Candlelight combined with the aroma from a scented candle helps the healing and rejuvenating power of yoga.

The ancient Indian healing system, Ayurveda (herbal medicine), uses essential oils and asana (physical practice of yoga) to balance and unblock the body’s chakras, which promotes the flow of life energy. The chakras are the energy centers of the body. Now, maybe the language of the chakras doesn’t speak to you. That’s okay. Modern science has also shown a strong connection between aromatherapy and asana practice.

Yoga not only strengthens the body, but it also calms the mind. Yoga creates an oasis of peace that we can sit amidst all the hustle and bustle. Aromatherapy balances your brain and in addition, essential oils possess cleansing properties. These two together creates a balance in your everyday life.

Choose candles, oils and perfumes with properties that stimulate and enhance your yoga and meditation practice.

Energizing citrus and herbal essential oils: Orange, lime, bergamot, grapefruit, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme, basil, lemongrass.

Calming floral essential oils: Lavender, rose, ylang ylang, chamomile, jasmine.

Grounding earthy essential oils: Cedarwood, myrrh, patchouli, black spruce, sandalwood, cinnamon, vetiver.

Aromatherapy can be done by diffusion, anointing or purifying. One should employ all three methods for the best effects.

• Lighting essential oil candles diffuse the scent and provides the soul with inner peace. Find your candle of peace here. Like the Mughal Gardens from Amouage.
• Applying essential oil, called anointment, enhances and stimulates your body and mind. To aid in your practice of meditation, find your soothing oil here. Like Baccarat Rouge 540 and OUD Satin Mood oils.
• Purification by spritzing perfume made from essential oils. Find your favorite citrus, floral and earthy scent here.

Mindfulness and a feeling of balance is created through scents and candles which further benefits your yoga and meditation practice.

-Shilpa Shah