7 WAYS TO COMPLETELY REVAMP YOGA WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Benefits of yoga
Yoga is the unity of the body, soul, and mind by means of poses called ‘asanas’ that help in attaining a sense of peace and balance. Yoga practices have gained popularity in the west with its ideology, effectiveness, and researches pointing out its ability in reducing panic and attaining calmness. Yet, the majority of us would rather live unhealthy than go through a series of acrobatic poses and meditation. If this is you, and you’ve had no motivation whatsoever to work out or try yoga, and the thought of physical exercise makes you physically ill, we suggest 7 ways to revamp yoga with essential oil to make your yoga sessions fun.
Essential oils and yoga
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are used in aromatherapy for its healing effects on the body and mind. Essential oils are known for their calming and restorative effects on the user. The therapeutic effects of essential oils help in improving the quality and effectiveness of the yoga sessions. Not to mention the ambiance of the room when essential oils are used, it can take you back to your coveted safe space where you can begin to find yourself. With fragrances of sandalwood and myrrh to improve your focus and clarity of the mind and fragrances of lavender and ylang-ylang to help in calming and easing your mind, try out these simple yoga asanas for beginners.
What fragrance to choose for your yoga session-
Yoga for focus- Yoga helps in increasing concentration and awareness. Meditation and yoga make you more aware of the surroundings and help in finding your inner self.
Yoga asanas to increase focus- Chinmudra, Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Essential oils for focus:
Sandalwood, neroli, bergamot, franklins, and myrrh are extensively used in meditation and prayers and are attributed to spirituality and holiness. They create a serene and pure ambiance which helps the mind calm and focus. This extensively helps in restoration of emotions and clarity.
Yoga for anxiety:
Studies show that yoga decreases the level of cortisol which is the stress hormone and influences the secretion of serotonin which brings about a sense of relief and peace. Regularly practicing yoga can enable you to maintain a balanced and peaceful mind
Asanas for a calm mind:
Savasana (corpse pose), Nadi shodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing)
Essential oils for a calm mind:
Aromatherapy uses oils of lavender, rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang to help in bringing about a sense of peace and calmness. Studies back the use of these oils which showed lowered levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. These oils help in reducing anxiety and panic and offer relief from stress and worry.
Yoga for energy- Start your day fresh and active by trying out these easy yoga poses. Yoga increases blood circulation thus energizing and activating the body.
Yoga asanas for energy:
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward facing dog), chaturanga (four-limbed staff pose), natrajasna (dancers pose).
Essential oils for energy:
Citrus oils, jasmine, bergamot, basil, rosemary essential oils are energizing and uplifting oils. These sharp yet relaxing fragrances are used to beat laziness and long low spirited days.
Yoga for depression:
Yoga asanas reduce the production of cortisol and influence the produce endorphins to beat depression and sadness. Once you’ve started practicing yoga regularly, your mind becomes more stable and balanced with a sense of positivity and hope.
Yoga asanas for depression:
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward facing dog), savasana(corpse pose), bridge pose
Essential oils for depression- The uplifting and therapeutic scents of lavender, ylang-ylang, roman chamomile, clary sage, and rosemary help in reducing sadness and depression. Studies show that the use of essential oils brought about feelings of calm and happiness
Yoga for posture :
Yoga is the go to solution for a better body posture and confidence. Performing the asanas not only increases flexibility and posture but helps in strengthening bone and muscle strength too.
Yoga asanas for body posture- Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Ustrasana (camel pose)
Essential oils for posture and confidence- Eucalyptus, yarrow, peppermint, and helichrysum oils help in reducing inflammation and joint pain, improving muscle and joint strength and mobility.
How to use essential oils for Yoga
Dabbing:
Rub your palms and wrists with a couple of drops of essential oil during yoga or massage 2-3 drops of oil on your temples and neck for more direct and effectual aroma.
Essential oil on Clothes:
Spritz your clothes or dab 2-3 drops of oil around the neck of the cloth for prolonged aroma during the asanas.
Essential oil for yoga mat cleaner:
Spritz your yoga mat with essential oil to match your mood. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil to your mat or mix it up with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil and spray lavishly on the mat.
Inspire your yoga mat with a toxin-free aroma. The recommended natural cleaning spray that one can whip up is less than five minutes away. The spray is not only for cleaning properties but an aromatic tool to enhance the physical and emotional well- being prior to or post-practice. Follow the simple steps listed below, and spritz your yoga mat with essential oil of your choice; to match your mood.
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup alcohol-free white vinegar
10 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Tea Tree essential oil
Glass spray bottle
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a glass spray bottle.
2. Shake until it blends
3. To use, spray on the mat and wipe dry with a towel.
Be amazed at how many people will ask you what smells so good
Scented candles:
Up the ambiance of your room by lighting up scented candles across your yoga studio/room. The light from the candles by itself promotes positivity and hope. They inspire and uplift.
Agarbattis:
Incense sticks are primarily used during meditation as it invokes spirituality and serenity. It is customary to offer incense when you meet with God, through prayer or meditation. Using agarbattis during yoga instill peace and purity and helps in rediscovering oneself.
Diffusers:
Opt for the carefree new age diffusers that would circulate fragrance across the room at set intervals. This hassle-free find requires minimum to no maintenance when in use. Make sure the room is ventilated as the fragrance could become overpowering.