Enhance Your Yoga Journey with Essential Oils
Do you practice yoga? The popularity of yoga is exploding in the United States. More than 15 million people partake of the practice, according to the Yoga Journal.
Yoga is so much more than just a form of physical exercise, it is a disciplined practice that touches upon the health and well-being of the entire body, mind and soul. The familiar bending and stretching exercises (or asanas) are just one of many interrelated practices that connect and align all aspects of the practitioner into a state of complete balance of mind and body. (Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means to yoke, or join together.) Other aspects of this yoking process include breathing, withdrawing the focus from the outward to the inward, meditation, purification and the rejection of bad energy like violence, greed and jealousy, just to name just a few.
Like yoga, the practice of aromatherapy strives to support the well-being of body, mind and soul. Aromatherapy achieves its effects through the application and diffusion of pure plant essential oils that influence physical wellness, a positive emotional state and mental clarity. All natural and full of good energy. Combining aromatherapy with yoga can powerfully enhance the yoga journey.
My favorite methods of application are:
* Purifying – essential oils are applied as powerful cleansing agents to wipe down and deodorize the yoga mat or used to clear the atmosphere.
* Anointing – essential oils are used in applications of massage to enhance body stretching and recovery or worn as a scent to support visualization, meditation and focus.
Create a purifying mist that doubles as a yoga mat cleanser and room deodorizing spray. Combine 12 drops of sweet orange, six drops of tea tree and six drops of lavender with 4 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle and mist over your mat and wipe it clean with a soft towel before and after each use. Or use the spray to mist the air of your practice space to create a clean, motivationally aromatic atmosphere. Experiment with oils that speak to you. Another favorite of mine Patchouli (hey, I grew up in the 60's what can I say!)
Blend one or more versions of your own signature massage/anointing oil formulas. Start with 4 tablespoons of a light, non-greasy carrier oil such as jojoba and then add 12 drops of essential oils. You can customize the blend of essential oils to create several yoga-centered benefits. Check out some of the essential oils below for ideas on your signature blend.
If you would rather buy ready made products click here or on the red title below to check out my spiritual creations in my Botanical Delights Etsy shop:
YOGA ENHANCING ESSENTIAL OILS
Vetiver, ginger and patchouli will be grounding and earth-connecting while sandalwood and cedarwood are stabilizing, strengthening and centering – all of these essential oils will help with balance and stability in your yoga poses.
Myrrh, frankincense, spikenard, eucalyptus and rosemary encourage the flow of energy, self-expression and help you achieve steady, deep inhalations and exhalations. (Mastering your breathing process is as important to successful yoga practice as the poses.)
Lavender, geranium and chamomile are calming and relaxing.
Bergamot, lemon and orange lend a sense of fulfillment and spiritual nourishment to your yoga quest.
Neroli, jasmine, buddha wood, ylang ylang and rose promote transcendence and spiritual expression.
Like any system of self-improvement, the successful practice of yoga requires some motivation and a lot of diligence. Yoga is a journey to a soulfully balanced body that is fully aligned. Incorporating the powerfully effective properties of aromatic essential oils – often described as the soul of the plant – into your practice can help you fulfill your journey like never before.
Enjoy your journey!
Andrea
