Combining essential oils with sound and meditation

Combining essential oils with sound and meditation

Playing singing bowls is not just about hearing the different tones, but also about perceiving the vibration that is triggered by singing bowls or gongs. This interaction makes it possible for us to leave everyday life behind us and focus entirely on the meditative moment. If you want to appeal to other senses during this time, you can enhance the relaxing effect by using essential oils to enjoy the peace and quiet in all its facets and forget the stresses of everyday life. The interplay of scent and sound complements each other very well. In this post we'll explain how you can incorporate essential oils into your everyday life and combine them effectively with sound and meditation.

What are essential oils?

There are countless plants on earth, each of which is truly unique. They differ in color, size, shape - and also in smell. Some of these plants contain thousands of compounds that cannot be detected with the naked eye. This is where the word "essential" comes from, which translates as "the heavenly". Essential oils are hidden in the flowers, leaves and even roots of plants. They are volatile substances that are not referred to as such because of their short fragrance duration, but because of the rapid dispersion of the individual fragrance particles that make essential oils so intense. Plants originally developed essential oils to attract insects or ward off parasites. However, we humans have also found ways to use the effects of essential oils for our own benefit. Today, aromatic oils from plants are carefully extracted by steam distillation and converted into high-quality fragrance extracts.

What effect can essential oils have?

We perceive the essential oils through our nose, which are transmitted to the brain with the help of our olfactory sensors and directly activate the neurotransmitters that release serotonin or endorphins, for example. Which neurotransmitters are activated by the transmission of the scent depends primarily on the choice of aromatic oil. Essential oils therefore have a calming or invigorating effect, for example - depending on which oil you choose. A physical reaction is also possible through the release of various messenger substances: if the body releases serotonin, you not only benefit from the resulting feeling of well-being, but also from the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect of the messenger substance.

Essential oils can also unfold their effects when applied to the skin. If you wear the fragrance on your skin, your perception is often heightened. An essential oil has a particularly intense fragrance effect, especially on areas of the body where you can feel the pulse beat from the outside. They penetrate the tissue quickly and unfold their effect directly on the spot. However, allergic reactions can also occur. Therefore, before using essential oils, always test them by placing a drop of oil in the crook of your arm and waiting approx. 3 hours. If you do not observe a reaction, you can apply the oil drop by drop. It is advisable to use essential oil very sparingly, one drop on the skin is sufficient.

How can sound exercises be combined with essential oils?

Traditionally, many cultures used a combination of sound and fragrance. And even today you can make use of the effect of essential oils when striking the singing bowl. Probably the best-known approach is to place a fragrance fountain in the room, which has been filled with selected essential oils and thus helps to achieve a mental balance. With the help of scented oils it is possible to enter even deeper into the relaxation of a sound exercise.

Alternatively, you can place a fragrance cloth directly on your skin, which has previously been sprinkled with a few drops of the essential oil. If you place the scented cloth in the head area during a sound massage, for example, you will find it easier to let go of everyday life and you can focus entirely on your personal relaxation.

Of course, you can also use a room spray to create a pleasant fragrance experience while you play your singing bowl mindfully. Here we rely on Primavera essential oils, which not only impress with their outstanding intensity, but also have a direct influence on your mood – making your sound meditation an even more beautiful highlight.

Relaxation and yoga exercises with essential oils

There are numerous exercises for meditation and yoga that can be supplemented with an essential aromatic oil. We have summarized the most popular exercises for you here:

  • Relaxation exercise for a good night's sleep: Place your singing bowl on your stomach just before going to sleep and start striking it. The vibration immediately triggers a relaxing effect that allows you to sleep deeply. If you supplement this exercise with a scented cloth, which you sprinkle with a few drops of lavender oil beforehand and then place in your head area, you will experience even deeper relaxation.
  • Seated yoga practice (e.g., Lotus Pose or Seated Twist): First, choose an essential oil that matches your current mood or evokes the mood you would like to experience. Place a Pelvic Bowl or another singing bowl beside you. Then put 1–2 drops of the essential oil on the back of your hand and gently massage it into your skin. With your hands, trace a roof shape over your head, moving slowly from top to bottom. After that, begin to gently strike the singing bowl.
  • Butterfly asana: Drip a few drops of essential oil onto a cloth and place it on your chest. Then lie down with your spine resting on a roll or bolster, bring the soles of your feet together, and let your arms rest at your sides. Place the singing bowl – preferably a Heart Bowl for this exercise – on your heart area. Now gently strike the bowl and enjoy the wonderful combination of sound and scent.
  • Foot bath with a singing bowl: For this exercise you’ll need two types of oil: an essential oil and what’s called a carrier oil. A carrier oil can be, for example, olive oil, almond oil, or avocado oil – what’s important is that it’s a skin‑nourishing oil. Mix the carrier oil with 2 drops of essential oil and add this blend to a singing bowl filled with water. Then place your feet in the bowl and begin gently striking the bowl from the outside. You’ll quickly notice that this singing bowl foot bath not only cares for your feet but also awakens your senses.

Can scented oils leave stains on my singing bowl?

Certain essential oils can leave stains, so we recommend that you do not bring the oil into direct contact with your singing bowl – unless you fill the bowl with water first and then drizzle a few drops of essential oil into it. After such an application, you should rinse the bowl directly with water and dry it with a cloth. You should not use very viscous oils such as vetiver. These are also not suitable for our fragrance fountain.

Which scented oils are suitable for my sound meditation?

Each essential oil has its own effect on our body. To help you make the right choice for your meditation with singing bowls, we have compiled the most important essential oils for you here. We particularly recommend the essential oils from Primavera, with which we have also had very good experiences ourselves. You can of course also find these scented oils in our online store.

Sound and fragrance combined – use their effect for your well-being!

Essential oils have been used by different peoples and cultures for centuries – often in connection with singing bowls, yoga and meditation. Take advantage of the effect of aromatic oils on your senses and enter a state of deep relaxation, which will become a wonderful experience for you through the interplay of sound, vibration and fragrance.

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