Yoga has been one of the unquestionable forms of exercise and alternative medicine in Hinduism. Over centuries, it has been practiced by saints, sages and seculars for its numerous benefits and therapeutic effects. Yoga combines your physical strength and mind power to regulate the flow of energies or prana in you. Prana includes your five senses, which make up the 'vital life'. Thus, when all of these function in accordance with each other, your body is relieved of stress and depression. Recent studies have shown that, combining aromatherapy with yoga benefits the mind, body and soul simultaneously. The natural aromas of essential oils alleviate mental stress, thereby making the body feel lighter and healthier. Combining Aromatherapy with Yoga for Benefits Benefits of Yoga Yoga is a 5,000 year old form of exercise. It has been tried, tested, modified, practiced and proved by saints and scientists, to be one of the most effective exercises in the world. Many misunderstand yoga to be difficult as it includes a lot of stretching. However, with practice, it improves your flexibility and makes body movements graceful and agile. Yoga poses such as 'suryanamaskar' and 'ashtanga yoga' exercise your entire body and tone every muscle. On the other hand, 'Iyengar' or 'hatha' yoga prescribe to less body movements, as they focus on poses. Meditation and watching your breath is an important part of yoga. It improves concentration, focus and has a calming effect on your mind. Yoga lowers stress and encourages production of oxytocin hormone, which is associated with imbuing feelings of relaxation. One of the well-known health benefits of yoga is it helps to lower blood pressure, by slowing the heart rate. It also brings cholesterol in control and strengthens the immune system. When such multiple benefits are combined with benefits of natural aromas, it culminates into harmony of mind, body and soul. Aromatherapy Oils for Yoga Frankincense Oil The earthy fragrance of frankincense oil has a calming effect on the mind, like no other oil. Using it while meditating, helps in connecting with your spiritual senses, thereby bringing in inner strength. It expands the upper chakras and heals the body by alleviating stress, fatigue and depression. Lavender Oil A diffusion of lavender essential oil in your yoga room helps in relieving anxiety, nervousness, headaches and insomnia. Inhaling its fragrance balances the chakras, soothes the heart and brings about peace and relaxation in your mind. Sweet Orange The summer fragrance of sweet orange works exceptionally well for mood upliftment. It clears irrational fears and self-doubt, by revitalizing the senses and reinvigorating the spirit of life. Myrrh Myrrh aids spiritual opening by calming the central nervous system. It infuses the mind with deep tranquility and serenity, by strengthening connection between crown and base chakras. This essential oil is known to heal emotional turmoil and mental wounds. Lemongrass The light fragrance of lemongrass essential oil is known to relieve the mind from tensions, pressures and hassles of everyday life. Practicing yoga in this soothing scent uplifts the mood and instills happier feelings by reducing nervous disturbances. Ylang-Ylang The floral aroma of ylang-ylang boosts self-confidence, reduces high blood pressure, soothes headaches and restores the lost glow on the skin. The hint of sweetness in its fragrance is known to increase libido, cure insomnia and alleviate mood swings. The effects of yoga with aromatherapy are long-term, but have a fairly long gestation period. To experience benefits of the combination of aromatherapy and yoga, you need to practice it at least for a month. When exercise and fragrances are combined with each other, benefits double. It accelerates the process of relaxation and enhances one's mental alertness. As it steers the body away from ailments, it opens pathways for spiritual exploration within.