Aromatherapy for Balancing the Doshas

"There are many ways to help balance the body and aromatherapy is one of those, so let’s add it into your toolbox of wellness.

You may be asking yourself, how does Aroma play a part in balancing the body? Let’s answer that through Ayurvedic lenses. In Ayurveda there are 3 main energetic operators - Vata, Pitta, Kapha - the 3 Doshas. Each one of these is associated with a type of element and corresponds with a season.

Calming your Vata

Related to the elements of space and air, governs movement, and is associated with the fall and winter season. This is the time when we are most cold, the mind is easily scattered, it may be harder to sleep, and anxiety may creep up. To pacify the Vata dosha try using essential oils of Sweet Orange, Geranium Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Frankincense. Add it into your evening bath, add a few drops into some sweet almond oil that you may massage onto your back, or simply place into your diffuser. One of my favorites to help me with sleep is keeping a spray bottle near my bed with a few drops of oil and water mixture to spray my sheets and pillows. You will notice how these oils just instantly soothe the mind, emotions, and enhance tranquility.

Cooling your Pitta

Related to fire, governs transformation, and is associated with summers. What stirs Pitta to fly out of balance is extreme heat, and that could be weather related or emotion related. When there is such extreme intensity in the body it means we need to counter that with something sweet and cooling. Essential oils that Pitta type people would benefit from would be Rose, Jasmine, Fennel, or Sandelwood. Create a calm environment at home and dispel these oils from a water based diffuser for the best results. A great tip for those hot sweaty summer days is to carry a small spray bottle (in a purse or bag) with Rose Water. You can purchase it at any health food store. It's so refreshing and lovely for rebalancing your Pitta and keeping you cool.

Stimulating your Kapha

Related to water and earth, governs stability, and is associated with the end of winter and most of spring. When out of balance, Kapha dosha can weigh you down, make you feel lethargic, foggy brained, cold, congested. Using essential oils like Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Basil, Peppermint, and Tea Tree can all help clear and awaken the body and mind! Simply using these essential oils in a water diffuser or a few drops into your shower gel/soap will get the Kapha dosha back to harmony.