Easing into Fall with Aromatherapy and Yoga

Many of us find that our bodies begin to slow down as the weather changes from the vibrant, sun-filled days of summer to cooler, brisker days of autumn. The colors of nature change and so do we. The most important thing to remember is to allow these changes to happen with grace and ease. We are part of nature and nature is part of us, so as the earth slows down around us, we must slow down with it.

We may find that our drive to keep up with a rigorous exercise routine or yang-style yoga practices such as Vinyasa Flow or Ashtanga fall away to a desire to rest and restore. In this way, yin yoga and aromatherapy are beautiful practices to welcome into this time of transition. As the temperatures cool down and the days become shorter, we can tend to feel busier than ever. It is extra important to carve out “me-time” for you to take care of your body and nourish the changing cycles within. Aromatherapy in my yin yoga practice is one of my favourite ways to naturally assist my body and mind in the transition from summer into colder weather. Not only do essential oils support the natural healing systems of the body, but they can have a direct and profound impact on our emotional well-being.

First, what exactly are essential oils?

Stated simply, essential oils are extracted compounds from plants primarily through the process of steam distillation. In this process, the plants’ essence is captured and used as a holistic medicine to support overall wellbeing and health in aromatherapy. Some of the benefits include:

  • Fortification of the immune system
  • Antibacterial and antiseptic
  • Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory
  • Balancing of brain chemistry
  • Tonic for the nervous system

In this way, essential oils can be a great ally for cold and flu season, changes in digestion, supporting better sleep, and combatting those “winter blues” that come with less sunlight and less time outdoors. In a yoga practice, we suggest bringing these oils to the mat and experimenting with how they make you feel. How do the oils impact your relationship with the asana? How can the essential oils help you find balance? How can aromatherapy deepen your yin yoga practice?

Here are some of our favourite essential oils to use for fall weather:

  • Black Pepper Essential Oil – naturally peppery aromas energize the mind and body by increasing circulation and warming the skin.
  • Clove Bud Essential Oil – helps to inspire mental clarity and increase your focus when energy levels are down. Recenter yourself emotionally.
  • Orange Essential Oil – sweet, uplifting and can help bring you out of the winter blues by naturally alleviating seasonal depression.
  • Bergamot Essential Oil – like orange, bergamot is sweet and up-lifting. Add these essential oils to homemade potpourri or air fresheners around the house.
  • Patchouli Essential Oil – treat dry or irritated skin by adding a drop of this essential oil into your existing lotions or skin care products.
  • Frankincense Essential Oil – bring anything frankincense into your wintertime skincare routine, you won’t regret it! Frankincense calms stress in the body, heals the skin and is also a great addition to meditation and yoga practices.

Knowing that flu season is right around the corner, here are a few more to keep in mind that can help fight and prevent flu symptoms so you can stay grounded, calm and centered in your yin practice and in life. We suggest using these oils in a diffused essential oil roller blend, in a hot bath or compress in the morning or evening or in an ultrasonic room diffuser. Find the time of day when aromatherapy works best for you!

As always, please do your research and safely test the impact of aromatherapy and essential oils on your body before heavy usage. Start slowly—a little goes a long way! While essential oils for internal use can also have healing effects on the body, those listed here are ONLY for topical use. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking essential oils internally.

Yin Yoga Teacher Training

If you are interested in learning more about aromatherapy, essential oils and how all of this pertains to yoga, Shanti Atma Yoga offers a variety of Yin Yoga training’s  exploring the many avenues to self-healing, teacher development and deepening your yoga practice, including our 50hr Yin, Emotional Intelligence & Essential Oils Online Course:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Online:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence

Residential Yin Yoga Teacher Training:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 200 hour 5 Bodies Approach

Locations:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Bali
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Thailand
Yin Yoga Teacher Training India
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Spain
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Australia
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Guatemala

We also have a variety of Yin Yoga Retreats and Yoga Holidays:

Yin Yang Yoga Retreat Spain: Rest and Revive Retreat
Yin Yoga Retreat Bali: Sacred Space Yoga

For more information please contact us here

Yin yoga teacher training india

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