A calming breathwork practice

I love lavender

I have been growing it in my backyard and using essential oil in my diffuser and diluted in oil. The scent is so calming and soothing. If you melt some shea butter with olive oil then add drops of lavender essential oil, and you have a nourishing daily body cream. Here is California the air is crisp and dry and this simple lotion is my daily luxury.

Benefits of lavender with breathwork

Using lavender infused oil for breathwork offers many healing benefits and can enrich a meditation or breathwork practice. The soothing scent of lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing for a more focused and peaceful session.

Focus + Sleep

Lavender also enhances focus, improving concentration and mental clarity, which can be beneficial in maintaining awareness during breathwork practices. Its calming effects support emotional release, facilitating the processing of feelings more effectively. Incorporating lavender into breathwork before sleep can improve sleep quality, aiding in relaxation and preparation for restful sleep.

Emotions + Balance

Lavender is known for its balancing effect on emotions by calming your nervous system. The compound linalool has shown to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. breathwork can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system, fostering relaxation, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of calm. Techniques such as deep diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, or the 4-7-8 technique can help lower cortisol levels, decrease heart rate, and reduce symptoms of anxiety by enhancing oxygen flow to the brain and body. Breathwork serves as a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental clarity, allowing individuals to cultivate a greater sense of balance and resilience in their lives.

“Some research suggests that lavender oil may help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. A 2020 systematic review found that aromatherapy utilizing lavender oil could be a simple and inexpensive way to help improve symptoms of mild to moderate depression.”

Benefits of lavender on mental health, Verywell

Use Lavender gently

I like to dilute lavender in almond oil so that the scent is not too strong and distracting. Lavender essential oil can be very potent, and if you have sensitive skin it could be irritating. I like to drop diluted oil on a cotton swab or cloth for aromatherapy during a breathwork session.