ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are the highly concentrated essences of aromatic plants. They can be derived from all parts of the plant: flowers (rose), woods (sandalwood), barks (cinnamon), leaves (basil), roots and fruits (orange). The methods of oil extraction are time-consuming and expensive, and require a high degree of expertise.

Some essential oils are especially costly due to the labor intensive process and the quantity of the plant required to produce the oil. For example, approximately 2,000 kilograms of rose petals would produce 1 kg of essential oil, and 4 million jasmine flowers produce a kilogram of jasmine oil. But they are also highly effective -- only a few drops are required to achieve the desired effect.

Ayurveda considers the use of aroma as an important tool for prevention and healing. Practitioners use it for protecting the vital force, prana, regulating digestion and metabolism, agni, and increasing resistance to disease, ojas. Traditional ayurvedic practices include fumigation by burning neem leaves, use of holy basil or rose petals in water while bathing, and burning incense sticks during meditation.

THERAPEUTIC USES

• Smelling: The most important pathway for aromas is through the sense of smell. When we smell essential oils, the vapor stimulates our olfactory nerve. This is the only nerve in the body that directly contacts the environment and goes all the way to the brain. All of our other senses involve several nerves and synaptic junctions before the impulses reach the brain. The olfactory nerve stimulates the limbic system, which is connected to the areas of the brain that process emotions, desires, appetites and memories, as well as the endocrine glands which regulate hormone levels in the body. For this reason, aromas have a subtle but very powerful influence on our mind and body. They can be very effective in the treatment of stress. Scents of vanilla, orange blossom, rose, chamomile and lavender have a noticeable calming effect. Lavender, sandalwood and nutmeg oils also help reduce the ill-effects of stress. Patchouli oil helps reduce anxiety, lifts the mood and increases bliss. Maharishi Ayurveda offers a great variety of therapeutic aroma blends from Calming to Refreshing, from Cooling to Stimulating. They contain pure essential oils, undiluted with a carrier oil. Put them in a room or car diffuser, wear them in an aroma locket, or light one of our aroma candles to relax, uplift your mood or improve your sleep.
• Massage: Aromatherapy massage is another widely used ayurvedic technique. When you receive, or give yourself a massage, you not only inhale the essential oils but your skin absorbs them as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body. Essential oils have different rates of absorption so it is best not to shower directly following a massage to ensure maximum effectiveness. To balance your dosha or to adjust to the seasons try the Relaxing, Cool Sensation or Invigoration aroma massage oils. The M•SPA Youthful Skin Massage Oil is also rich in aromas and balances all the three doshas.
• Bath: Aromatic baths are also popular forms of aromatherapy. The large surface of the warm water in the tub instantly vaporizes the essential oils, sending their particles to your brain. Soaking alone relaxes your muscles and your whole physiology, so you enhance the effect of the aromas. Try a few drops of Muscle Rest Aroma oil if you are sore from working out. Add bath salts right before you enter the tub to enjoy the full potency of their essential oils. They come in seven different combinations such as Relaxing, Rejuvenating and Energizing.
• Skin and Hair Care: Most personal care items are scented with aromas, often with synthetic ones. Maharishi Ayurveda uses only pure essential oils in soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions. The smell of roses, jasmine or neem in soaps can enliven your shower. The Rose and Lavender Waters help tone your skin and uplift your spirit. The aromas in the M•SPA Youthful Skin Cream and the Youthful Skin Advanced Lipid Support relax your entire physiology when you put them on. They also get absorbed in your bloodstream through your skin. For this reason, whatever product you use, make sure it contains only natural essential oils and ingredients. Artificial aromas and perfumes will not provide the same benefits and can cause skin irritation or allergies.