It has become a commonality in the United States for individuals suffering from sickness and pain to turn to over the counter and prescription medicines for treat various ailments. Next time you feel the need to open a bottle of ibuprofen, try a more invigorating method of managing pain provided by nature, without added chemical content. Essential oils can provide relief for many serious chronic pain sufferers through their ability to penetrate cells quickly, providing oxygen and improving circulation to inflamed joints. Be sure to talk with your doctor before you try essential oils to understand how to use them appropriately. Learn more of the pain fighting powers of essential oils:
Chronic Pain:
Chronic pain can be a debilitating and frustrating condition that at times, can cause emotional or mental uneasiness, impacting our ability to heal. If pain persists for more than four to six weeks, it is important to seek consultation from an experienced medical professional. There are a number of essential oils that provide relief not only from the discomfort of chronic pain, but also the anxiety and stress that come along with it.
- Basil: Energizing and uplifting, with anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and decongestant benefits.
- Peppermint: Cools and calms the mind with additional anti-inflammatory, gallbladder and pain relieving benefits.
- Wintergreen: Increases attentiveness with additional neck, nerve, herniated disk and carpal tunnel pain relieving benefits.
- Clove: Improves memory and assists healing with anti-aging, arthritis and rheumatism benefits.
- Lavender: Relaxes and balances the body, with anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Sandalwood: Encourages relaxation with additional antidepressant benefits.
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Joint & Bone Pain:
There are many causes for joint or bone pain including natural aging, injury or trauma. This type of pain is most common in middle aged or older individuals because as you age, your body goes through changes including a decrease in bone density. While joint and bone pain typically require medical attention, there are essential oils that will assist with managing this type of pain.
- Helichrysum: Offers anti-inflammatory and nerve regenerating benefits.
- Idaho Balsam Fir: Eases sore muscles, joints, tendons and back pain.
- Spruce: Soothes arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, sciatica and bone pain.
- Palo Santo: Helps with inflammation.
Muscle Pain
It is not uncommon to experience muscle aches and pain that often go away within a few days. Muscle pain becomes a larger concern when it lingers for a longer time period and particularly when it occurs in the neck and back. In fact, 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives making it one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor or miss work. Muscle pain includes aching, stabbing or shooting pain, and stiff or limited flexibility. If you are experiencing muscle pain, it is recommended that you be evaluated by a physician in addition to trying essential oils that may alleviate some of the discomfort.
- Roman Chamomile: Relieves stress and anxiety and offers anti-inflammatory, relaxant and detoxifying benefits.
- Majoram: Helps with aches, pains and muscular cramps.
- Rosemary: Keeps the mind alert and can help with muscle soreness.
- Thyme: Fights fatigue and can help with rheumatism.
- Vetiver: Helps with joint stiffness and muscle fatigue.
Essential oils are so effective because they by-pass the digestive system and become absorbed directly into the blood stream. With millenniums of successful use, they not only provide enticing, awakening and pleasant aromas, they help fight pain by reducing inflammation, anxiety and stress. Whether you are using essential oils for your health or your home, relieving pain is just one of the amazing powers packed into the little bottle.
The powers of essential oils when anxiety is high
Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy to help alleviate anxiety due to their calming and soothing properties. Derived from plants through processes like distillation or cold pressing, these oils can be inhaled directly or diffused into the air to stimulate the olfactory system, which is linked to the emotional center of the brain.
Popular essential oils for anxiety relief include lavender, known for its relaxing and antidepressant qualities, and bergamot, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. Other effective oils include chamomile, which offers a soothing effect, and frankincense, which is often used to bring about a sense of peace and relaxation. When inhaled, these scents can initiate a psychological response that includes lowered heart rate and blood pressure, thereby reducing anxiety symptoms and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
Using essential oils for massage therapy can significantly enhance the soothing effects of touch when managing anxiety. When massaged into the skin, essential oils like lavender and chamomile not only release their calming aromas but also allow for the absorption of therapeutic compounds into the bloodstream. The physical act of massage helps to relax tense muscles and improve circulation, which, when combined with the aromatic effects of essential oils, can create a deeply calming and restorative experience.
Oils such as ylang-ylang and sandalwood are also highly recommended for their ability to reduce stress and promote a peaceful state of mind. This holistic approach can effectively decrease anxiety levels, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional balance. It’s important to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba to ensure skin safety and enhance absorption.
Massaging with essential oils relieves stress and anxiety
Massage therapy is a profoundly effective tool for alleviating stress and anxiety, utilizing various techniques to soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation. Here are some key massage techniques that are particularly beneficial:
- Swedish Massage: This is the most common form of massage and includes techniques like effleurage (long, flowing strokes), petrissage (kneading of muscles), and tapotement (rhythmic tapping). Swedish massage is designed to relax the entire body by releasing muscle tension and improving circulation, which helps reduce emotional and physical stress.
- Deep Tissue Massage: This technique focuses on releasing chronic muscle tension. The massage therapist applies slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the affected areas to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It’s especially helpful for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
- Aromatherapy Massage: Incorporating essential oils into the massage session enhances the effect with additional stress-relieving qualities. Scents like lavender, rose, and chamomile are especially soothing and are believed to aid in reducing stress and anxiety levels through their calming effects on the brain.
- Reflexology: This technique involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears. These points correspond to different body organs and systems, and pressing them has beneficial effects on a person’s health and mood. Reflexology is particularly good for restoring a sense of calm and can alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Shiatsu Massage: A form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Shiatsu can be deeply relaxing and contributes to reducing stress, anxiety, and even depression.
- Hot Stone Massage: Smooth, heated stones are placed on specific parts of the body to deepen relaxation and promote circulation in your muscles. The warmth is comforting, helps to relax your muscles, and can be particularly soothing if you experience muscular tension as part of your stress response.
Combining these massage techniques with a consistent schedule can greatly alleviate the physical and psychological aspects of stress and anxiety, leading to improved overall health and well-being.
