An Encounter with Ayurveda Aromatherapy

“Some years ago, during my several journeys to India, I stumbled upon these unique and rare Ayurveda Aromatherapy oils. I have since then experimented with, investigated and researched into these oils and the results have been profound and astounding! I feel proud and grateful to be the first to promote these ancient and unusual oils in Australia, New Zealand and the Far East.”
Farida Irani- Founder Subtle Energies

Ayurveda, the age old science of Indian medicine which means science of life, goes back 4000 years in written script but the origins of this ancient science is said to be over 40000 years old!

Ayurveda has specified ways in which Aromatics, diet, herbs and even cosmetics could help to sustain mental equilibrium as the good mind is of utmost importance for the physical, emotional and spiritual well being. These oils are very beneficial for beauty, skincare and compliment various other ailments.

For beauty and daily body care, the Indian women have always used flowers and oils. They decorate their hair with these aromatic flowers and oils to enhance their sensuality. They used to dry their long hairs in the old days by lying down and spreading their hair over sweet scented rocks which are heated and the aroma from the steam would go into the hair. Special oils were used freshly extracted from crushing the sweet scented exotic flowers like the rose, champa, chameli, mogra, kewda jasmine and applied for specific period of time on the bride to be to prepare her for the wedding ceremony.

The philosophy of this ancient science is practiced till to date in Indian households and we are reviving the science of using rare and unique essential oils and attars as most Ayurvedic Institutes and Pharmacies use decoctions and infusions of the herbs. 

The Indian science of Ayurveda Aromatherapy is based on inherited genetic constitution. Due to over-indulgence in food and sensuous pleasures, toxins accumulate in the bile and blood, resulting in ailments and ultimately ageing. All humans are oriented either to gas, bile or phlegm. There are three types of personalities or Prakrutis:

Vata
(Air and Ether – light, dry and cold, governs movements, respiration, circulation and nervous system) Imbalance leads to pain, stress, depression, digestive problems, reproductive disorders, dryness, and nervous disorders

Pitta
(Fire and Water  - hot and wet, governs enzymes, hormones, digestive fires, vision and intelligence)
Imbalance leads to indigestion, heartburn, skin rash, hot flushes, anger, and heated conditions

Kapha
(Water and Earth – cold, moist, slow and heavy, governs digestion, lymphatic system, fluids, lubrication in organs/ joints, skeletal system)
Imbalance leads to phlegm, congestion, obesity, fluid retention, and lethargy, lack of energy

• Fierce smelling aromatic substances which are wet, heavy, calming and warming, invigorating and uplifting are beneficial to gas oriented people (Vata) (eg. Cumin Seed, Rhu Khus, Saffron, Ajowan, Black pepper, Turmeric, Rhukhus, Tulasi,Cardamon, Cinnamon, Clove , Ginger, Frankincense, Davana, Jatamansi).

• Essential oils classified as coolants, heat dispelling, drying nutritive and calming, Sensual, nurturing and relaxing are conducive to bile oriented people ( Pitta )
( eg.Mogra,Champa,Neem, Gul-heena, Jatamansi, Sandalwood, Kewda, Rose,Coriander seed/leaf, Sandalwood).

• Essential oils having pungent, astringent and bitter odours which are warming, drying, energising and stimulating, are beneficial to phlegm oriented individuals (Kapha) (eg. Clove, Cardamon, Tulasi, Fennel, Ajowan, Betel leaf, Davana, Patchouli, Curry Leaf, Lime, Patchouli).  Warming Base/Carrier oils for Vata and Kapha are: Sesame and Ashwagandha
Cooling Base/Carrier oils are: Coconut and Brahmi

These oils can be safely used in conjunction with common Aromatherapy essential oils
For further details on the oils refer to the book “ the Magic of Ayurveda Aromatherapy” by Farida Irani

Essential oils are seventy to a hundred times more concentrated than the plant itself.  They should be a 100 % pure and natural.  That is why it is important to buy quality assured oils from reputable companies and therapists and not go by the price.

Almost all essential oils have anti viral, anti fungal, anti bacterial qualities to a greater or lesser degree depending on their chemical constituents.  We like to call them pro biotic or eubiotic, which means cell promoters as they do not destroy the natural flora of the body.
By applying these oils on the body we are enhancing our immune system.

Because they are volatile by nature they must be stored away from heat and light in order not to destroy their molecules.  Therefore dark glass bottles are recommended.

The oils are the prana or the chi or the life force of the plant.  We are synergising the prana or life force of these oils with our own prana thereby bring in an expansion and clarity on a mental and a spiritual level.

Essential Oils can be used in Baths, as a Compress, in Vaporizers, for Inhalation and best of all for Massage. For massage, you can make a blend by adding essential oils to base /carrier oils.

A 2.5% dilution which is adding of, say, 5 drops of any three essential oils to, say, 10 mls of base oils is how a blend is made.

The busy lifestyles we lead today do not enable us to go through vigorous techniques which are time consuming.  Therefore one must find time to at least perform some of the procedures on oneself as a dinacharya (daily regime). One can easily benefit out of simple techniques like self massage(self abhyang), head massage, foot massage, Nasya (nasal oil technique).
 
In the ancient Ayurveda texts, there is a Shloka (saying):

“Shira Shravana Padeshutum Veesheshena Sheelayet”

“Take special care of the head, ears and soles of the feet.”

Even if you do not get time to do full Abhyang, just doing the head, ears and feet will take care of the entire being.

In Aromatherapy, we advise and urge our clients and all those interested in alternatives or complimentary therapy, to keep massaging their bodies on a daily basis.  Many have followed this advice and given such positive feedbacks.  For practitioners, the proof is in the pudding.  We see the results time and time again and we then know that it works!

"THERE IS A POWER THAT WILL LIGHT YOUR WAY TO HEALTH, HAPPINESS, PEACE AND SUCCESS, IF YOU WILL BUT TURN TOWARD THAT LIGHT. "