scarcity of certain essential oils like Sandalwood and Rosewood.
Reflecting on 2023: Challenges and Opportunities
Reflecting on 2023, Sunita acknowledges that the year has been a challenging one. While online education saw a surge during the pandemic, many students now prefer face-to-face learning. Despite this, The Holistic Alternatives has remained strong, especially among international students who benefit from the flexibility of the online platform. Sunita has continued to engage her students through Zoom webinars, career discussions, and Q&A sessions, ensuring that their educational experience is interactive and supportive.
Competitive Edge in the Market
Sunita’s business offers an unparalleled range of courses in clinical aromatherapy, making it a leader in the UAE market. The platform’s blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, combined with its flexible learning model, sets it apart from competitors. Sunita’s dedication to producing highly qualified, professional aromatherapists is evident in the depth of her curriculum, which covers every aspect of aromatherapy from its history to the ethical sourcing of essential oils.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Sunita has simple but powerful advice: focus on creating a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate curriculum. Teaching online requires careful planning and the ability to present information clearly, even to students who may not be tech-savvy. Sunita emphasizes the importance of having all teaching materials, research papers, and manuals readily available, as students will frequently ask for clarification. Lastly, adaptability is key—especially when working in a digital space that is constantly evolving.
Final Thoughts
Sunita Teckhand’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and a deep-rooted belief in the healing potential of nature. From her early days in Hong Kong to her groundbreaking work in Dubai, Sunita has continually broken new ground in the field of aromatherapy and holistic wellness. Her ability to adapt to changing landscapes—whether it’s the shifting demands of the healthcare industry or the challenges of taking education online—demonstrates her unwavering commitment to sharing the benefits of alternative therapies.
What sets Sunita apart is not just her expertise in aromatherapy but also her dedication to educating others and empowering the next generation of wellness professionals. Her story is one of innovation, not only in the products and services she offers but in the way she has championed holistic health as a viable and necessary part of modern healthcare.
For aspiring entrepreneurs and wellness advocates, Sunita’s journey is an inspiration. Her ability to turn challenges into opportunities and her relentless pursuit of knowledge stand as powerful examples of what can be achieved with passion and determination. Sunita continues to pave the way, making a lasting impact on both her industry and the individuals she serves.
