Chakra Yoga Series: Part 4, Heart Chakra

This week we have journeyed up to the centre of the chakra system and found ourselves at Anahata Chakra, commonly know as the Heart Chakra.

This Chakra is in the centre of the 7 main yogic chakra’s and as such is the meeting point of our more intellectual, physical beings and our more spiritual selves. This chakra is associated with unconditional love, towards ourselves and others, so it’s been a much softer week compared to ourSolar Plexus journey.

Opening the heart

This week our practice focused on:

• Expanding the chest through pranayama (breathwork)

• Alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana)

• The Krama breathing technique Anuloma (Thanks to Anodea Judith for this inspiration)

• Asana which opened the heart and chest

• Poses like Anahata, or Puppy pose which soften the heart to the earth

• Strength through the legs, softness through the arms.

Finding strength in letting go

This weeks practice invited us all to be vulnerable, be it through posture, breathwork (trying something very new) or with the use of a rather unusual mudra which sometimes didn’t work, so we accepted and adjusted. Making space for ourselves just as we are. And a yoga teacher it also asked me to be vulnerable, to be more open about how my own heart leads me in my teaching each week.

Well rooted we rose

I’m really enjoying exploring the chakras in this way and really noticed in this weeks practice how having a strong connection to the chakras we’ve explored so far really supported the opening of the heart. Feeling rooted, through a sprinkle ofRoot Chakraposes helped us feel grounded and ready. Being more creative with well know asana’s helped us to soften and flow like our Sacral Chakra week and with last weeks self confidence boost at the Solar Plexusto lean into we really could soften the heart.

And my favourite manifestation this week was

“I love myself the way I am, not the way I was or could be, and I extend this love to others.”

Essential Oils from the Heart

This week we started our essential oils and yoga practice with an oil I love, Laurel (Bay). This oils continues on really nicely from last weeks self confience supporting oils as it’s inspiring notes boost the self esteme and help to renew our belief in our own boundless potential.

Our second oil, was Rose. Love, trust, self acceptance and emotional wellbeing are at the root of the energetic properties of this oil and I really couldn’t think of a better oil to support our open hearted journey through alternate nostril breathing and savasna.

Join me for a class, workshop or CPD training

My joy is in sharing my two great passions, yoga and aromatherapy and I would love to have you come on this journey with me.

I teach yoga classes in Sussex, runyoga workshops monthly (sometimes more) and have a wonderful community of yoga teachers who have been on my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD training and are passionate to learn more about how to safely incorporate essential oils into their workshops and classes.

Next week

We’ll be journeying up the Sushumna Nadi to the Throat, Visuddha chakra and exploring our thoughtful communication and expression - I can’t wait!

Sources and Inspiration

The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and aromatherapy as well as inspiration from:

• Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books

• Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press

• Mudras for Body, Mind & Spirit by Gertrud Hirschi, published by Tarotdeck

These sources often inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate movement, breath, subtle energy and essential oils.

The Chakra Yoga series:

You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:

• Week One: The Root Chakra

• Week Two: The Sacral Chakra

• Week Three: The Solar Plexus Chakra

• Week Four: You’re already here!

• Week Five: The Throat Chakra

• Week Six: Coming April 17th 2026

• Week Seven: Coming April 24th 2026

Essential Oil Safety for Yoga Teachers: A Practical Guide

Essential oils can beautifully enhance your yoga classes, workshops, and personal practice. They can support us in so many ways, from energising our practice, to grounding it. But they are also highly concentrated plant extracts, and with that potency in mind, I suggest, if you’re weaving essential oils into your yoga teaching following the safety guidelines below.

1. Keep Essential Oils Out of Reach of Children and Babies

Essential oils are not harmless fragrances. They are powerful substances that should always be stored safely and kept well out of reach of children and babies.

Even small amounts can cause irritation or harm if misused. Treat them with the same care you would give medicine.

2. Always Have a Vegetable Oil on Hand (Never Use Water)

This is one of the most important safety principles.

If an essential oil causes discomfort on the skin, or accidentally gets into the eye, do not use water. Water can drive the oil further into the tissue and increase irritation.

