Aromatherapy and yoga

Aromatherapy and yoga are just awesome.

So how does aromatherapy correspond to yoga? Aroma evokes memory and emotion and the two are interwoven in our cell tissue. Essential oils influence the whole being. Yoga influences the whole being. It's really cool that Wai Lana has now come up with a new line, "Wailana Yogaroma" Each time you practice yoga, your body responds to the memory of the pose, hopefully in a positive and healing way. The memory of each pose is embedded or stored in the cell tissue. Each time you revisit your yoga mat and practice, your body remembers being in the pose and what it feels like to be in the pose. When a yoga pose is held for a longer period of time, it gives the body the opportunity to open, relax and release.

When practicing yoga, there are several options for incorporating the use of essential oils. Here are a few suggestions: Diffusers, scented lotions using pure essential oils, essential oil sprays, incense (make sure it’s of good quality), and candles made with pure essential oils, not synthetic.

Below is a grouping of yoga poses and suggested essential oils to use while practicing yoga. Each essential oil has its own therapeutic qualities and supports different parts of the body.

* Bridge/Backbends/Heart Openers: Rose absolute is a calming oil that when diffused will produce a stabilizing atmosphere during times of stress, anxiety or grief.
* Downward Facing Dog/ Inversions/Invigorating: Peppermint is an energizing oil that invigorates and can help boost your frame of mind, while giving you a burst of energy.
* Standing Forward Bend/ Forward Bends /Calming: Lavender is a calming oil used for balancing, soothing, relaxing and healing.
* Warrior 1/ Standing poses /Grounding: Sandalwood is an earthy, woody scented oil. In some traditions it is known for its ability to help one focus and stabilize.
* Half Spinal Twist/ Twists /Massage organs: Clary Sage can bring about a sense of relaxed euphoria and ease tension in both mind and body.

Check out the following companies for essential oils, diffusers, candles and more: Aura Cacia, Oshadhi, Wyndmere and Big Dipper Wax Works.

Aromatherapy used during a yoga class can inspire, awaken, calm and connect you to deeper to mind/ body awareness. Try using essential oils while practicing yoga and feel the difference aromatherapy can make in your connection to mind and body.