Dunedin's annual chocolate carnival is underway, and for those feeling
guilty about over-indulging, therapy is at hand.
A
'chocolate doctor' says the sweet treats tell the world who we are, qhile
addicts needing a lie down are being offered chocolate
facials.
So next time you reach for a chocolate, think
about what you're revealing to the world. Chocolate therapist Murray Langham
says people are subconsciously drawn to certain flavours which reveal aspects of
our personalities and behaviour.
"A hard caramel person's
very logical," he says. "They make lists and they like to cross things off. If
they get an issue they're like a dog, they worry until they get to the bottom of
it, they won't let go. Soft caramel people can have a good eye for detail, so
they enjoy playing with money and people asking their
advice."
Shapes are also important, and can help you read
other people's characters, while what you do with foil wrappers reveals your
approach to relationships - folders are methodical, while smoothers like being
intimate.
Mr Langham has written two books on the topic,
and says his list accurately matches up with chocoholics around the
world.
"They sort of think it's a bit of a joke to start
with, until they start to analyse and just realise, well yeah, that is
me."
If that's put you off eating chocolate in public, one
Dunedin spa has an alternative. Dark chocolate facials are on offer this week,
in 3 flavours - billed as a nourishing treat for the
skin.
And there is apparently no truth to the belief that
chocolate's responsible for breakouts.
"It's full of
antioxidants, it's great for the skin," says Jemma Stewart, chocolate
beautician. "It's got eight times more antioxidants than what strawberries
do."
There's also plenty of sweet activities on offer for
younger chocoholics this week. Chocolate sculpting has its obvious benefits –
you get to eat it.
3 News