Yoga’s practices are designed to help us become more aware of our body, mind, and spirit. One of our most primal senses is the sense of smell. Our bodies are tuned to pick out a wealth of critical information by scent. We know if a food is safe to eat. We recognize the scent of home. We pick up on subtle hormonal clues about those around us without even consciously realizing it.
In our modern world, we often don’t give a lot of thought to the sense of smell. We often focus on the way things look. The decorations on the walls and shelves. We tweak the audio aspects of music, choosing just the right song.
But it’s the sense of smell which underlies everything. Which creates the foundation on which all else is built. That is the science of aromatherapy.
Can I Combine Yoga and Aromatherapy?
Yes, you can! The beauty of aromatherapy is that it can perfectly complement the exact intention you present for your current yoga practice.
Incorporating yoga and aromatherapy into your daily routine can lead to profound improvements in both physical and mental health - from feeling less stressed out after a long day at work, to having stronger muscles for activities such as running or weightlifting.
Healing with Aromatherapy
It could be that on one day you desperately need to heal and renew yourself. You would choose a scent which you find warming and enriching.
- It could be that for you the scent of rose reminds you of a beloved grandmother.
- It could be that for someone else it is musk that brings that warm healing sensation.
That is a main key of aromatherapy – it is incredibly unique from person to person. You know best, for yourself, which scents hold which qualities. You would pair your healing scents with gentle stretches such as downward facing dog.
Serenity with Aromatherapy
On some days, what you seek will be a sense of peace and comfort. The knowledge that everything will be all right. Traditional calming scents include lavender and chamomile – but, again, this will be unique for you.
Some people hate the scent of lavender. That’s all right! Build your own personal toolkit which meets your specific needs. Add in a tree pose or child’s pose for contemplation.
Energizing with Aromatherapy
There are times when you crave a yoga session which lifts you and gets you ready for the tasks ahead. You can explore citrus essential oils, like lemon, orange, and grapefruit for this.
What lifts your spirit? What opens your eyes and gets you moving? Some flow yoga could be just what you need to get your heart rate going!
What Are The Benefits Of Combining Yoga And Aromatherapy?
The practice of combining yoga and aromatherapy is gaining more popularity nowadays. This technique has many beneficial effects on physical and mental health, ranging from relaxation to improved mood. Understanding the benefits of combining yoga and aromatherapy can help anyone achieve their desired health goals.
Emotional Benefits
One of the greatest advantages of this combination is its ability to reduce stress and tension in the body, thereby allowing for a greater sense of relaxation. Yoga postures help to stretch out tight muscles, while the relaxing scent of essential oils helps to clear the mind.
In addition to providing immediate relief from stress, a regular practice of combining yoga and aromatherapy can also lead to an overall feeling of calmness that persists even after finishing your practice.
Physical Benefits
Regular use of this technique can also have positive effects on physical health. For example, essential oils used in aromatherapy may help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve digestion, and boost immunity - all great things for your overall wellbeing!
Additionally, practicing yoga regularly helps to increase flexibility and strength, leading to better posture and balance. Combining these two disciplines allows you to reap all the benefits at once!
Essential Oil Combinations For Yoga
Yoga and aromatherapy are two powerful healing modalities that can be used together for a truly holistic experience. Essential oils can be used to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga practice.
Here are some essential oil combinations that can help to deepen your yoga practice even more.
Lavender and Peppermint
One essential oil combination that works well for many types of yoga poses is lavender and peppermint. Lavender helps to relax the mind, while peppermint provides increased energy and focus.
When these two scents are mixed they create a balanced atmosphere that promotes both relaxation and alertness. This blend is especially beneficial for practicing restorative or yin-style yoga postures, as it helps to create a sense of inner peace and balance.
Bergamot and Sandalwood
Another great essential oil combination for yoga practice is bergamot and sandalwood. Bergamot has an uplifting citrusy scent that helps to energize the body and clear the mind, while sandalwood has an earthy aroma that encourages grounding and stability.
This blend of oils is perfect for practicing dynamic styles of yoga such as vinyasa or ashtanga, as it can help you stay focused on each pose while still allowing you to move freely in your practice.
How Do I Apply Essential Oils During Yoga?
As yoga and aromatherapy are two practices that work to relax both the body and the mind, combining them can be a powerful way to increase relaxation and create a peaceful atmosphere. But if you’re new to either practice, you may be wondering how exactly to apply essential oils during your yoga session.
Once you've chosen which oil or blend of oils to use, there are several ways in which you can incorporate them into your yoga practice. Here are some tips for incorporating essential oils into your yoga routine:
- Choose the oil or blend of oils that you’d like to use. Lavender, sandalwood, and jasmine are all popular choices for calming and relaxation.
- If desired, you can combine different oils depending on your desired outcome - for example, combining lavender and orange will help to reduce stress while still providing an uplifting feeling of optimism.
- When choosing essential oil blends or single oils, it's important to make sure they're 100% pure from a reputable company.
- You can apply a few drops onto the skin once the essential oil is diluted in a carrier oil. Rubbing it in wherever it feels most soothing - commonly used areas include the back of the neck, temples, wrists, chest, and soles of the feet.
- Diffuse the essential oil in a diffuser throughout your practice to enjoy the aromatic benefits.
- Add a few drops of aromatherapy oils into an unscented lotion or massage oil before using it during your yoga session.
No matter which application method you decide on, keep in mind that less is more when it comes to essential oils - just a few drops should do. With a little bit of experimentation with different scents and methods you'll soon find out what works best for you - enjoy!
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Combining Yoga And Aromatherapy?
As the popularity of yoga and aromatherapy gains traction, many people are eager to explore combining these two practices. However, it's important to understand the risks involved before you start.
Knowing some common mistakes can help you stay safe while enjoying the benefits of both yoga and aromatherapy.
- Using too much essential oil, remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to essential oils and using too much could be overwhelming or even dangerous for your body.
- Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
- It’s important to check if there are any contraindications associated with certain oils, especially if you're pregnant or have any pre-existing health conditions.
- Make sure that you pay attention to how the oil makes your body feel during your practice and avoid pushing yourself too hard if the scent becomes overwhelming.
- You may find that certain scents don't work well with your body chemistry and cause discomfort in the mind or body, discontinue use.
- If any adverse reactions or skin irritations happen, stop immediately and discontinue use of that particular oil until you can consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare practitioner.
It's always best to approach combining yoga and aromatherapy with caution and respect for both practices. By being mindful of potential mistakes, you can enjoy all the benefits without putting yourself at risk of harm.
Final Thoughts on Practicing Yoga and Aromatherapy Together
There are many ways in which to add these aromatherapy scents into your environment. The calming scents of essential oils can help to ease tension and anxiety, while the physical movements of yoga can help to release toxins from the body. Together, yoga and aromatherapy can help you achieve a state of mind-body balance.
Some people prefer diffusers. Others enjoy mala or lava beads which can absorb the aromas. Whether you go with topical or aromatic essential oils, a dab on the wrist or a roomful of scent, make sure you connect with that most important sense. You’ll be surprised how much more fully engaged your yoga practice becomes.
By understanding how yoga and aromatherapy works together you can start cultivating healthier habits that will last a lifetime!
