The way I practice yoga completely changed after my instructor began incorporating essential oils into Savasana.
While I was laying in Corpse pose with my eyes closed, my instructor placed lavender oil [1] over my nose, which immediately tempered my overactive mind and allowed me to concentrate on my breathing — an aspect of yoga that has always been difficult for me.
Now, I can't imagine my weekly practices without aromatherapy. If I were to dump my yoga bag out for you, you'd find the following products, from the calming essential oils I bring with me to the studio to the soothing incense I use during my at-home sessions.
If you're looking to give your yoga practice a newfound focus (or simply a scent upgrade), keep scrolling to check out my aromatic favourites.
Juniper Ridge Sage Incense Stick
Cleansing your environment with a Juniper Ridge Sage Incense Stick [2] ($11) from Urban Outfitters will do wonders for your energy — especially before your morning flow. Hand made from sustainably harvested sage, this bundle will fill your space with an earthy, herbaceous aroma. Just open a window (if there is one in the room), light the end of your stick, and blow on it until smoke appears. Next, fan the smoke throughout the room with your hand or a feather while holding a dish underneath the burnt end to catch any ash. Do this while setting an intention, such as, "I am releasing all negative energy in this space." Once finished, extinguish the sage in sand or water.
Tibetan Himalayan Healing Incense Sticks
The Tibetan Himalayan Healing Incense Sticks [3] ($6) from Yoga Outlet are said to help relieve symptoms of insomnia, dizziness, shivering, and pains from nervous disorders. One thing is for sure — once lit, blown out, and then placed in a holder to smoke during your session, the combination of agar 31, aloe wood, various herbal flowers, saffron, red and white sandalwood, fruit, melia composita, and shorea robusta will transform your home into a therapeutic yoga retreat.
Rose Quartz and Wood Essential Oil Bracelet
Manifest calm intentions as you transition into Downward Dog with the help of Uncommon Good's Rose Quartz and Wood Essential Oil Bracelet [4] ($16). Combining aromatherapy with the power of crystals is one powerful duo. This collection offers three pure essential oil blends: Meditation Grounding, Namaste Salutation, and Mindful Zen. Apply your favourite directly to the rose quartz, amazonite, lapis lazuli, jasper, orange aventurine, and turquoise magnesite beads and let go with your flow.
Soothe the Soul Yogi Candles
If Uncommon Good's Soothe the Soul Yogi Candle [5] ($32) can make my tiny New York City apartment feel like a yoga studio, it can do wonders for any space. Pick from three hand-poured soy candles: the Warrior candle features a sweet orange bergamot blend that stimulates the brain and encourages a sense of purpose. The Savasana taper's lavender and eucalyptus blend is calming and cleansing, while the Soother the Soul aloe and green tea earthy aroma promotes a mellow mood.
Peaceful Lavender Yoga Mat Cleaner
Whether you're borrowing a studio mat or using your own, chances are it could use a proper wipe-down. Having Austra's Peaceful Lavender Yoga Mat Cleaner [6] ($11) on hand will help you keep your equipment bacteria-free and smelling fresh with its all-natural formula of organic tea tree essential oil and lavender.
Pocket Savasana Body Balance Aroma
Are you struggling to focus during your sun salutation? Channelling the power of aromatherapy thanks to Yuni's Pocket Savasana Body Balance Aroma [7] ($19) can help eliminate distractions and reconnect you to your practice. Simply roll the oil onto your wrists and inhale.
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