{And which ones to try}
As a practice, yoga invites us to explore our internal landscapes while providing respite from the constant activity of the outside world. On our mat, we can address physical, emotional and mental imbalances that may otherwise go unnoticed if we were to remain consistently distracted and unaware. This beautiful practice can be further bolstered with the use of essential oils, which are known to speed up healing, relieve stress and tension, and provide spiritual nourishment (among many other things).
You don’t need to be an aromatherapy expert to incorporate essential oils into your practice, and here are five suggestions to get you started:
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most calming essential oils and can help to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and restlessness. Having trouble sleeping? Mix pure lavender essential with water and sprits your pillow before you go to bed.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood helps to ease and calm the mind, while increasing alertness. Think: focused relaxation. Sandalwood is a powerful oil that boosts memory and mental clarity while helping you to relax.
Lemon
Using lemon essential oil helps to uplift and revitalize, and is simultaneously stimulating and calming. Lemon helps to improve spiritual/psychic awareness, boost the immune system, and works as an insect repellent.
Eucalyptus or Peppermint
These two oils give off cooling sensations and are each known to boost energy and mental focus. In addition, peppermint can help ward off hunger cravings while eucalyptus can aid respiratory problems.
Rose
Rose essential oil serves as an antidepressant and promotes emotional balance. This soft oil can help to ease nervous tension and strengthen the nervous system. A great oil during difficult circumstances or a rough day.
Any of the oils above can be used in combination with others to create a blend that will best soothe and serve you. When using 100% pure essential oils, mix with water or a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
Enjoy!
About the author: Ashley is an inspired, compassionate and supportive yoga and meditation teacher who loves guiding students to reach the next level of their practice. Ashley is elated to share her experience and expertise with those looking to elevate their overall state of being, deepen their practice and live with a heightened state of awareness, compassion and openness.
Join Ashley for our Aromatherapy Yin Workshop ~ Saturday Feb 25, 2-4pm
——————————
Kula Yoga has a beautiful hot yoga studio on Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne. Kula offers ‘Hot Yoga’ classes for detoxification, dynamic poweryoga ‘Flow Yoga’ as well as a gentle ‘Light Yin Yoga’ option. Beginners through to advanced students are welcome to all classes. Kula also provides prenatal & postnatal yoga classes, and provides Melbourne workplaces with group corporate yoga programs to build employee health, fitness and wellbeing, and school yoga programs. Kula also runs an annual ‘Kula Cruise’ yoga retreat sailing from Bali to Lombok & the Gili Islands. Find out more on our website www.kulayoga.com.au. Or follow us:
Facebook: Kula Yoga Australia
Instagram – @kulayoga
Twitter – Kula Yoga Australia
Youtube – Kula Yoga Australia
