In Ayurveda, pure fragrances are used for healing. Pure fragrances are flower essences, or essential oils, that contain the Prana of the plant. When we use essential oils in a diffuser or on our skin, our bodies absorb the essence of the plant and it gets distributed to all of our body channel systems or srotas and affects our minds and senses. This has a profound impact on our doshas. We can therefore harness the power of Ayurveda and aromatherapy to balance the doshas.
Ayurveda Aromatherapy for Each Dosha
Use the following guidelines to learn the types of essential oils, carrier oils (it is recommended to dilute most oils in a carrier oil) and location of application that are best for each dosha constitution as well as DIY blends.
Vata Aromatherapy
The Vata dosha benefits from hot and wet qualities to counterbalance its cold and dry nature. The best oils for Vata are: rose, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, vetiver, rosewood, sage, cinnamon, oregano and thyme. Vata also does well with orange and lavender as well.
All carrier oils are good for Vata, especially sesame and hazelnut. These oils are heavy and will nourish Vata’s deep tissues (Vata needs a lot of care in the bones and connective tissues)
For Vata, apply the oil on the third eye.
DIY Vata Massage Oil Aromatherapy Blend:
- 8 oz of sesame oil – organic and non toasted please 😉
- 120 drops of the following mix of essential oils (which will make a 2% concentration):
- 15% orange (TOP NOTES)
- 75% vanilla and lavender (HEART NOTES)
- 10% of rosewood (BASE NOTES)
- 1 dropper of Vitamin C to preserve the mixture and keep your massage oil in the fridge
Pitta Aromatherapy
The Pitta dosha benefits from cold and dry qualities to counterbalance the hot and wet nature of the Fire and Water elements that make up Pitta. The best oils for Pitta are: blue and gold chamomile, yarrow, lavender, geranium, clary sage, ylang ylang. Pitta does well with rose and sandalwood as well.
The best carrier oils for Pitta are cooling, such as olive and coconut oils.
For Pitta, apply oil to the heart chakra.
DIY Pitta Massage Oil Aromatherapy Blend:
- 8 oz of a blend of olive and coconut oils
- 120 drops of the following mix of essential oils (which will make a 2% concentration):
- 15% of lemon (TOP NOTES)
- 75% of lavender and geranium (HEART NOTES)
- 10% of ylang ylang (BASE NOTES)
- 1 dropper of Vitamin C to preserve the mixture and keep your massage oil in the fridge
Kapha Aromatherapy
The Kapha dosha benefits from dry and hot oils like lime, grapefruit, orange, juniper, cumin, cinnamon, basil, ginger and does well with yarrow, chamomile, cayenne, rose, eucalyptus, cypress.
For Kapha, apply oil between the navel and the pubic bone.
Kaphas are best treated with heating vegetable oils like almond.
DIY Kapha Massage Oil Aromatherapy Blend:
- 8 oz of almond oil
- 120 drops of the following mix of essential oils (which will make a 2% concentration):
- 15% of grapefruit and eucalyptus (TOP NOTES)
- 75% of juniper and cinnamon (HEART NOTES)
- 10% of clove and cypress (BASE NOTES)
- 1 dropper of Vitamin C to preserve the mixture and keep your massage oil in the fridge
When a dosha is badly out of balance, essential oil massage should be done at least three times a week. As you come back to balance, practice essential oil massage once a week, then continue with daily self-massage as part of a daily regimen.
As you practice self-massage, take note of the changes happening in your body, mind and emotions. Please share your experience with me! I hope you enjoy my blends!
Cecile Antoine Alfonzo
Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant & Coach
