5 Senses - Smell, a sensory explosion

Exploring the Power of Sensory Practices in Yoga

We have started a new series in this blog and can be found in our YouTube channel. I love to explore different concepts in my yoga practice and senses play and incredible powerful role in yoga.

In our new series, we delve into how the senses can enrich your yoga practice and deepen your meditation experiences. Sensory awareness is a powerful tool that can heighten your connection to the present moment, providing an anchor for your mind amidst the chaos of daily life.

For those with busy minds, often resembling a hardcore party, sensory practices offer a pathway to tranquillity. By focusing on the senses—smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste —you can cultivate a more grounded practice.

Smell: a Sensory Explosion

Aromatherapy is a wonderful addition to your yoga routine. Essential oils, incense, or candles can evoke emotional responses and enhance your meditation. Experiment with different scents to see how they influence your state of mind, creating a calming or invigorating atmosphere that resonates with your practice.

Aromas play a fundamental role in enhancing relaxation and stimulating emotions naturally, making them an excellent addition to yoga practice. Essential oils and fragrances can create a serene atmosphere, helping to deepen the connection between body and mind. However, it is crucial to recognise that the use of aromas can also evoke strong emotional responses based on personal experiences and past traumas.

Prior to introducing any fragrances into a yoga session, it is essential to consider the individual needs of participants. Always take a moment to inquire if anyone has allergies, sensitivities, or personal experiences that the instructor should be aware of. This not only ensures a safe environment but also fosters a sense of trust and respect among all participants.

By being mindful of these factors, we can create a harmonious space where the benefits of aromatherapy can be enjoyed without causing discomfort or distress. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a nurturing environment that supports the well-being and emotional safety of every yogi present.

“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.”

Here are some of my favourite ones and how to use them. Remember that the choice of aroma is a personal matter. Experiment with different essential oils or incenses to discover which one helps you achieve peace and balance during your yoga practice.

1. Lavender: Is known for its relaxing properties. Its soft and floral aroma can help you reduce stress and tension, which is perfect for practising yoga, especially during relaxation and meditation sessions. You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or apply it at key points before starting your practice.

2. Sandalwood: Is a deeply spiritual aroma that has been used in spiritual rituals and practises for centuries. Its warm and earthy aroma can help you connect with your inner self and create a calm and focussed environment in your yoga practice. I use it for my meditations applying it on my wrists and pulse points.

3. Ylang-ylang: It’s aroma favours well-being, happiness and positive feelings. It is perfect to add a spark of optimism to your moment of meditation, making yoga a much more pleasant activity. Another of my favourites when I want to focus and calm my brain. Meditate with this oil or use it at the end of your practice. I also have the incense sticks.

4. Bergamot: Very quickly produces a pleasant and comforting sensation in our being. It is considered an ideal essential oil to activate the energy of the solar plexus and relax the nervous system. This aroma encourage enthusiasm, pushes us to move and motivates us. It's wonderful to ward off negative emotions and feelings. Usually I use it on my morning practices to activate my qi and unblock my energy channels.

5. Lemongrass: This aroma is especially pleasant. It can be described as sparkling, bubbling, fresh and very appetising. Its smell evokes lemon candies or the much appreciated fresh summer colonies. An attentive olfaction is enough to observe its relaxing effect and its stimulating action on the digestive system. Its aroma arouses joy, optimism, enthusiasm and desire to do, to move. I use this on my pedicures and baths to relax my nervous system.

6. Neroli: Also known as Orange Blossom. Its aroma is intensely floral, citrus, sweet and exotic. It is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system and not only relieves tension and anxiety, but also increases circulation. One of the oils that combines with nearly anything. Baths, meditations or even incense its great after a long stressful day.

7. Red Mandarin: Acts on the sympathetic system and moderates the central nervous system. This allows muscle relaxation to be fast, intense and lasting. It has slightly hypnotic properties and helps you fall asleep.

Three Alternative Ways to Use Aromas in Yoga Practice

1. Oil Diffuser
   Position an oil diffuser in your yoga space to fill the room with a delightful aroma. Choose essential oils that promote relaxation and mental clarity, such as lavender or eucalyptus. The continuous release of fragrance during your practice can enhance the atmosphere, helping you to deepen your focus and connection to the flow of your session.

2. Scented Candles
   Incorporate scented candles to not only infuse the space with pleasing fragrances but also to create a warm and inviting ambience. Opt for candles made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax, which burn more cleanly. The dim light from the candles can contribute to a serene environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your practice.

