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Ayurvedic Aromatherapy
Drs. Light and Bryan Miller
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An important precept in Ayurveda is "local herbs for local problems". Dr. Frawley and Dr. Lad, in their landmark book, "Yoga of Herbs", brings to Ayurveda the western herbs delineating their energetic and doshic applications. Likewise, with a medicine chest of 30 (or more) essential oils, the Ayurvedic practitioner can blend and mix specific remedies for each of their patients (and each of their patient's problems).

In our Pancha Karma program, here in Florida, we have created an essential oil concentrate for every organ system. Then, each day of Pancha Karma is directed toward healing a specific organ system. The first day is directed toward the digestive system and he patient is massaged using the concentrate for digestion. They also do inhalations using the digestive concentrate, and their steam is "flavored" with the digestive concentrate, etc.

One drop each of Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary in 1/4 oz. sesame oil makes a nose drop formula for sinus allergies or infections. A drop each of Inula (Elecampagne), Basil, and Angelica in a bowl of boiling water creates an instant inhalation for a host of lung and bronchial complaints.

Individualized Abyangha (self-massage) can be individualized for the patient by the addition of essential oils to traditional sesame oil. Example - with the inclusion of Lavender (for depression), Cypress (grounding), Geranium (for dry irritation), and Rosewood (for stability), the practitioner can create an abyangha blend that addresses the body-mind and spirit of the patient.

Self-care is a big part of Ayurveda; the individual taking back their power to heal self. Essential oils used Ayurvedically can empower the individual to stay with their program for a slower but longer lasting cure than allopathic approaches. Just the daily ritual of meditating and practicing pranayama in an aromatherapy bath can center and empower the patient to take on the myriad lifestyle changes which Ayurvedic practitioners encourage their patients to incorporate into their life.

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