Yoga and aromatherapy are two ancient practices that complement each other perfectly. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years to balance body, mind, and soul, while aromatherapy provides physical and emotional healing through the use of essential oils. In this article, you will learn which oils you can use while doing yoga and how to combine these two powerful methods.
What Oil to Use While Doing Yoga?
Aromatherapy oils are a great way to deepen your yoga practice and enrich your experience. Here are some popular oils to use while doing yoga and their benefits:
Best Essential Oils for Yoga and Aromatherapy
- Lavender Oil : The relaxing effect of lavender oil supports mental and physical relaxation during yoga practice. It is especially ideal for slower and more in-depth types of yoga, such as meditation and yin yoga.
- Peppermint Oil : The invigorating effect of peppermint oil boosts your energy and increases your attention level. It is perfect for more dynamic types of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga.
- Eucalyptus Oil : The breath-opening and refreshing properties of eucalyptus oil are beneficial when practicing deep breathing techniques. This oil is especially ideal for pranayama and breath-focused yoga sessions.
Effects of Aromatherapy on Yoga
The physical benefits of aromatherapy oils can make your yoga practice deeper and more relaxing. For example, lavender oil is known for its muscle relaxant properties, and when used during your yoga sessions, it reduces muscle tension, allowing you to move more flexibly and comfortably. Similarly, eucalyptus oil is known for its airway opening effect, encouraging deep breathing, making the breathing exercises in your yoga practice more effective. Peppermint oil is known for its energy-boosting effects, and it can revitalize you when you’re feeling tired, making your practice more dynamic.
Aromatherapy is not only limited to physical benefits; it also plays a major role in achieving mental and emotional balance. Lavender oil used in yoga is known for its calming and stress-reducing properties. This helps you create a more peaceful and focused state of mind during yoga. Using lavender oil in yoga poses that require meditation and focus calms your mind and helps you focus. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, provides better concentration by reducing anxiety and increasing mental clarity. Doing yoga with aromatherapy oils improves your overall well-being by balancing both your body and mind.
Yoga and Aromatherapy Application Guide
Incorporating aromatherapy into your yoga sessions is easy and can enhance your practice. It’s important to know which oil to use when doing yoga. You can diffuse essential oils into the air using a diffuser, apply them directly to your skin, or use them while bathing. Lavender oil, when used with a diffuser during yoga sessions, creates a calming atmosphere. Peppermint oil can boost your energy by dropping a few drops around the edges of your mat. Eucalyptus oil, when applied directly to the skin, relaxes muscles and makes breathing easier.
