my care2
make a difference

healthy & green living

more than 4,000 ways to enhance your life

customize your free newsletter

Customize your Healthy & Green Living newsletter now


Gaiam_weight-loss_160x133
hagl_da

Healing Aromatherapy for Your Ayurvedic Type

posted by Annie B. Bond Mar 20, 2007 4:48 am
Healing Aromatherapy for Your Ayurvedic Type
14 comments

By the Care2 Staff.

The state of your weight, your digestion, your skin and hair are all reflections of your dosha, or Ayurvedic type. This ancient system not only gives fascinating information about you and your basic constitution, it suggests the perfect aroma oils for balance and healing. Take our quiz to find out your dosha, get helpful information from this traditional wisdom–and then treat yourself to a luxurious healing experience with oils and ingredients formulated just for you.

According to ancient wisdom, the three basic Ayurvedic types are earthy Kapha, airy Vata, and fiery Pitta. Take the quiz to find out your Ayurvedic type.

Our skins are highly permeable; any substance we place on them will be absorbed into our bodies to some extent (which is why it’s essential for our beauty products to be pure). Combine this transdermal effect with aromatherapy, which demonstrates the impact of certain aromas on our mind/body/spirit, and we have a winning combination for balance and healing.

Kapha may be sluggish and slow to burn off extra pounds, with oily hair and skin, enlarged pores and acne. To balance too much Kapha, try these invigorating or warming essential oils:

Basil, coriander, eucalyptus, juniper, lemon, rosemary

Vata may be anxious and ungrounded, constipated, with sensitive skin and hair and a taut or dry complexion. To balance too much Vata, soothe yourself with calming or warming essential oils:

Amber, clove, frankincense, lavender, rose geranium, sweet orange, ylang ylang

Pitta may be irritable, with frequent heartburn, and skin tending to rashes and inflammations. To balance too much Pitta, choose soothing and cooling oils:

Fennel, jasmine, mint, rose, sandalwood, vetiver

Just place 2 to 4 drops of oil in your bath, or add a few drops to one ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba, and use for massage.

Or treat yourself to a lovely Dosha Spa Bath:

Kapha: Add the peel of one organic lemon, a sprig of fresh or dried rosemary, and a sprig of fresh basil to your bath, along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil from the list.

Vata: Stud a small organic orange with a few whole cloves and add to your bath, along with a sprig of fresh or dried lavender and a few drops of your favorite essential oil from the list.

Pitta: Toss a handful of organic rose petals and a sprig of fresh mint into your bath, along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil from the list.

More on Ayurveda (5 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3251 articles available)

14 comments

14 comments

add your comment »
14 Comments       add a comment »
Laura C.

I'm a Kapha!
I thought it was funny that Basil is the first on the list and I LOVE Basil! It's my only house plant (that's not still a baby) right now. I love it's smell and love to cook with it too!

Thank You!!!

Christine Eret

Sounds good to me...

Janna Spektor

I will use it as well!

Sudhatest A.

lovely article! thank you!

Sudha C.

excellent!

Sudha C.

Excellent!

Enn L.
  • Enn L. says
  • Apr 29, 2008 6:41 AM

I'm a Pitta and I loveee the smell of sandalwood

Beverly Rudolph

I am definitely a kapha and pitta. So it did not surprise me when I read the list of herbs, that I have always combine the two when doing aromatherapy, it just good to know why I have always done this.

Aria H.
  • Aria H. says
  • Oct 26, 2007 3:06 PM

Hmmm, I got the same total for all three types, so I asked what does that mean and my post was deleted?

Khulood A.

excellent post! I'm a VATA, no wonder I always feel good when I smell Amber! Thank you for the insightful article!

Please enter your comment.
1500 characters remaining

who's talking about this story?

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

3651

Gaiam_pilates_300x250
Copyright © 2008 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved