The
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Healing
Aromas: Ayurveda and Aromatherapy
Essential oils are used in ayurvedic therapeutic formulations
for their yogavahi value--their ability to help transport the
healing wisdom of herbs and herbal oils to the cells and tissues
of the body. They play the same important role in transdermal
formulations and skin care that spices do in cooked preparations
and compound herbal formulations that we eat.
Beyond their role as yogavahis, many essential oils are important
for their own healing wisdom. The oils help create balance through
the sense of smell, and many offer targeted benefit for different
subdoshas. The rose, for example, is renowned in ayurveda for
its ability to pacify Pitta dosha,
and in particular Sadhaka Pitta, the subdosha of Pitta that governs
the emotional heart. Sandalwood is another aroma that helps pacify
Sadhaka Pitta. Lavender helps pacify Prana Vata, the subdosha
of Vata that governs the mind and
nervous system, and thus helps promote restful sleep.
Like
herbs, aromas need to be combined carefully for synergistic results.
If used incorrectly, aromas can actually create imbalance and
lead to irritation, headaches and the like.
Essential oils can be added to massage oils, facial oils, bath
water and liquid cleansers, in homemade facials and masks and
in floral waters and mists.
Our aromatherapy Bath Salts
are a convenient, relaxing way of enjoying aromatherapy. They
can also be blended for a specific
dosha and worn in personal aroma lockets or diffused in your
home. To balance Vata dosha, pick from calming or warming essential
oils such as ylang ylang, amber,
sweet orange, frankincense, clove and rose geranium. For Pitta,
choose from cooling or soothing aromas such as rose, sandalwood,
fennel, mint, jasmine and vetiver. For balancing Kapha,
choose from invigorating or warming oils such as rosemary, tulsi,
eucalyptus, lemon, basil, juniper and coriander.
For
a special treat to pamper your senses and enhance mind-heart-spirit
harmony, try the unique Sacred Essence
blend from Shankara. Rare, extremely precious essential oils
of white rose (rosa alba), white lotus (nelumbo nucifera), rose
absolute (rosa damascena), blue lotus absolute (nelumbo nucifera),
frangipani (plumeria rubra), jasmine absolute (jasminum grandiflorum),
nag champa (michela champaca) and sandalwood mysore (santalum
album) combine to create an unforgettable balancing experience.
Essential
oils are potent, so exercise great care in blending and use. Never
apply essential oils directly to the skin--instead, mix the recommended
amounts in a base oil or in water. Test all oils for sensitivity,
and consult your physician before using essential oils if you
are pregnant or nursing or have a medical condition.
