Walk into almost any yoga studio these days and you are likely to notice that the pungent aroma of incense (not always a universal favorite) has been replaced by a far lighter olfactory experience: essential oils. Some yoga teachers diffuse essential oils during class to enhance the uplifting experience of the asanas. Others anoint students with oil-infused hands as they drift into Shavasana. Some studios offer spray bottles filled with essential oil blends for students to wipe down sweaty mats at the end of class.
Whether they’re using sandalwood, patchouli, frankincense, eucalyptus or bergamot, these days yoga teachers are increasingly integrating essential oils into the yoga experience. And with good reason: These aromatic compounds—found in plant seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers—have long been a favorite with the aromatherapy crowd and those who tout the oils’ ability to enhance mental and emotional wellness, relieve sore muscles, and support physical and spiritual well-being.
