Aromatherapy and Breathwork
I remember walking in to my first yoga class, feeling totally broken and going through a painful divorce. At the end of the class during savasana, they came around and massaged everyone’s neck with a cooling gel that had peppermint and lavender. It was HEAVEN. I hadn’t realized how healing the combination of aromatherapy and touch were. I know that’s controversial (the touch and scent during savasana, not the power of them!). But what happens when we combine the potent effects of scent with the transformative practice of breathwork?
Imagine inhaling the calming aroma of lavender as you embark on a deep breathing journey. Or feeling the invigorating scent of peppermint awaken your senses as you practice energizing breathwork. The synergy between scent and the breath is undeniable, offering a multi-sensory experience that can deepen your connection to your body, mind, and spirit.
In this blog post, we'll explore the world of aromatherapy and its potential to enhance your breathwork practice. Including the science behind scent and the breath, discover how specific essential oils can support different breathwork goals, and provide practical tips for integrating aromatherapy into your routine.
The Science of Scent & Breath
While the pairing of aromatherapy and breathwork might seem intuitive, there's also a fascinating science behind their synergy.
Olfaction & the Brain
Our sense of smell, also known as olfaction, is a powerful and often underestimated gateway to our inner world. When we inhale an aroma, scent molecules travel through the nasal passages and interact with olfactory receptors. These receptors send signals directly to the limbic system, a part of the brain responsible for emotions, memories, and even certain physiological functions (Herz, 2007).
This direct connection between scent and the limbic system explains why certain aromas can evoke strong emotional responses, trigger memories, and even influence our heart rate and breathing patterns (Lehrner, Marwinski, Lehr, Johren, & Deecke, 2005).
Essential Oils & Their Properties
Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from plants, capturing their unique aromatic compounds. Each essential oil possesses a distinct chemical composition, which gives it its characteristic scent and therapeutic properties.
Some common categories of essential oils and their potential effects include:
Calming & Relaxing: Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, frankincense
Energizing & Uplifting: Citrus oils (orange, grapefruit, lemon), peppermint, rosemary
Grounding & Centering: Cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood
Focus & Clarity: Rosemary, peppermint, basil, lemon
Synergy with Breathwork
Breathwork and aromatherapy create a powerful synergy. Conscious breathing enhances the absorption and impact of essential oils, allowing their therapeutic properties to penetrate deeper into our system. By combining intentional breathing with carefully chosen scents, we can create a multi-sensory experience that amplifies the benefits of both practices.
Scent Combinations for Different Breathwork Goals
Just as different breathwork techniques evoke distinct experiences, various essential oils can support and enhance specific intentions during your practice. Let's explore some synergistic scent combinations for various breathwork goals.
Relaxation & Stress Relief
When your aim is to unwind and melt away tension, reach for calming and soothing essential oils. These scents can help to slow down your heart rate, ease muscle tension, and quieten a busy mind.
Suggested oils: Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, frankincense, ylang-ylang
Possible Blends & Applications:
Diffuse a blend of lavender and chamomile in your practice space to create a tranquil atmosphere
Add a few drops of bergamot or frankincense to a personal inhaler for on-the-go stress relief
Combine lavender and ylang-ylang with a carrier oil for a relaxing self-massage before or after your breathwork session
Focus & Clarity
If you're seeking mental clarity and focus, invigorating and uplifting scents can be your allies. These aromas can help to sharpen your mind, improve concentration, and boost your energy levels.
Suggested oils: Peppermint, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus, basil
Possible Blends & Applications:
Diffuse a blend of peppermint and rosemary during a study session or work project
Inhale lemon or eucalyptus before a creative endeavour to spark inspiration
Combine basil and peppermint in a personal inhaler for a quick mental pick-me-up
Energy & Motivation
When you need a little boost of energy or motivation, turn to energizing and stimulating scents. These aromas can awaken your senses, invigorate your body, and ignite your passion.
Suggested oils: Citrus oils (orange, grapefruit, lemon), ginger, black pepper, cardamom
Possible Blends & Applications:
Diffuse a blend of citrus oils in the morning to kick-start your day
Inhale ginger or black pepper before a workout to enhance your performance
Combine cardamom and orange in a personal inhaler for an afternoon energy boost
Emotional Release & Healing
Breathwork can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and facilitating healing. Certain essential oils can support this process, encouraging emotional release, self-compassion, and a sense of inner peace.
Suggested oils: Rose, geranium, sandalwood, clary sage, neroli
Possible Blends & Applications:
Diffuse a blend of rose and geranium during a breathwork session focused on emotional release
Apply diluted sandalwood or clary sage to your wrists or temples for a calming and grounding effect
Combine neroli and rose in a personal inhaler to promote self-love and acceptance
Grounding & Centering
When you need to feel rooted and connected to the present moment, turn to grounding and earthy scents. These aromas can help to calm a busy mind, anchor your awareness in your body, and create a sense of stability and security.
Suggested oils: Cedarwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, myrrh
Possible Blends & Applications:
Diffuse a blend of cedarwood and vetiver during a meditation or relaxation practice
Inhale patchouli or frankincense to cultivate a sense of groundedness and connection to the earth
Combine myrrh and cedarwood in a personal inhaler for a calming and centering effect
Remember, these are just suggestions, and the world of aromatherapy is vast and full of possible combinations. Not all of them have to “make sense”. Feel free to experiment with different scents and blends to discover what works best for you and your unique breathwork journey.
Safety & Precautions
While aromatherapy can be a wonderful addition to your breathwork practice, it's important to prioritize safety and ensure you're using essential oils responsibly.
Quality Matters
Not all essential oils are created equal. Some may be diluted, synthetic, or contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals. Always choose high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable suppliers. Look for oils that are labelled as "therapeutic grade" or "100% pure."
Dilution & Application
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin without proper dilution. When using topically, always mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil.
For inhalation, you can use a diffuser, a personal inhaler, or simply add a few drops to a tissue or bowl of hot water. Follow the recommended dilution guidelines provided by the essential oil manufacturer or a qualified aromatherapist.
Individual Sensitivities
Everyone reacts differently to scents. What might be calming and soothing for one person could be irritating or overwhelming for another. Always start with a small amount of essential oil and observe how your body responds. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue use immediately.
Contraindications
Certain essential oils may be contraindicated for individuals with specific health conditions, such as pregnancy, epilepsy, or allergies. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils, especially if you have any concerns or underlying health issues.
Integrating Aromatherapy into Your Breathwork Practice
Now that we've explored the synergy between scent and breath, let's look at some practical ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your breathwork sessions.
Setting the Intention
Before you begin your breathwork practice, take a moment to set your intention. What are you hoping to achieve through your session? Are you seeking relaxation, focus, emotional release, or something else? Once you have a clear intention, choose essential oils that align with your desired outcome.
Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere
Use a diffuser or personal inhaler to disperse the aroma of your chosen essential oil throughout your practice space. The gentle scent will create a soothing and inviting atmosphere, enhancing your overall experience.
Mindful Inhalation
As you begin your breathwork practice, consciously inhale the aroma of the essential oil. Notice how the scent affects your body and mind. Does it evoke any emotions or memories? Does it help you to relax, focus, or feel more grounded?
Experiment & Discover
Don't be afraid to experiment with different scents and blends to discover what works best for you. You might find that certain oils resonate more deeply with specific breathwork practices or intentions.
The combination of aromatherapy and breathwork offers a truly holistic approach to well-being. By engaging both your sense of smell and your conscious breath, you can create a multi-sensory experience that supports relaxation, focus, emotional release, and deep connection to your inner wisdom.
Key Takeaways
Choose high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable suppliers
Dilute and apply essential oils safely
Pay attention to your body's signals and individual sensitivities
Experiment with different scents and blends to discover what works best for you
Herz, R. S. (2007). Aromatherapy facts and fictions: a scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. The International journal of neuroscience, 117(10), 1379-1401.
Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., Johren, P., & Deecke, L. (2005). Ambient odor of orange in a dental office reduces anxiety and improves mood in female patients. Physiology & behavior, 86(1-2), 92-95.
Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K., & Duckett, P. (2003). Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), 15-38.
