New Delhi: Most of us associate scented candles with simple home decor or a purely aromatic experience, but candles have also been used in meditation for thousands of years. This is because they contain essential oils that can provide aromatherapy benefits that enhance one's meditation practice.
A meditation candle can aid in the creation of a stress-free environment for yoga, mindfulness, and transcendental meditation. Candle gazing meditations are another common technique to help you relax and improve your meditation experience. Focusing on an object, such as a candle flame, might help your mind wander into a more meditative state. There is even solid proof that aromatherapy with essential oils and candles can boost exercise and happiness.
Talking about essential oils, they are plant-derived chemicals that capture the aroma and flavour of the plant, or its 'essence'. Each essential oil has a distinct aroma due to the presence of unique aromatic components. Distillation (through steam and/or water) or mechanical processes, such as cold pressing, is used to produce essential oils. After the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with carrier oil to create a finished product.
The method of extraction is critical because essential oils obtained by chemical methods are not regarded as authentic essential oils. When inhaled, essential oils can stimulate the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotions, memories, and motivation, the scents of which can promote feelings of calmness, relaxation, and focus, which makes them ideal for use during meditation.
Coming to scented candles, using candles in your meditation practice can help you to:
- Make a relaxing atmosphere in a room.
- For candle gazing meditation, it adds a focal point (Drishti).
- Provide aromatherapy with healing fragrances
- Create a calm, dim environment for internal focus.
- Relax the senses to be fully present in the moment.
In this regard, Anchal Rout, Yoga and Reiki Healing expert said, "Scented candles can be an effective tool for enhancing your meditation practice and promoting relaxation and healing as the sense of smell is closely linked to the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and memory. By using scented candles during meditation, you can create a more conducive environment for achieving a deeper state of relaxation and focus."
Talking about which one is the best suited for meditation and aromatherapy, Dr Deepak Jain, the founder of The Fragrance People, said, "When it comes to selecting the best-scented candles for meditation and aromatherapy, it is important to consider the scents that align with your goals and preferences." He also suggested some popular scents that are commonly used in meditation practices:
1. Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a refreshing and uplifting scent that can help improve focus and concentration. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it a great choice for those who want to boost their immunity.
2. Rose: Rose is a romantic and uplifting scent that can help promote self-love and enhance creativity. It is also known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it a great choice for those who want to reduce stress and anxiety.
In addition to him, Ridhima Kansal, who is the director at Rosemoore also added some aromatherapy oils to the list above that can be used in the practice, She said, "Aromatherapy oils are derived from different plants and work differently to produce a variety of effects. For meditation, the best aromatherapy oils are lavender, frankincense, peppermint, and sandalwood. Each has unique healing properties that can help you achieve a deeper level of relaxation and concentration."
"Aromatherapy oils help to invigorate the mind, increase focus, and improve energy levels. Its refreshing scent can help soothe the body, calm muscles, and relieve physical tension during meditation. Fragrances relieve anxiety, promote relaxation, and uplift mood, making them a great aid to meditation. Their healing properties make it an excellent tool for promoting a deeper sense of inner peace", she further added.
Thus, the combination of meditation and aromatherapy can lead to a deeper connection to oneself, greater self-awareness, and an overall improvement in well-being.
But, when incorporating scented candles into your meditation practice, safety should always come first, as suggested by Anchal Rout:
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated area, and never leave them unattended.
- Choose high-quality candles made with natural ingredients and be mindful of allergies or sensitivities to certain scents.
If you have atopic dermatitis or a history of allergic responses to topical treatments, you are more likely to have a negative reaction. to some scents. Oregano oil, Cinnamon bark oil, Jasmine oil, Lemongrass oil, Ylang-ylang oil, Chamomile oil and Bergamot oil are some of them. As pure essential oils are highly concentrated, diluting them in carrier oil is the best way to avoid a negative reaction when applying them directly to the skin. Consult a doctor if you develop a red, itchy rash or hives after using essential oils.
So, the next time you meditate, light a scented candle or two and let out their fragrances you can create an effective practice that incorporates the benefits of aromatherapy.