Ayurveda aromatherapy is an ancient medical technique employing the use of scent to bring about good health. Indian physicians have been treating patients with the use of ayurvedic aromatherapy for centuries, using the medicinal properties of dried and fresh herbs in a variety of ways.

Ayurvedic healing techniques lean on aromatherapy as a supplemental therapy. Ayurvedic herbs are infused into essential oils for use in baths or massage or formed into incense cones for burning or moxibustion; the herbs are also used in candles or scented waters used for perfuming the air with the intent of supplementing healing. Aromatherapy is used to bolster the body’s natural vital energy, or prana, to stimulate proper digestion and elimination and to boost immunity. It is also used to calm the body, spirit and mind, helping you to rest sufficiently so your body can heal itself.

There are many ways to make use of Ayurvedic aromatherapy in your daily life. If you have identified which dosha is out of balance, you can use aromatherapy in conjuction with lifestyle changes, dietary changes and herbal remedies to bring the doshas back in balance.  For example, if you feel vata is aggravated, presenting in a dominant manner, making you feel agitated and nervous, you may want to invest in vata-pacifying aromatherapy products. You can purchase massage oils, bath oils, incense cones or sticks, and personal care lotions and products infused with a calming herb or scent such as chamomile, lavender, sandalwood or patchouli.

When you choose to use essential oils as a form of aromatherapy, you’ll want to make sure you mix them with a base oil or water so they will not be too intense, causing overstimulation of the olfactory nerves. One of the best ways to help your body absorb the healing potential of an aromatherapy scent is to buy essential oils, mix it with a base oil that is amenable to your skin type, then either get a massage or massage the oil into your skin. Your nose will pick up the scent, but your skin will also absorb the healing properties of the herb into your body. The scent will stay with you all day, healing and refreshing or calming you as you go about your daily activities.