Written by SYJ Teacher Katy Ghadiyali
Have you ever found yourself in the woods, surrounded by trees, plants, flowers, seeds, and grasses, instantly feeling calmer? That is the power of essential oils, which saturate the air in their natural state, as they are the lifeblood of plants, working their magic on your nervous system.
Now imagine rolling out your mat in that very spot, and taking in a sweet and meditative practice.
The combination of yoga and aromatherapy can be a powerful way to uplift your mood and energy levels, calm your stress and anxiety, and deepen your pranayama and physical practice.
Aromatherapy is about more than simply smelling the oils. It is a way to not just soften, but change, your mood, interrupting negative thought patterns and transforming your spiritual energy.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, seeking motivation, or need to improve your mood throughout your day, both a regular yoga practice and aromatherapy can support your emotional state.
Oils to support your practice
For centering
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Joy
Listen to your body and your heart. As you settle into your centering, notice how you are feeling. Wanting to step more deeply into your meditation? Use Frankincense on the third eye. Looking to open your heart? Place a few drops of Joy on your heart and breathe deeply.
For relaxation and restoration
- Northern Lights Black Spruce
- Orange
- Rose
For slower, more restorative classes, choose relaxing oils like the ones listed or try Lavender or Copaiba to help you find a calm and grounding.
For a rigorous class
- Peppermint
- Vetiver
- Thieves
Choosing uplifting oils, such as these, can help get the energy moving and increase intensity to your yoga flow.
These oils can also help support mental clarity, so use them when you are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
For savasana
- Stress Away
- Peace and Calming
- White Angelica
For facing the day
- White Angelica
- Stress Away
- Peace and Calming
I am always mindful that a practice of oils and yoga may require a bit of protection around the yogi, before they reenter into the fast-paced world we live in. Use a few drops of White Angelica, Stress Away or Peace and Calming to form a protective barrier between your centered body and mind and the world around you.
Before you try it
The quality and sourcing of essential oils are not all the same, so please be mindful when purchasing your oils (I recommend Young Living).
Anytime you are using essential oils, be aware of the label for proper and safe usage. If using oils topically, you may want to dilute at first and be mindful that some oils, like Peppermint and Thieves, can feel hot to some areas of the skin.
In addition, essential oils may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have a health condition, please talk with your healthcare provider before adding essential oils to your practice.
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