Using essential oils in yoga class

When I was teaching public yoga classes I very rarely used essential oils in yoga class. Although those of you who came to my Streatham classes know that I sometimes did put on the diffuser between classes. We had a teen/kids capoeira class just before… and trust me it did leave a powerful aroma and room needed fumigation!

At one point *everybody* was all about essential oils and using essential oils in yoga classes. And me being a trained clinical aromatherapist it would be a great way to combine my love for yoga and aromatherapy. And many people felt I should also join their MLM (multi-level marketing) subscription to essential oil companies… but that’s another story). But I very rarely did – except as a much-needed air freshener. Why?

Is it appropriate to use essential oils in yoga classes?

Maybe… and it depends… because everybody has different responses to the oils. Whether an emotional connection or indeed be allergic, have respiratory reactions and some oils aren’t appropriate for everyone (some are contraindicated in the case of epilepsy, pregnancy etc). Some of us are just really sensitive to smell and don’t want to inhale essential oil compounds whilst in a yoga class.

But I know essential oils is aromaTHERAPY. They are very beneficial. And that is why I love using them in my own practice at home. And why I would invite you to enjoy them too.

Using essential oils in yoga can be part of your ritual. Part of the transition from doing whatever you did before to your yoga time. Changing the aroma in our space changes the atmosphere. A change from your usual bedroom/home office/kids’ room/living room/kitchen/wherever-you-practise to a space for movement, breath, awareness – and yoga.

How to use essential oils for yoga

A diffuser is a way to allow the aroma to infuse and permeate the whole space. Not just as a space clearing but also to create a specific mood. A few drops of essential oils for a few moments can create a whole new atmosphere.

Essential oil candles have the beauty and warmth of the candlelight with the power of essential oils. And they look pretty. Just make sure the candle is made of essential oils rather than perfume.

Applying the essential oil to the skin is another way to enjoy the aroma as well as the actual application and benefit through the skin. Don’t use pure essential oils but mix them in vegetable oil (sometimes referred to as a base oil) before applying them to the skin. Obviously, you don’t want to be completely oily for your yoga practice. But you can make a little aromatherapy blend or use a roll-on like these on your pulse points, wrists, top of the feet… I also like to add just a little drop on the palms of my hands and inhale deeply before I begin my practice.  

Use an aromatherapy mist in the room you are practising in to refresh, clear or calm the energy in the space.

And if you enjoy oils in general you could massage your feet or perhaps your abdomen at the end of the yoga session before or after Shavasana, relaxation or meditation.

How to use essential oils in yoga class as a yoga teacher

When I teach on zoom I do any mixture of the above. Perhaps I use the diffuser for a bit (not for too long). Or a mist… I love the ritual of anointment and use my roll-ons to just take that moment to apply with intention, inhale and settle as a ritual. 

For in-person yoga classes, I may also use essential oils with consideration of those attending. As a way of personal ritual and intention setting for myself, I may also use a roll-on essential oil blend before starting, applying a bit to the top of my feet and wrists. But I rarely use anything else – depending on the space – and depending on the general aroma in the room.

I’ll be sharing some of my favourite essential oils in my next post… (get my newsletter to receive all updates)

I get most of my essential oils from Neal’s Yard Remedies. Many are Soil Association Organic certified. For the essential oils that aren’t organic, wherever possible they’re wild-crafted, grown in their natural habitat. In addition to this, NYR actively supports fair trade and the ethical, sustainable sourcing of ingredients. They are all 100% pure. NYR is a member of the UK’s Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC). Please have a look at my shop page here

(Disclaimer: I love NYR and have used the products for years and years therefore I am now an NYRO consultant meaning I have a shop page where may get a commission without any cost to the customer)