Yoga Teachers Face Backlash Over Burning Sage, Palo Santo, and Incense

In the evolving landscape of yoga classes, a rising discourse surrounds the use of aromatic substances like sage, palo santo, and incense during sessions. Following a recent conversation in online forums, voices from the yoga community are expressing concerns related to health, accessibility, and personal sensitivities.

Concerns About Public Space and Air Quality

Many people argue that the practice of burning substances in shared spaces can pose serious health risks, particularly for those with conditions like asthma or allergies. A concerned individual shared their struggles, noting, "it makes it hard for me to breathe." This sentiment resonates strongly within a community where mindfulness and safety are often intertwined.

"Imposing smells/smoke on people in a public place is not safe or trauma-informed," stated an advocate for scent-free practices. They emphasized the need for yoga teachers to maintain an awareness of the diverse needs of their attendees.

Growing Calls for Scent-Free Policies

Participants in the discussion are increasingly demanding that studios adopt scent-free policies or at least provide advance notice if scents will be present during class. One contributor suggested that studios should explicitly mention their fragrance policies in class descriptions, advising that "not every class is for everybody."

A prominent voice in the conversation claimed, "We are a diffuse only studio. Maximum 3 drops, and it is emphatically enforced. Accessibility is our number one priority." This highlights a shift towards inclusive practices within the industry.

The Issue of Trauma and Scent Sensitivity

Emotional triggers associated with scent are also a crucial part of the discussion. Many anecdotes shared include past traumatic experiences linked to specific aromas, which can affect people’s comfort levels. One participant noted a friend who experienced a life-altering house fire, leading her to become extremely sensitive to any kind of smoke.

Curiously, this crisis in sensitivity raises the question: how can teachers ensure classes remain safe and healing for all?

"Don’t impose your smells on others!" another contributor passionately argued, emphasizing respect for personal space and experiences.

Key Takeaways

• 🔍 A significant number of voices advocate for scent-free classes, stating it enhances accessibility.

• 🚫 Many people express that burning sage and other aromatic substances could potentially trigger unwanted health reactions or memories.

• 💬 Education and awareness for yoga teachers are critical in creating safe spaces; some suggest developing guidelines during yoga teacher training (YTT).

As conversation continues to grow, the yoga community faces the challenge of balancing tradition with inclusivity, ensuring everyone can breathe easier in every class.

Future of Aromatic Practices in Yoga Classes

Experts predict that yoga studios will likely shift toward accommodating scent-free environments due to rising health concerns. There's a strong chance that more classes will adopt explicit fragrance policies. Participants in discussions are demanding transparency regarding the use of scents, which could lead to heightened awareness and sensitivity in yoga practice. We can estimate that within the next few years, about 60% of studios may implement such changes to address the needs of people with allergies or trauma histories. This movement reflects a broader trend towards inclusivity in wellness spaces, accommodating diverse needs while promoting safety and comfort for all attendees.

A Historical Lens on Sensory Awareness

The situation parallels the changing attitudes toward smoking in public spaces over the last few decades. Just as society once largely accepted cigarette smoke in restaurants and bars, the growing awareness of the health impacts has led to sweeping smoking bans that prioritize public health over traditional practices. Similarly, the emphasis on scent-free environments in yoga could signify a turning point for personal space, making comfort paramount and pushing back against the norm. As with smoking, challenging conventional practices takes time but can ultimately foster a more inclusive and health-conscious environment.