Instead:

• Use a vegetable-based carrier oil (such as rapeseed, jojoba, or almond oil).

• Apply generously to dilute and gently wipe away the essential oil.

Keep a carrier oil nearby whenever you’re working with essential oils in class and if your at home any cooking oil will do.

3. Keep Oils Away from the Eyes

Essential oils and eyes do not mix.

If you’re adding oils to an eye pillow or eye mask during savasana:

• Ensure there is a layer of fabric between the oil and the skin

• Never apply oils directly where they could transfer into the eyes

• I personally prefer to scent my eye masks well before using them.

A simple barrier makes all the difference.

4. Store Oils Properly

To preserve their therapeutic properties:

• Store in a cool place

• Keep away from direct sunlight

• Ensure lids are tightly closed

• Use dark-coloured bottles (amber or cobalt blue are ideal) Or a bottle which comes in it’s own container.

Sunlight and heat can degrade essential oils over time, reducing their effectiveness and altering their chemical composition.

5. Keep Away from Open Flames

Some essential oils are flammable. Avoid using them near candles, incense burners, or open flames.

This is especially important in yoga spaces where candles are commonly used.

6. Never Use Essential Oils Neat (Undiluted)

Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

Using oils neat can:

• Cause contact dermatitis

• Lead to skin sensitisation (which may be lifelong)

• Increase risk of irritation

Diluting with a carrier oil not only improves safety — it also provides additional skin-nourishing benefits you wouldn’t want to miss.

7. Understand Phototoxic Oils

Some essential oils are phototoxic. This means they can cause skin reactions, rashes, or dark pigmentation if the skin is exposed to sunlight within 3–4 days after application.

Most citrus oils fall into this category, along with some others.

If you plan to be in the sun:

• Apply phototoxic oils only to areas that will remain covered (and always dilute them)

• Or use them aromatically instead (diffuser, inhalation, on a cotton pad)

This is particularly important if you’re running outdoor yoga sessions.

8. Pregnancy and Health Conditions

Not all essential oils are suitable during pregnancy or for certain health conditions.

Before using essential oils:

• Research oils that should be avoided during pregnancy

• Check contraindications for specific health conditions

• Encourage your students to disclose relevant health information

If you (or a student) have a medical condition, always research thoroughly before use.

9. Treat Essential Oils Like Medicine

Essential oils are natural — but “natural” does not mean harmless.

Treat them with the same respect you would give medicine or herbal supplements. Continue learning about:

• Oil properties

• Contraindications

• Safe dilution rates

• Proper usage methods

Responsible use is part of being an ethical yoga teacher.

Want to Go Deeper? Train With Me

If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to confidently and safely integrate essential oils into your classes, workshops, or retreats, my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD was created with you in mind.

Inside the training, we go far beyond the basics and explore:

• How to use essential oils safely and professionally in yoga classes, workshops, and retreats

• How specific oils can influence mood and energy, and deepen connection to the breath, body, mind, and soul

• Themed workshop ideas — plus exactly how and when to use oils within a class setting

• Contraindications, safety considerations, and pregnancy guidance

• Thoughtful ways to expand your offerings (and income) with integrity

This training is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and professional foundation to work with essential oils both responsibly and intuitively — so you can enhance your teaching in a way that feels aligned, ethical, and impactful.

You can learn more about the training here:
👉 Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always

These are safety guidelines — and they matter.

But alongside them, use your common sense. If something doesn’t feel appropriate for your setting, your students, or the environment, trust that instinct.

When used safely and thoughtfully, essential oils can become a beautiful, supportive extension of your yoga teaching. Respect their potency and they’ll serve you and your students well.

6 Essential Oils for Hormone Balance & Emotional Support in Yoga Classes

6 Essential Oils Yoga Teachers Can Use for Hormone & Mood Support

As a yoga teacher and aromatherapist, I’m a big believer in taking a holistic approach to the different stages of a woman’s life. Hormonal shifts, whether during perimenopause, times of stress, or emotional transition, can affect sleep, mood, energy and focus.

One gentle and powerful way to offer support in your yoga practice or classes is through essential oils.

