Chakra Yoga Heather Deaville Chakra Yoga Heather Deaville

Chakra Yoga Series: Part 5, Throat Chakra

Finding balance at the throat Chakra is the theme for this week

This week we’ve continued our journey through the Chakra’s, moving from the Heart Chakra last week, and reaching the Throat Chakra, Vishudda. And again the influence this chakra has had over our classes this week has been palpable.

Focus on the breath

This week our practice focused on:

  • Ujjayi Breath

  • Gentle stretches across the neck

  • Percussive sound

  • Yoga Asana (postures) that opened the chest and let the energy flow

  • The nature of Spring and the elements of wood and either.

  • Thoughtful communication, mudra and mantra.

The call of the ocean

The Throat Chakra is focused on expression and effective communication. Although we tend to think of this as purely verbal, this chakra has allowed us to explore our non-verbal communication as well. Saying that sound has been at the heart of our practice and what better way to explore this chakra than by starting with the breath.

Ujjayi breath, also known as Ocean breath was the anchor for our pranayama this week. From beginning to end, it allowed us to draw our focus into the here and now and explore it’s sound in isolation, and with the presence of the rest of the world. Described by Anodea Judith as the “internal Om”, Ocean Breath enables us to conquer fear, bring clarity to the mind and support us in speaking our truth.

Releasing and Harmonising

Our class followed a rising energy this week, rising from the Root Chakra, we starting with gentle stretches through the neck and shoulders, shoulder shrugs were followed by more active seated yoga mudra linked to the inhale and exhale these gentle built the energy. The build in energy enable us to move to the Warrior poses and from there to Revolved Side Angle pose.

Mantra and Mudra

For mudras we explored Self-Esteem and Sky Mudra, firstly tapping into our inner truth, then heightening our listening abilities and careful contemplation.

Mantra’s included “I am truthful and honest with myself” and “I communicate openly and honestly to express my thoughts and feelings clearly.”

Essential oils for the Throat Chakra

If I’m honest I was spoilt for choice this week. But taking into account that it is currently Spring here in the UK I chose Bergamot and Lavender to compliment our practice this week.

Bergamot I chose for its optimism and uplifting qualities. These directly allow the body to free up, by releasing pent up feelings and emotions.

Lavender I chose for its ability to encourage self expression and release stuck energy. As we used it towards the end of our practice it’s calming properties were also enjoyed.

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, run yoga 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.

In three week’s

We’ll be journeying up the Sushumna Nadi to the Third Eye, Ajna chakra and exploring were our consciousness meets our unconsciousness and our intuition resides.

Sources and Inspiration

The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and practice. My experience as a professional aromatherapist and 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

  • The Power of the Chakra’s, Fiona Toy, published by Hinkler

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:

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Chakra Yoga, Essential Oils For Yoga Teachers Heather Deaville Chakra Yoga, Essential Oils For Yoga Teachers Heather Deaville

Chakra Yoga Series: Part 4, Heart Chakra

Opening the 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:

Read More
Heather Deaville Heather Deaville

Chakra Yoga Series Part 3: Solar Plexus Chakra

Plank pose to fire up the Solar Plexus Chakra

After establishing a grounded root and exploring our creativity in week 2, week 3 classes’ have been exploring the power of the Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura.

The element of this Chakra is fire and boy did that translate into our practice, where strength was the key word through every posture. This chakra is associated with self confidence, optimism, and determination without the need to trample over others. It was a great, if challenging week on the mat.

Drawing on our personal power

This week our practice focused on:

  • Uplifting our energy

  • Restoring confidence and optimism in our ability to achieve

  • Holding poses for longer

  • Warrior poses, plank, boat - expansive and strong

  • Facing the physical challenge to see how much we are capable of

Holding for longer

By spending longer in poses like Warrior two, plank pose and down dog, we had to draw on our well of inner strength to last the distance. The breath was our supportive guide, enabling us to strengthen our will power to stay for longer. This practice really challenged us physically, but the rewards of knowing we could do it were great.

Oils to support our fire

Alongside our asana practice, we worked with 2 beautiful essential oils to enhance our exploration of the Solar Plexus Chakra.

This weeks practice started with Lemon essential oil. A breath of bright, uplifting fresh air, it wiped the slate of the day clean and encouraged us to let go of emotional confusion and doubt, clearing the mind, encouraging self-trust and uplifting us in body and soul.

Then Pine essential oil was introduced towards the end of the practice. This fortifying scent helped to bolster our confidence and like Pine often does, it re-established our connection to life in the hear and now.

I absolutely loved this combination of oils for all it added to our Solar Plexus Chakra Yoga class this week. This class takes place on a Tuesday morning at Ditchling Pavilion.

Continuing the journey next week

Next week we’ll be reaching the Heart Chakra, Anahata. This chakra which is the link between the lower, more physical chakras, and the upper, more spiritual and ethereal ones. And once again our practice will change to explore this energy centre in all its glory

If you’re intrigued to explore this in your own yoga practice you are warmly invited to join us on this journey through the Chakras. Click to discover my yoga classes, workshops and retreats.

Essential Oils and Themed Yoga Teaching

Working with aroma alongside yoga can add a subtle but powerful layer to themed classes, workshops and retreats.

Essential oils like Lemon and Pine can deepen the energetic tone of a practice and help guide students deeper into the qualities you’re exploring.

For yoga teachers, learning how to integrate essential oils safely and intentionally can open up new possibilities for creating meaningful, sensory-led classes, workshops and retreats. Check out my practical guide to essential oil safety in yoga classes here

If you're a teacher interested in exploring this approach, I share the framework I use for blending aromatherapy with yoga practice inside my on demand Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD, where we explore safety, how to use scent to deepen your students yoga practice, and ways to weave scent into themed classes such as chakra practices.

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

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

  • The Power of the Chakra’s, Fiona Toy, published by Hinkler

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

These sources are a few of the books I go to to inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate asana, pranayama, 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:

Read More
Essential Oils For Yoga Teachers Heather Deaville Essential Oils For Yoga Teachers Heather Deaville

Essential Oil Safety for Yoga Teachers: A Practical Guide

Essential oil safety for yoga teachers: dilution, storage and best practice for classes and retreats.

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.

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