How Aromatherapy Can Benefit Your Meditation
by Eileen O’Shanassy
Aromatherapy and Meditation Can Be a Supportive Combination
Meditation is a good practice for better mental health, physical stability and emotional balance. Aromatherapy can also be a great addition to your meditation practice. Here are some tips for first-time aromatherapy practitioners.
The ancient practice of meditation is a powerful habit that helps to enhance your physical and emotional health, and it’s simple to do. Meditation on its own is a great way to balance your emotional and mental health with physical well-being.
When you combine meditation with aromatherapy, it can improve your focus and concentration. In addition, it can even help to reduce stress and anxiety. With aromatherapy meditation, you can improve your coping skills when faced with challenging situation or health problems.
Adding aromatherapy enhances the main aspects of meditation, focusing and relaxing and essential oils are a convenient way to effectively add scents to your meditation sessions.
Essential Oil Scents for Meditation
You can use any essential oil with a scent that resonates with you. Some of the more popular scents for meditation and aromatherapy are:
- lavender (calming effects)
- sage (cleansing effects)
- peppermint (for mental focus)
- rosemary (reduces anxiety)
- eucalyptus (helps clear airways)
- frankincense (reduces irritation)
- neroli (helps healthy blood flow)
Essential Oils Basics
Make sure the essential oils you choose are organic, natural essential oils. Some are concentrated. This is great for a good scent, but can irritate the skin if you don’t mix them first with a natural carrier oil. You can dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, avocado, grapeseed, olive, or coconut oil before applying directly to your skin.
Aromatherapy During a Meditation Session
During your meditation, you can use a candle diffuser to diffuse your favorite meditation essential oil blend. You could also use another type of diffuser or room mister to distribute scent during your session. You’ll enhance your mindfulness levels, while enjoying pleasant and resonating scents that benefit you physically and mentally. You can also apply the oils to your clothing, a handkerchief, or your meditation pillows. Another simple way to incorporate aromatherapy is rubbing oil into your hands and deeply breathing in the oil.
Quick Morning Meditation Using Aromatherapy
Before you start your day, try this quick, easy way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and meditation. Dab some orange or other citrus oils (mixed with a carrier oil) to your wrists. Inhale deeply. As you meditate, the scent of the orange essential oil will revitalize and energize you. You can do this every morning to feel fresh and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
It is best to use aromatherapy with meditation for about one month to experience the full benefits. When you practice mindfulness while immersed in beautiful aromas, it helps your body by supporting physical health issues, and your mindfulness practice by opening pathways for spiritual exploration.
About the Author
Eileen O’Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, Arizona. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Connect with her on Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