3. Air Freshener
   Use a spray air freshener to quickly invigorate your practice area. This can be particularly useful if you want to eliminate any unwanted scents before starting your session. Select a fresh, calming scent like citrus or mint for an uplifting effect, ensuring that your space feels revitalised and supportive for your yoga experience.

If you are curious about aromatherapy and enjoy experimenting with it, keep in mind the importance of using organic oils. Before applying any essential oil to your skin, conduct a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Always dilute essential oils with a base of vegetable oil—such as almond, argan, coconut, or any preferred carrier oil—to prevent irritation.

When blending, begin with a small amount of essential oil and adjust the quantities according to your preference. This allows you to explore and enhance the aromas that resonate with you. Be mindful of the properties of each oil, as they can evoke different feelings and sensations. Enjoy the process of discovery and the aromatic journey that aromatherapy offers.

My Favourite Mixes

Yin&Reset:

Lavender, Ylang-Ylang and Neroli Blended with Almond Oil.

The harmonious blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, and neroli infused in almond oil creates a soothing elixir perfect for enhancing meditation and focus. Lavender’s calming properties help to reduce stress and anxiety, establishing a tranquil environment conducive to deep reflection. Ylang-ylang, often celebrated for its uplifting and balancing effects, helps to promote emotional harmony and a sense of inner peace. Neroli, with its sweet, floral aroma, aids in rejuvenation and clarity, making it an ideal companion during mindfulness practices.

I find this blend particularly beneficial at the end of my asana practice during Savasana. The gentle application of this oil not only envelops the senses but also enhances the overall experience of relaxation. It encourages the body to release tension, allowing for a deeper connection to one’s breath and inner self. Incorporating this aromatic mixture into your routine can significantly enhance both your meditation and yoga practices, fostering a state of calm focus and emotional equilibrium.

Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, and Neroli oils each offer unique benefits that enrich both aromatherapy and personal care.

Lavender Oil is renowned for its calming properties, effectively alleviating stress and promoting restful sleep. Its floral fragrance can create a serene atmosphere, making it a staple in relaxation rituals.

Ylang-Ylang Oil, extracted from the vibrant blossoms of the Cananga tree, is celebrated for its sweet, exotic scent. This oil is often used to uplift mood and encourage emotional balance, making it an ideal ingredient for perfumes and skincare formulations.

Neroli Oil, derived from the delicate blossoms of the bitter orange tree, is prized for its refreshing aroma and skin rejuvenating qualities. Recognised for its ability to improve skin elasticity and reduce scars, Neroli also serves as a natural mood enhancer, providing a sense of peace and tranquillity.

Yin&Boost:

Bergamot, lemongrass and red mandarine blended with coconut oil.

Bergamot, lemongrass, and red mandarine oils combine to create an invigorating blend ideal for uplifting the spirit and enhancing well-being. I tend to gravitate to these oils for my morning practice or on days where I feel low on energy. This mix boosts my mood and activates my energy.

Bergamot oil, extracted from the rinds of the bergamot orange, offers a refreshing citrus aroma known for its mood-enhancing properties, promoting feelings of calm and positivity.

Lemongrass oil, with its fresh and zesty scent, invigorates the mind and body, helping to alleviate stress and fatigue while providing a sense of clarity and focus.

Red mandarine oil brings a sweeter, more delicate citrus note to the mix. Renowned for its soothing qualities, it nurtures relaxation and emotional balance.

Together, these essential oils create a harmonious blend that can energise your space, stimulate creativity, and promote a sense of tranquillity. Perfect for use in aromatherapy or as part of your daily wellness routine, this trio invites a burst of joy and vitality into your life.

In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook this profound connection to the world around us. By deliberately immersing ourselves in various scents, we can cultivate mindfulness and a deeper relationship with our environment. Grounding ourselves through scent is not merely a physical act; it’s an invitation to reconnect with our emotional selves and to honour the rich tapestry that life offers.

Take time each day to explore the fragrances that surround you. Whether through flowers in your home, herbs in your kitchen, or the simple act of walking in a natural setting, allow your senses to lead you. Embrace the exploration, for in doing so, we nurture both our spirit and our connection to mother earth.

If your would like to learn more about essential oils and go deeper in your journey, I strongly recommend you to visit http://www.amarisnatural.com they are incredible with essential oils and other natural therapies.

Checkout my new Podcast with Eva Ruth González

I have just produced a new podcast with the help of Eva Ruth González (Director of ‘Aramis Natural’) where we discuss this very topic. Check it out with following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ph1Fir9wQII?si=IlRWWG8zB68q-Whe

Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Simply search “Tu Momento Yin”