At the heart of every yoga session lies savasana, also known as corpse pose. It involves lying flat on your back with your eyes closed and your limbs stretched out. You may feel like you’re doing nothing—you may even be tempted to skip it and get back to your busy day a few minutes earlier—but the truth is savasana is the most important and underrated part of your yoga practice. It’s the final pose where your body absorbs the benefits of all the movement leading up to it. It’s your opportunity to unwind, release lingering tension, and quiet your mind so you can return to your day feeling restored and proud of the work you’ve done. So, how can scent deepen this experience? Read on to learn how essential oils can help you get more out of your savasana and the rest of your yoga practice.

Scent can make a powerful difference in your savasana because of the way it interacts with your brain.

The emotional and memory center of your brain (the limbic system) is directly connected to the part responsible for smell (the olfactory system). When you inhale essential oils, you’re not just enjoying a beautiful aroma; you’re sending signals straight to this emotional center. This is why aromatherapy can be such a powerful tool in your yoga practice, especially the final resting pose.

To fully experience the synergy between scent and savasana, try this mini aromatic ritual during your next yoga session:

• Before practice: Apply a drop of Frankincense or Valor blend to your palm. Rub your hands together and create a scent tent by cupping them over your nose and taking three or four slow inhales.
• During practice: Diffuse Lavender to maintain a fresh, serene space—even during sweaty hot yoga sessions.
• After practice: Apply Sacred Sandalwood or Highest Potential blend to your third eye center or use the scent tent method again as you surrender into savasana.