Yoga and aromatherapy are both powerful tools used for thousands of years to holistically improve our health. But did you know that combining the two can take your yoga practice to a whole new level? Using essential oils during yoga can help enhance your performance, relaxation, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, all while giving you the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy.
We all have different reasons for practicing yoga. Whether it's to relax, detox, build muscle, or challenge ourselves, determining which essential oils to incorporate into your practice depends on your intentions. For example, an energizing blend may pair best with an invigorating vinyasa class, whereas a calming aroma would be better for yoga Nidra. Some oils can even assist on a functional level, like cleaning your yoga mat or muscle recovery.
Yoga teaches us that each day and each moment is ever-changing, and it is how we intentionally adapt and react to different circumstances that will bring us peace. So depending on your focus for the day, the essential oils you use should change to reflect that. To help you out, we've explored the best essential oils for yoga and each of their benefits so you can strengthen your practice and overall wellbeing.
Essential oils energize and recenter
Many people love yoga for its mental and physical challenges. It takes both muscle strength and brainpower to hold your body weight in poses for extended lengths of time. Citrus oils are an excellent starting point when looking for an aroma that will bring you energy. Uplifting grapefruit and orange blend with grounding cedar and bergamot in our Carry Om Stress-Relieving Aromatherapy Essence. Roll this blend on to neck, chest, or pulse points before your next yoga class for an increased level of awareness and focus.
After a deep Savasana, sometimes you need to wake up your senses before going on with your day. Aromas like geranium, bergamot, neroli, and sage will do just the trick. The My Om World Aromatic Body Mist is the perfect essential oil spray to reinvigorate you after a yoga class. The benefits of your practice will linger on your skin as you finish your day.
Essential oils reduce stress and anxiety
When essential oils are combined with yoga, your body and mind are much more equipped to handle stress both in the moment and in the long run. Whether you are heading into a practice with heightened anxiety or just need a moment to decompress, aromatherapy has the ability to calm and soothe your mind. Try incorporating a stress-relieving blend with deep breathing, and you should feel your heart rate slow and muscles relax. Lavender, orange, and bergamot are beautiful aromas to begin your exploration.
Since essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil, they can be slippery, especially when combined with sweat, movement, and yoga mats. To avoid any falls, apply your oils to the crown of the head, the neck, behind the ears, on the chest, or the inside of elbows.
Roll on aromas enhance your relaxation
One of the most popular uses for aromatherapy is for relaxation. Since scent is our strongest tie to memory, one inhale of your favorite essential oil can bring you back to moments of serenity and calm. And what could be more relaxing than a deep Savasana at the end of your yoga class? To either reconnect you to that soothing moment or guide you into relaxation during your practice, our Pocket Savasana Balance Aroma Concentrate will assist you. During class, it is best to apply the concentrate at your temples and beneath your nose during Savasana. Make sure to breathe deeply and slowly. You can also roll on the calming blend of bergamot, neroli, sage, ylang-ylang to your pulse points before bedtime or during meditation.
Certain oils have antibacterial properties
Citrus oils, tea tree, and frankincense all possess inherent antibacterial properties. Many of us during this time are practicing yoga at home and want to include natural and effective cleaning solutions. You can make an at-home cleaning spray for your yoga mat using a mix of water, witch hazel, tea tree, and lemon oil. To purify the air and uplift your mood, you can add the same oils to a diffuser.
After your workout, cleanse and revitalize with our Shower Sheets. The biodegradable pre-moistened wipes have neem leaf extract, a natural antimicrobial, and cucumber and rose extracts to hydrate and detoxify.
Post practice recovery
One of the best parts of yoga is the endless ways you can challenge yourself. Whether you hold your asana for an extra minute, are perfecting your handstand, or are sweating through a detoxifying hot yoga session — your body will love it but also feel it. Thankfully, nature has provided us with a selection of effective botanicals to aid in muscle recovery. Our Chillax Muscle Recovery Gel soaks in instantly without any need to massage, so you can apply right in the studio and be on your way. Peppermint leaf essential oil produces natural menthol that helps to reduce any feeling of discomfort. Not to mention, it is instantly cooling on the skin. The roll-on also has Arnica Flower Extract to help relieve sore, overextended muscles.
As you can see, whether your yoga session is rigorous or relaxing, there's an essential oil for the occasion and the person. Try incorporating oils into your practice and see what you can achieve.
