Yoga & Aromatherapy

When paired with aromatherapy, your yoga poses can be even more relaxing and restorative. The scent of therapeutic grade essential oils is transmitted on a molecular level directly to the part of your brain that controls emotional response and memory, according to certified aromatherapist Su Nimon. When used as part of your yoga session, aromatherapy can enhance and deepen your experience.

Historical Ties

Originally yoga and aromatherapy were tied together in ancient India. "There is a historic basis for these two disciplines to work together," says Nimon. Using sandalwood oil as a base, Indians added various floral fragrances to create natural perfumes called attars. Early yogis prized these oils for their ability to calm the mind and enhance meditation. Attars were once considered sacred, and only the wealthy were permitted to use them in the temples. Over time, attars became more widely available to the general public.

Benefits

Aromatherapy can enrich the yoga experience by providing a calm, focused environment in which to practice complex poses or asanas. "Holding poses is easier if your mind is calmer," says Nimon. Poses such as tree, dancer or eagle require increased concentration to remain balanced on one foot. Essential oils promote a sense of physical and emotional well-being, according to yoga instructor Rebecca Wu. Wu also says aromatherapy can influence your state of mind, encouraging you to relax into a deeper state of serenity while practicing yoga.

Scents

The most common aromatherapy scents used in conjunction with yoga are frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, vetiver and cedarwood. "These essential oils are calming, emotionally and spiritually healing and promote meditation," says Nimon, who is also a licensed massage therapist, reiki master and owner of Journey Studios in Canton, Ohio. She uses aromatherapy in her personal yoga practice.

Using Aromatherapy

"Aromatherapy is used less often in yoga classes held in public spaces such as the YMCA because scents can linger long after the class is over," says Nimon. "Private yoga studios can put a single drop of essential oil in a dish and it will scent the entire room." Young Living Circle suggests using a citrus-based essential oil before or between yoga classes to cleanse the studio's air and promote a sense of uplifting energy in the space.

Oils on the Skin

Some aromatherapists apply oils to the soles of the feet, or the chakras, to help with grounding, breathing and calming, Nimon says. When applied to your skin, essential oils can enter your bloodstream to "help re-balance the system and reinforce the immune system," according to Wu. Before applying any essential oil to the skin, test a small amount first. Discontinue using any essential oil that causes a reaction on your skin. Never ingest essential oils--they are for external use only.