Ayurveda Aromatherapy combines essential oils and flower essences to treat the 3 dosha’s – Vata, Pita and Kapha.
“Ayurveda is the extraordinary mind-body medicine of India. It has a great yogic spiritual tradition and is aa tremendous resource for bringing wholeness to all levels of our existence. Ayurveda and Yoga combined are one of the worlds oldest and most complete systems of natural healing. Together they contain great wisdom for all humanity that all of us should know” (David Frawley – Ayurveda and the Mind)
Ayurveda uses fragrant oils as an aromatherapy treatment to soothe the mind and calm the doshas Vata, Pita and Kapha. Fragrant oils and incense have a great power to stimulate, calm or heal. Perhaps nothing like a fragrance can quickly change our immediate environment, affecting us down to a physical level. The right aromas promote calm and help us drop the negative thoughts and emotions that disturb us.
Balancing Vata, Pita and Kapha with aromas
Ayurveda talks about restoring balance to mind, body and spirit in every season. The three Ayurvedic doshas— Vata, Pitta and Kapha — that control all the functions of the mind and body
There are traditional aroma blends that are particularly useful for restoring overall balance in each of these three seasons. Calming Vata, Cooling Pitta and Stimulating Kapha aroma blends are also useful for personal balance.
To pacify one of these doshas, aromatic oil blends are a convenient and very pleasant way to balance your environment.
Balancing Vata with Ayurveda aromatherapies
Change of season is worth learning about for every dosha. Autumn and Winter are the time of year to focus on soothing the Vata. Keep the body warm and adhere to Ayurvedic guidelines. The dosha can become out of balance due to the cold and windy climate. The wind will dry out the skin and the body go into an eternal panic for impending cold weather. It is important to stay out from the wind for Vata.
Vata balancing blends generally include sweet warming oils that soothe the mind and emotions and enhance serenity. They are Sweet Orange, Geranium Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Frankincense, for example.
For a relaxing massage use equal parts of Ylang Ylang and Frankincense (2-4 drops each) mixed in 2 oz. of a light massage oil such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond; .
A couple of drops of the Maharishi Ayurveda Calming Vata Aroma Oil in hot water works well for facial steam therapy in cold, windy weather. A combination of 2 drops of Lemon, 2 drops of Sweet Orange and 4 drops of Jasmine can help you unwind — try this blend as an infusion in a late-evening bath. Calming Vata Aroma Oil includes five oils in a precise combination for optimum balance.
Balancing Pita with aromas
Pita tends to get out of balance in situations of extreme heat, whether it be weather-related or emotions-related. Aroma blends for balancing Pita include sweet cooling oils such as Rose, Fennel and Sandalwood. Also you can add smaller amounts of soothing oils such as Ylang Ylang and Frankincense and some uplifting oils such as Lemon or Peppermint. The combinations are designed to keep you calm, yet focused and alert.
Try 4 drops each of Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood for a bathwater infusion on hot days. Or blend equal parts of Vetiver, Sandalwood, Rose, Jasmine and Fennel for creating a calm environment using a steam diffuser.
Balancing Kapha with aromas
Spring is when the Kapha can be aggravated by qualities that are heavy, moist and cold. It is important to invite in light, warm, dry qualities through food, activities and self-care rituals. Ayurveda offers simple, effective tips. Below are some recommendations to help keep kapha in balance this spring.
Kapha blends are generally warm, spicy and invigorating, designed to wake you up on damp, cold, gray spring days. They are vital oils such as Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Basil; with smaller amounts of balancing oils such as Frankincense or Ylang Ylang.
Peppermint and 2 drops each of Frankincense and Ylang Ylang are great as a bath infusion in a morning bath. Also as part of your shower gel you can try 4-6 drops per 2 oz. of unscented cleanser). You’ll feel the invigorating aromas subtly balance your body and mind long after you’ve bathed or showered. A drop each of Eucalyptus and Basil works wonders in steam therapy water on moist, cold days. This blend will help you feel fresh, alert and clear.
At Yoga Works for Over 40s we combine the ancient traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda as traditionally taught. We bring to you this natural and sustainable method to heal the body and mind.
Find out more about our Yoga Ayurveda Therapy for Pain relief here. We also provide online Yoga Therapy classes that demonstrate how to integrate Yoga and Ayurveda into your every day life.
