Relaxation is Hard Work

Its hard work to relax.  In this fast paced, competitive and economically stressed times, relaxation isn't something that comes naturally.  How many times have you taken your laptop, blackberry or netbook on vacation with you?  probably more times than you can remember.

Its amazing though how many people will still say "will you just relax?"  as if it something you can just do... well duh... its not.  It is arguable that relaxation actually needs to be learned, like riding a bike.  Further more, it takes practice, so that when you are really stressed, relaxation techniques can quickly kick in. 

There are relaxation techniques that do not need to be perscribed -- there's yoga, there's meditation and there's a deep cleansing breath.  There are also essential oils.  Due to their small molecular structure essential oils are capable of penetrating the blood brain barrier and reaching into the limbic system to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls our reactions.  For some just the pleasant aroma of sweet orange, neroli, lemon, or sandlewood is enough to trigger a relaxation response. 

A few drops of mandarin or lavender sprinkled on a cotton ball and inhaled can lower stress.  The highly floral oils of ylang ylang and jasmine are very calming.  Oils can be dropped on on omstones --terra cotta stones used as subtle personal diffusers and worn as necklaces and bracelets to keep you calm. 

You can use aromatic spritzers and hydrosols in your personal space to recieve their beneficia effects.  You can also use oils to enhance energy healing or your yoga practice.  Speaking of practice, practice is key to success.  Relaxation is a learned response.

A certified aromatherapist is most qualified to help you select appropriate oils and can also help you choose oils that you may not be aware of.  Aromatherapists can design appropriate products taking into account your lifestyle and any contraindications of the oils.

For customized, effective and beautifully packaged aromatherapy products designed by a certified master aromatherapist visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/

The Rise of the Yogalebrity: Why Aromatherapists are Advised to Pay Homage

Yogalebrity:  A yoga instructor with a large, adoring following.  Someone with 200 or 500 hours of education who has the ability to  sway the purchasing decisions, buying patterns  and lifestyles of a great  number of people, simply by giving them the gift of relaxation and toned bodies.

Lululemon, the giant Canadian manufacturer of yoga wear was onto something big when they decided to look at alternative modes of marketing.  In a brillant move,  they turned to an army of "Ambassadors," yoga instructors, with rock star status, who attract the shapely and misshappen to their studios. The Lululemon Ambassadors concept  encourages yoga instructors to  wear Lululemon yoga clothes during class and to sell them in their boutiques.    

Lululemon's approach worked, giving the Company  incredible visibility to their target market and the opportunity to tap into a potential sales force which in the year 2005, (the most recent statistics available) numbered 70,000 yoga instructors.   Lululemon saw its sales soar 69.3% in first quarter 2010 to $138.3 million, an amazing statistic in an disasterous economic scenario. Of course, Lululemon makes a quality product that goes from yoga studio to street with out bagging or sagging.  It retains its shape after many washings.  It minimizes the appearances of a sagging belly and cellulite. There are cute little details, such as pockets to hide your credit cards and keys during workouts.   All this and comfortable to boot.  The company was helped along by the fact that people with longest, leanest, sexiest bodies were wearing Lululemon all day and exposing the product to possibly 20 or more yoga devotees at a shot,  mostly women, who wanting, to emulate their yogi, by looking great asked where did you get those pants?

Lululemon's success illustrates in the incredible amount of influence generated by the culture of yogalebrity, or the celebrity yoga instructor. The reason is simple; yogalebrities earn the trust of their devotees by offering peace and escape from the daily grind. Yogalebrities help chisle flab into fab. They offer advice and comfort in the form  cool down prose. It could be argued that yoga instructors are the new clergy and the yoga studio the new chapel and visualization the new sermon.   There are more yoga instructors in the United States than there are rabbis.  Perhaps because in rough times such as these and americans demand for instant gratification, yogalebrity instructors can immediately deliver an hour of relaxation or clear headedness.  God sometimes takes a bit longer to respond to our requests.

Since you are a savvy aromatherapist can take advantage of the corrallation between yoga and the use of essential oil and develop a strong following by connecting with the yogalebrity in your own city or town. 

First you need to understand the role that aromatherapy can play in yoga.  Here are just a few ideas:

Helps support or unblock chakras.
Helps with focus and concentration.
Helps with dislike of excercise.
Helps create an ambiance.
Helps develop a spiritual connection.
Helps provide comfort and support during and following a yoga session.

Many yoga instructors are interested in aromatherapy but need guidance as to developing an effective yoga dispensary.  You may suggest working privately with your local yogalebrity  or offer a session during yoga teacher training or even a class for their students.

Once you gain the yogalebrity's trust, don't be surprised if they in turn make you the aromatherapalebrity!