Aroma Yoga - this is how yoga with essential oils works

Similar to yoga, essential oils have been known for centuries as a powerful tool for relaxation, balance and harmony in the body and mind. Of course it makes sense to integrate essential oils and fragrances into the yoga practice.

Anyone who has ever sniffed the fresh forest or sea air, inhaled deeply in a strawberry field or taken a nap on a freshly mowed meadow knows: scents make a real difference.

What are essential oils and how do you use them?

Essential oils are liquids that can be extracted from the roots, bark, or leaves of a plant. These herbal essences have always been an important and integral part of alternative medicine, as they can alleviate physical ailments and, above all, are said to have a beneficial effect on the soul.

The oils can be ingested or applied to the skin, or simply diffused into the room via a diffuser or jar. In aroma yoga, a diffuser, incense sticks or other incense is usually used.

The benefits of aroma yoga

When used correctly, scents can deepen relaxation or have an activating effect, give new energy, release old blockages, lift the spirits or simply smell pleasant and thus create an atmospheric atmosphere.

So the big advantage is that you can use fragrances and smells in such a way that they suit your current situation and support the desired effect: If it is a calming hour, lavender oil is a good choice, lemon puts you in a good mood, forest -Scents strengthen and ground, mint clears the mind - the possibilities here are almost unlimited.

How does an aroma yoga class work?

Actually, you hardly notice any difference in an aroma yoga class compared to a classic Hatha yoga class. The big difference is - of course - the scent that predominates in the room.

While essential oils can usually also be taken orally or applied to the skin, aroma yoga usually uses a diffuser that envelops the entire yoga room in a pleasant scent.

If you want to practice aroma yoga at home but don't have a diffuser, you can easily get by by putting a few drops of scented oil in a glass of water and placing it on the heater. A room or yoga mat spray is also an option.

Which oils are suitable for aroma yoga?

Which fragrance you use is of course completely up to you - feel inside yourself and listen to your intuition. What do you need right now? What effect do you want to achieve? Which scent is good for you right now?

Personally, I particularly like forest scents such as spruce or fir, but I also use grapefruit, lemon or mint oil if I want to achieve an activating effect.

It is important that you use high-quality, natural oils . We deliberately do not want to advertise a specific brand here, but we recommend that you pay close attention to the ingredients and ideally only use oils of organic quality.

Are there any side effects? When am I not allowed to practice aroma yoga?

General contraindications for aroma yoga are not known - however, there are a few special features that you should pay attention to:

  • not everyone likes every smell. Therefore, first sniff the oils briefly before you put them in the diffuser and scent the entire room.
  • use the oils sparingly and take a break or let fresh air into the room if a headache or nausea occurs.
  • Especially for pregnant women: Listen to your body and your doctor. While citrus fruits can help against morning sickness, sweet and floral scents are often perceived as unpleasant.

Particular care should be taken with infants and young children. Please do not use any sharp or harsh oils here, as they can cause severe shortness of breath or even allergies. Again: Talk to your pediatrician if you are not sure!


But enough of the theory: find your favorite scent and try it out.


See you on the mat!

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