4 Ways to Incorporate Aromatherapy Into Your Yoga Practice

November 04, 2020

Using aromatherapy during your yoga practice can help with elevating your experience in serval ways. Yoga is all about finding your centre, relieving stress and anxiety, and becoming relaxed and one with the universe. Aromatherapy can be used to heighten relaxation and stress relief.

We created The Yoga Kit to help you integrate these wonderful benefits in a natural way. Curated by the wonderful and talented Madison Fruitman Yoga.

Here's how you can use The Yoga Kit products for your practice:

LAVENDER VANILLA CANDLE

This candle's calming aroma sets the scene for a relaxing evening filled with gentle movement and meditation. If you're looking to take it to the next level, this candle is also the perfect tool for a Candle Gazing Meditation. Rather than closing your eyes, this meditative practice cultivates your Third Eye energy by focusing your yogic gaze on a flickering flame, thought to improve concentration and relieve stress.

Here is Madison's step-by-step guide to help you explore the Third Eye further:

1. Find a comfortable seated position, on the ground, on a cushion, or on a chair. This is best done in a dark room.
2. Set your candle on a surface that is at your eye level, about 2-4 feet away, allowing your neck to stay relaxed as you face the flame.
3. Close your eyes and scan the body from head to toe, releasing tension, especially in the face and jaw.
4. Blink your eyes open and begin to focus your gaze on that flickering flame. If you can, keep your vision steady on the flame without blinking, for as long as it is comfortable.
5. When you're ready, layer on the breath, linking your inhales and exhales with the flame itself. Inhaling to sense the light flowing in and exhaling to sense the light flowing away. Try this for at least 10 rounds of breaths, keeping your gaze focused the entire time.
6. As thoughts enter your mind, gently acknowledge them and try to come back to your breath, your physical body, and your focused attention on that flame. 
7. At the end of the meditation, take a couple moments with your eyes closed. You may still be able to visualize the flame even with your eyes shut. If so, try visualizing this flame between your where your Third Eye sits. 
8. Finally, reflect on how you physically, mentally, and spiritually feel after this meditation.

LAVENDER PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender is known for its ability to reduce tension and stress in the body and is best paired with a slower pace Yin or Restorative practice, perhaps helping yogis decompress from an overwhelming day. This 100% pure essential oil calms the body and nervous system, getting one ready for deep, restful sleep.

How to use this oil:

• Add 2-3 drops in a diffuser to fill your practice room with a calming scent.
• Add 2-3 drops into your palms at the beginning of your practice. Rub your hands together vigorously, open your palms, cupping them in front of your face, and inhale deeply. Take in this heavenly scent and feel almost instantly at ease.
• You can also rub extra oil behind the ears, on your wrists, and on your ankles, to promote a calming effect during your practice.
• Come back to this scent at the end of your practice, before your Savasana (final resting shape), once again rubbing lavender in your palms and cupping the scent over your face as you inhale deeply. Let this carry you through a restful final meditation.

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