Those few hours of quiet, away from the rest of the world. An oasis of complete calm. For some, it’s the whole dream; that untouchable pocket of time just before they hit the sack. Often enough, it’s imperative that these nighttime routines are maintained and adhered to—an organised arrangement of habits that aid in the pursuit of improving mental wellbeing and protecting one’s peace. This might range from anything between half an hour of listening to lo-fi, reading a book, a hydrating night mask or tapping into the olfactory and indulging in aromatherapy via the use of essential oils.
In recent years, the use of therapeutic scents have been considerably pivotal to enhancing one’s natural state of mind. To explain its effects is to understand its origins: essential oils are highly-concentrated plant extracts, many of which are required to be mixed with carrier oils to maintain its optimal effectiveness and longevity. What they’re so highly touted after is its lingering effects; stimulating areas of your limbic system—which plays a critical role in your emotional and behavioural responses. Be it to relax the muscles or soothe the senses, it’s no wonder that they often use aromatherapy for body massages too, as they work towards whisking one away into a slumbering state of lull.
Yet in a discovery of the therapeutic oil’s many uses, how do we actually sieve through the noise? We got to asking those in the know, specifically the folks at Ahimsa Sanctuary, who consistently use them in the wellness space’s yoga sessions. Below, their expert’s guide to understanding the real benefits of essential oils, including its accompanying treatment methods.
What are the benefits of essential oils?
Our different senses are a vital part of our being as we move through life. The sense of smell is one that plays a big role in how we experience each day as scents have the ability to heighten our emotions. Essential oils are known for having a myriad of benefits, with the most well-known one being their ability to bring about relaxation. An example of an essential oil that helps with this is a lavender oil; it is frequently used to induce sleep and a sense of calm, and can even assist with pain and stress relief.
Essential oils are commonly used in Ayurveda for their benefits through various practices, be it through inhalation or application on the skin. They can even be used to kill bacteria due to their anti-fungal properties. At Ahimsa Sanctuary, we use essential oils in all our yoga classes in order for our our practitioners to feel more relaxed and have their nasal passages cleared, preparing them for breath work practice.
What sorts of ailments do these therapeutic oils help with?
There are various benefits of different types of essential oils. To reduce inflammation, reach out for cumin. For a natural mosquito repellent, you’ll want citronella. To soothe and increase relaxation, reach for lavender and sandalwood. And to heighten clarity and improve focus, use peppermint. A blend of lemongrass, geranium & lavender is our favourite blend as it smells amazing and it’s got a very tranquil vibe to it.
What are some ways to use it aromatically?
Essential oils can be put in diffusers or burners, although diffusing is more encouraged as it best maintains the chemical compounds that make up the oils. Using them in aromatherapy helps with filling up spaces with aroma where the scents can be inhaled, a useful method for those with sensitive skin to reap the benefits where direct application of the oils would not be recommended.
If we were to use it directly on our skin, where are the recommended key points of application?
Essential oils can be used on the skin through application on parts of the body like the wrists and temples. As these are pressure points, applying pressure on these points and lightly massaging can bring about comfort and relaxation.
Any tips for finding the right essential oils for oneself?
Always remember that essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils. Pure essential oils are very potent independently and large amounts absorbed by the body or ingested can cause issues to the nervous system and potentially more severe reactions like seizures. If you are new to essential oils, definitely do your research first and always utilise it in small amounts.
