Best Essential Oils for Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and body and can benefit your overall well being. By using essential oils in your meditation practice, you can amplify the effects and reap even more benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the various benefits of using essential oils for meditation and provide a list of the top five essential oils to use. We will also discuss how to use these essential oils safely and effectively. Read on to discover how you can incorporate essential oils into your meditation ritual.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness. It is a technique which involves sitting or lying in a comfortable position, closing the eyes, and focusing on the breath or a chosen mantra or affirmation. The goal of meditation is to bring awareness to the present moment and become mindful of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Many people use it as part of their daily routine to help them stay balanced in life, and studies have shown that meditation can be incredibly beneficial to the body and mind.
- Lavender Essential Oil:Renowned for its calming, soothing effects and ability to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
- Frankincense Essential Oil: Has an uplifting aroma which can assist in releasing negative emotions and increasing mental clarity.
- Bergamot Essential Oil: Can bring focus while reducing stress levels and improving moods with its citrusy scent.
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Stimulates alertness, yet still provides relaxation benefits with its cooling sensations when inhaled or applied topically (with a carrier oil) on skin or temples area.
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: Has a delightful floral aroma and soothing characteristics which could be useful when trying to reach a deep meditative state.
How to Use Essential Oils for Meditation
When it comes to using essential oils for meditation, the key is in finding one that resonates with you. Once you have chosen an essential oil, add a few drops to a diffuser (with water as directed) or put 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and inhale the aroma throughout your meditation session. The fragrance of the oil will help promote relaxation, allowing you to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
When beginning your mediation session, set an intention for what you want to achieve from your practice and take some deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. This will help bring awareness to your body and focus on the moment. As you start to become more relaxed in this state of mind, allow yourself to open up to any thoughts that come up during this time while focusing on the aroma of the essential oil around you. At the end of your session, thank yourself for taking some time out of your day to dedicate to self-care and reflective thought.
It’s important to note that when using essential oils for meditation there are safety considerations which should be taken into account, such as diluting them correctly with a carrier oil before applying them topically, not ingesting them directly, and avoiding contact with your eyes. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using essential oils and you should avoid using essential oils around kids and pets.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating essential oils into your meditation practice can bring an even deeper level of relaxation. Try using the essential oils listed above the next time you meditate and explore mixing and matching other varieties to find the best combination for you. To learn more about how you can use essential oils to soothe the body and mind, take a look at this article: DIY Bath Salts for Deep Body Relaxation.
