Aromatherapy for Every Season with Ayurveda
© Vasu Nargundkar
If you use essential oils in your bath, massage oil, lotions or steam therapy, and you normally use a single favorite oil, try blending essential oils for both fun and therapeutic value. Although single aroma incense and floral waters are not uncommon in Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing from India, it is typical to see blends or combinations of several different aromas. The benefits? Synergy and balance.
A synergistic blend of healing substances, according to Ayurveda, delivers a holistic benefit that is greater than the sum of its parts. And careful balancing of ingredients is reported to counteract possible side-effects from a single healing substance. Whatever the traditional rationale behind the practice, it is most definitely fun if you enjoy creating your own custom fragrances.
Ayurveda talks about restoring balance to mind, body and spirit in every season. The three Ayurvedic operators - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - that control all the functions of the mind and body have seasons associated with them as well. Fall and winter are associated with Vata, spring with Kapha and summer with Pitta. There are traditional aroma blends that are particularly useful for restoring overall balance in each of these three seasons.
Vata balancing blends for the fall and winter include oils that soothe and enhance serenity - Sweet Orange, Geranium Rose, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Fennel, for example. Try equal parts of Ylang Ylang and Frankincense (4 drops each) in 2 oz. of a light massage oil such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond for a relaxing therapeutic full-body massage. Or combine two drops each of Sweet Orange and Geranium Rose with 4 drops of Lavender for a relaxing combination for washing - mix with 2 oz. of unscented, gentle shower gel or facial cleanser and use as needed. A couple of drops of this blend can also work well for facial steam therapy in cold windy weather. A combination of 2 drops each of Patchouli and Lemon and 4 drops of Jasmine can help you really unwind - try this blend as an infusion in a late evening bath. A complex Vata blend can include as many as seven or eight oils in a precise combination for optimal seasonal balance.
Pitta tends to get out of balance in situations of extreme heat, whether it be climate-related or emotions-related. Aroma blends for balancing Pitta include cooling oils such as Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood and Lavender, with smaller amounts of soothing oils such
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