If you’re a yoga teacher wanting to incorporate aromatherapy safely into your classes, this guide will introduce six beautiful oils that can support hormone balance, emotional wellbeing and nervous system regulation.

Essential Oil Safety for Yoga Teachers (read full advice here)

Before using essential oils in yoga classes, safety is essential.

• Do not take essential oils internally.

• Do not apply oils neat to the skin — always dilute in a carrier oil (sweet almond oil is ideal; even rapeseed oil works).

• Check contraindications for each oil.

• If you or your students are on medication, advise them to consult their GP before use.

The safest and most accessible way to use essential oils in yoga classes is aromatically through inhalation.

Simple methods include:

• One drop on a cotton pad for individual use

• Personal inhalers

• Diffusing oils in a well-ventilated space

Inhalation allows the aromatic compounds to interact directly with the limbic system of the brain, having an immediate impact on our bodies, minds and souls.

1. Bergamot – For Uplifting Low Mood

Bergamot is a beautiful citrus oil that feels both uplifting and gently energising.

It’s ideal for:

• Low mood

• Fatigue

• Emotional heaviness

In a yoga class, bergamot works beautifully at the beginning of practice to shift stagnant energy and create lightness in the room.

2. Rose – For Self-Compassion

Rose is often called the oil of self-love.

During hormonal transitions, many women feel disconnected from themselves. Rose supports heart opening, compassion and emotional processing.

This oil pairs beautifully with:

• Women’s circles

• Restorative yoga

• Heart-opening sequences

Even one drop on a cotton pad during savasana can create a deeply nurturing experience.

3. Vetiver – For Sleep & Deep Grounding

If sleep is disrupted due to hormonal shifts, Vetiver is incredibly supportive.

It’s earthy and grassy in scent, so if you find it too earthy I recommend blending one drop with:

• Geranium

• Lavender

Vetiver is excellent in:

• Yin yoga

• Evening classes

• Grounding meditations

It helps anchor scattered energy and calm an overstimulated nervous system.

4. Rosemary – For Brain Fog & Focus

Hormonal changes can affect clarity and concentration.

Rosemary is stimulating and sharpening — wonderful when you need mental clarity.

Use it for:

• Morning classes

• Workshops

• Teacher trainings

• Study sessions

It pairs well with pranayama or focused standing sequences.

5. Roman Chamomile – For Soothing Heat & Tension

Roman chamomile is deeply calming.

It helps release:

• Emotional tension

• Irritability

• Internal “heat”

This oil supports parasympathetic activation and is ideal in:

• Restorative yoga

• Breathwork practices

• Closing relaxation

6. Rosewood – For Energetic Boundaries

Rosewood is less commonly spoken about but beautiful for emotional protection.

For teachers holding space regularly, this oil can:

• Support energetic boundaries

• Preserve your own energy

• Reduce emotional depletion

It’s a wonderful oil to use before teaching or during retreat facilitation.

Other Essential Oils for Hormonal & Emotional Support

Other oils I regularly use in women’s yoga classes include:

• Clary Sage

• Frankincense

• Benzoin

• Lemon

• Tea Tree

• Sandalwood

When thoughtfully integrated, aromatherapy can deepen your students’ sensory experience and support nervous system regulation within your yoga classes.

Choosing High-Quality Essential Oils

If you’re purchasing essential oils in the UK, I use oils from Base Formula, Natural Health Remedies and Neal's Yard Remedies (not affiliated).

Always prioritise organic and ethical sourcing where you can. In my experience you get a much nicer oil this way.

Integrating Essential Oils Into Your Yoga Teaching

Essential oils can:

• Deepen savasana

• Enhance themed workshops

• Support women navigating hormonal shifts

• Create a more embodied sensory experience

When used safely and intentionally, aromatherapy becomes a powerful extension of your teaching — supporting both emotional wellbeing and nervous system balance.

If you’d like to learn how to confidently and professionally integrate essential oils into your yoga classes, retreats or workshops, explore my essential oils training and CPD options.

Let’s grow happier, older and wiser — together.

Love and hugs as always,
Heather ✨