In the midst of contemporary lives characterized by constant busyness, rapid movement, scattered focus, insufficient rest, and often exhaustion, the practice of meditation promotes mental clarity, mindfulness, spiritual cleansing, relaxation, and higher states of consciousness to replace the anxieties and divided attention with a sense of enlightenment. Essential Oils with naturally pleasant aromas are reputed to support and sometimes enhance the quality of meditation. Although the ideal Essential Oil depends on the user’s personal preference, there are various oils that have gained popularity for their uplifting and focus-enhancing benefits when used in meditative practices such as prayer and mindfulness. With each use of a particular oil, the chosen scent may come to facilitate the ideal meditative state as each use strengthens the association of the scent to the ritual.
BENEFITS OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS IN MEDITATION
Aromatherapy can enhance the practice of meditation by centering, grounding, and focusing the mind and body. Essential Oils possess remedial compounds that are believed to help reduce negative energy from thr mind by encouraging positivity, determination, optimism, gratitude, and self-respect. Furthermore, Essential Oils are reputed to ease, calm, and soothe the body. For serious meditative practices, it is recommended that only the highest quality oils be used in order to derive the most beneficial therapeutic effects.
10 BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MEDITATION AND RITUAL
Generally, the ideal Essential Oils for most mindfulness practices are those with aromas and properties that inspire the feelings of calmness, centeredness, and concentration. Oils with resinous, earthy, warm, or floral scent profiles set the most effective atmosphere that is ideal for meditation while also exhibiting the most aromatherapeutic benefits. Some of the most used Essential Oils during meditative practices include Frankincense, Lavender, Sandalwood, and Cedarwood because they ease nervous energy, promote focus, and encourages relaxation. The following list is not exhaustive and involves the most popular choices among those who practice meditation, yoga, spirituality, or other forms of mindfulness rituals:
| RECOMMENDED OIL | REPUTED BENEFITS |
|---|---|
| Frankincense |
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| Myrrh
To learn more about Myrrh Oil and Resinoid, click here. |
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| Sandalwood |
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| Neroli |
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| Vetiver
To learn more about Vetiver Oil, click here. |
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| Palo Santo |
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| Atlas Cedarwood
To learn more about Cedarwood Oil, click here. |
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| Lavender |
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| Ylang Ylang
To learn more about Ylang Ylang Oil, click here. |
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| Sage
To learn more about Sage Oil, click here. |
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HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MEDITATION
The method of application for Essential Oils during meditation depends on the intention and objective of the user. The application method as well as the choice of Essential Oils may vary for each meditative practice, depending on the mood or intention of each day.
TOPICAL APPLICATION: If applying oils directly to the skin, ensure that they are diluted first. A few drops can be diluted in a Carrier Oil and the blend can be rubbed on the pulse points, such as the wrist and inner elbow. Those who believe in a third eye can dab a small amount onto this area and massage it into the skin. If there are any sore areas of the body, Essential Oils may be applied to these areas to help redirect the mind way from focusing on the bodily discomfort and to enhance mental focus on meditation. Diluted Essential Oils may also be rubbed into the palms for inhalation that is self-determined.
DIFFUSER or ROOM SPRAY: For an ambient atmosphere that inspires improved focus and invigorates the senses, the chosen Essential Oils can be diffused or they can be diluted in a spray bottle of water to create a room spray.
TISSUE DIFFUSER: This informal method is also the most convenient to use in almost any space, including public transportation, offices, and in other places where the diffusion of Essential Oils would be best avoided. The simple, unassuming manner of this application makes it relatively safer to the general public, as the scent remains with the user and does not subject smell-sensitive individuals to potentially harmful aromas. The only steps required are to add a few drops of a preferred Essential Oil to a tissue and to then wave the tissue gently under the nose to release the scent or to set the tissue aside nearby and to allow the scent to naturally waft.
STEAM DIFFUSER: This method diffuses Essential Oils through mist, either a cool mist or a hot mist similar to a humidifier. This method is ideal for extended periods of diffusion, as the aroma is longer-lasting. NDA recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to Essential Oils, especially when sleeping.
DIY STEAM DIFFUSER: For an effective makeshift diffuser that is ideal for shorter periods of diffusion, simply boil water in a pot on the stove top and add a few drops of a preferred Essential Oil while it boils.
CANDLE DIFFUSER: This type of diffuser comes in the form of a tea light candle holder – which can be made of various materials, including ceramic, glass, soap stone, terracotta, or metal – that features a small bowl or a concave hollow above the place of the candle in which Essential Oils are meant to be poured. As the lit candle warms the Essential Oils above it, the aroma of the oils is diffused throughout the room. An additional benefit is that these candle holders make visually-appealing additions to meditation spaces.
ELECTRIC HEAT DIFFUSER: Often in the shape of round bowls, bottles, or large water drops, these devices employ electricity to warm Essential Oils. They are often plugged into the wall; however, there are battery-powered options as well. This method is ideal for times when candles are best avoided.
While the use of individual Essential Oils is the traditional, classic manner of applying them, their beneficial properties are known to be heightened when they are used in combination with one or more other beneficial Essential Oils, which can help to supplement the positive effects – individual experimentation is encouraged! The final mix will exude a different scent than the original oils on their own would, but the resulting effects will be undoubtedly enhanced. NDA also offers the following ready-to-use blends comprised of 100% pure Essential Oils. These blends are also known as Synergy Blends and contain oils that are clarifying, uplifting, strengthening, and balancing to address various symptoms of being overwhelmed, both physically and mentally:
Mental Clarity Synergy Blend: Made up of Basil, Bergamot, Grapefruit, and Lemon oils.
Tranquil Synergy Blend: Made up of Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram Sweet, Palmarosa, and Ylang Ylang oils.
Relax Synergy Blend: Made up of Blood Orange, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang oils.
Several, if not all, of the oils in these lists are known to improve the mood, uplift the spirit, clear the mind, promote rest and easy breathing, as well as comfort aches, inflammation, and irritation. They can be diffused, used to make a room freshener, incorporated into a candle formulation, or be applied as a roll-on personal scent or body spray.
DIY ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR MEDITATION
“Slow Down” Blend (CALMING)
- Cedarwood – 2 drops
- Palo Santo – 3 drops
- Sandalwood – 3 drops
“Stay Present” Blend (GROUNDING)
- Frankincense – 2 drops
- Sage – 2 drops
- Vetiver – 2 drops
“Unwind” Blend (RELAXING)
- Lavender – 3 drops
- Neroli – 3 drops
- Ylang Ylang – 2 drops
ESSENTIAL OIL SIDE EFFECTS
As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Essential Oils are for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using these oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Essential Oils without the medical advice of a physician, as they may have effects on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. These oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.
Those with the following health conditions are especially recommended to be advised by a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders or allergies, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.
Prior to using any Essential Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Essential Oils must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Essential Oils include redness, rash, hives, burning, bleeding disorders, decreased speed of healing, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the products and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.