Ayurvedic Aromatherapy

[Sam Oliver]

In the history of Ayurveda, one of India’s great gifts to human kind, aromatherapy and incense have played a very vital part. The incense is in the first place the simplest product in Aromatherapy and the most basic in Ayurveda. All of the natural incense can even be employed in aromatherapy as they contain the vital energy that only nature is said to generate. The ayurvedic aromatherapy incense’s basic nature lies on the process of the burning of the aromatic herbs and other botanical elements that are contained in a stick of incense. According to the principles of Ayurveda, it is the sense of smell which gets around the rational mind that can influence the more subtle levels of the human being, which in turn brings the spirit of harmony and balance to the whole being. It is with this effect that the ayurvedic aromatherapy incense is said to enhance the overall health, as well as the mood of a person, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Certain formulations and steps are generally involved in the preparation of the ayurvedic aromatherapy incense, but all of these appear to be very simple. Typically, the base of the ayurvedic aromatherapy incense is a tenderly measured mixture of essential oils and aromatic elements that are extracted from roots, bark, fruit and resin. The base is then mixed with water to form a paste, and it is added with a natural essential oil blend and rolled onto the bamboo stick. After which, it is left to dry. It is basically the adding of a natural essential oil blend to the paste before rolling it into the bamboo stick which provides the ayurvedic aromatherapy incense a particular scented fragrance. In the principles of ayurvedic aromatherapy, the herbal properties of the ayurvedic aromatherapy incense’s components are generally blended in a way that harmonizes the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is then the balanced composition of the final product aims at acquiring a certain effect, which takes into account the knowledge of the Principle maintained by the Ayurveda medicine and aromatherapy as well. The mechanisms which govern the elements of the ayurvedic aromatherapy incense also play a major role in the larger context of holistic view. A number of ayurvedic aromatherapy incenses are now popular in the world. Some of them are widely known, while there are still others that are left unknown. The Camphor ayurvedic aromatherapy incense is one of the concrete examples of the better-known ayurvedic aromatherapy incense, which is said to increase prana, opens the sensorial perception, and gives mental clarity. This is actually a stimulant and deemed as a symbol of Purity as it has the power to purify the subtle atmosphere. Incense is one of the most vital, simplest products in aromatherapy and the most basic in Ayurveda, which is the indigenous medical system of the Vedic India. This has been continually used in ayurvedic aromatherapy as it believes to contain the important energy that only nature can generate. The incense is even deemed to possess the properties that are strong enough to prevent infection, purify the environment, and stimulate prana or life force, thus promoting good health and well being. In today’s busy world, a number of pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense is out there. These pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incenses are generally prepared from raw materials that possess herbal properties combined in a way that balances the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is basically the balanced composition of the final product of the pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense, as well as the mechanisms that govern them, which takes into account the knowledge of the tenet maintained by the Ayurdeva and aromatherapy. Below is a few of the well-known pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense commonly employed by most of the aromatherapists these days. * Camphor () – This pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense is said to enhance the level of prana, opens the sensorial perception, and provide mental clarity. It is actually a stimulant that stands for Purity as it has the power to purify the subtle atmosphere. * Frankincense (Boswellia charteri) - This is also known as Olibanum, a resin from the tree. As pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense, Frankincense has been used since time immemorial for religious purposes, and the fragrance of this pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense can even be felt these days in many of the churches of Europe. It has been maintained that this incense possesses warming, elevating, and soothing effect on the mind and emotions as well, making it an effective back up to pacify obsessions, anxieties, and fears. * Juniper () – This pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense is highly noted for its power to strengthen and uplift the spirit during time of low energy, weakness, and anxiety. According to some experts, this pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense cleanses the atmosphere and supports centering and meditation. It even assists to detoxify the blood and serves as a diuretic and aids during fasting. * Myrrh (Comiphora malmal) – Finally, this pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense is used since the ancient times and is noted to prevent aging. Many have believed that it can revert the aging process, promote the growth of new tissue and rejuvenate the body and the mind as well. This pure aromatherapy ayurvedic incense is even believed to increase one’s powers of concentrations and aids to free repressed emotions as its actions reach the subtle bodies. As you can see, Ayurvedic Aromatherapy contains properties known to calm and heal the mind, the body, and help you connect to your soul. This ancient therapy is just as vital to our well being today as it was centuries ago. It is a natural healing designed to help one find balance within one's natural capacities to heal. It is a movement into the heart and soul of healing care known to our elders of old and those who dare to pursue natural healing care in their daily lives that date back to healers and shamans who were sougth out years ago to help people remember who they are, and thus, enable the mind and the body to find natural healing abilities that lie within them. Sam Oliver, author of, "The Path into Healing" For more on this author: www.pathintohealing.com

[Elizabeth Holliday]

Thank you for this wealth of information. A fascinating subject. In the tradition of Chinese medicine, we say that with our breath, we transform the air into chi, or vital energy, the breath of life. It occurs to me reading your post that aromatherapy is delivered by the breath, and is available as easily as taking a breath, and that then the breath exists in harmony with the magical properties of oils and incenses. These properties become part of our vitality, through the breath. So to use aromatherapy is to engage in breathing, with its own benefits, in concert with the benefits of the oils. Right now I really enjoy lemon! It's fun to make blends. One of my favorite blends:

Sandalwood
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang
Juniper or Eucapyptus, small amount
Lemon
Pepper
Nutmeg

As a massage volunteer, I never use aromatherapy of any kind with hospice patients. I use an unscented lotion, when I use lotion at all. But your post has inspired me to get back to the practice of making and enjoying, and sharing oil blends.

How did you come upon Ayurveda in your life's journey? Have you had any experience with Ayurvedic massage?