IN ESSENCE…
- Aromatherapy massage is one of the oldest, safest, most effective and natural methods for various types of pain relief.
- Massage reduces local inflammation, diminishes levels of depression, anxiety, and cortisol, and lowers the heart rate, which leads to feelings of relaxation.
- Optimal massage effectiveness for certain types of pain is achieved through frequency and consistent dosage.
- Over 60 Essential Oils have constituents with pain-reducing properties. These include: Lavender, Chamomile, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Wintergreen.
- Therapeutic essential oils that have traditionally been used for pain relief will be used in our recipes. If the pain persists, a visit to your medical practitioner is highly recommended.
HOW MASSAGE CAN RELIEVE PAIN
Pain that afflicts the body not only affects the individual physically but also can cause distractingly unbearable discomfort mentally and emotionally. Those experiencing chronic pain might find that it interferes with everyday activities and events, whether social or professional, and it can take a toll on psychological welfare as well as the general quality of life. Over time, the widespread and extensive use of and addiction to prescription medication for pain relief has developed into the abuse of these drugs, overdoses of which have often led to fatal consequences. It is recommended that those suffering from pain take a holistic approach to treating it, beginning with trying drug-free approaches before arriving at the option of prescription medication.
One of the oldest, safest, most effective and natural methods for various types of pain relief is aromatherapy massage. It can be used for pain in muscles, joints, or the spine, for headaches, or for internal pain. Studies have also revealed the superiority of massage therapy over acupuncture and physical therapy in terms of benefits and a reduced number of side effects.
Massage is thought to work by reducing local inflammation, diminishing levels of depression, anxiety, and cortisol, and lowering the heart rate, which leads to feelings of relaxation; however, optimal massage effectiveness for certain types of pain is achieved through frequency and consistent dosage. Significant improvements are more likely to be noticeable with a steady schedule of multiple massage treatments per week as well as steady lengths of time for each massage session.
Specific massage techniques and the strength of the massage will also be factors in the benefits of the massage, which include the release of tension, knots, and stiffness in muscles and joints. This can restore or advance an individual’s agility and flexibility. This form of pain relief has also been reported to increase the activity of the vagus cranial nerve, which controls the absorption of food, the heart rate, and respiration. Through massage, endorphins are produced and blood circulation is stimulated, which increases the nutrient and oxygen supply to the body tissues, allowing toxins to be eliminated through the lymphatic system.
Many of the side effects that some people experience with over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are not triggered by the use of essential oils meant to treat pain. This is because the hormonal and immune systems of plants and their constituents continue to work in harmony in their essential oils, and our bodies recognize these holistic systems as supportive of our health, which is why herbs have been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Over 60 Essential Oils have constituents with analgesic properties that reduce pain. For example, Wintergreen is mostly methyl salicylate, the main ingredient in aspirin. Aboriginal peoples were more familiar with the plants in their locale that eased pain, and this knowledge was passed on to newcomers in their communities. These days, modern city dwellers know little about herbal remedies and the use of Essential Oils.
These therapeutic Essential Oils that have traditionally been used for pain relief will be used in our recipes, though of course if the pain persists, you must see your medical practitioner.
When preparing your massage blend, use one or two of the oils below (adding no more than 7 drops of the oil to 1 T. / 15 ml of oil or cream per treatment.
For the bones and joints, try these essential oils:
| Balsam | Fir Needle | Helichrysum |
| Nutmeg | Palo Santo | Peppermint |
| Roman Chamomile | Spruce | Wintergreen |
For anxiety and the pain that accompanies it, try these essential oils:
| Basil | Blue Tansy | Clove Bud |
| Fir Needle | Helichrysum | Peppermint |
| Spruce | Valerian | Wintergreen |
For muscle pain due to overuse or injury, try these essential oils:
| Fir Balsam | Copaiba | Ginger Root |
| Helichrysum | Lavender | Lemongrass |
| Marjoram | Palo Santo | Peppermint |
| Roman Chamomile | Rosemary | Thyme |
| Vetiver | Wintergreen |
BLEND FOR ARTHRITIC JOINT PAINS
The pain due to the wear and tear of the joints can be eased by using this wonderful blend.
| INGREDIENTS | MEASURE |
| Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Smithii) | 5 drops |
| Rosemary Essential Oil | 3 drops |
| Juniper Berry Essential Oil | 2 drops |
| Carrier Oil of your choice | 20 mL / 4 t. |
INSTRUCTIONS:
- You can blend a larger quantity and keep in a dark amber bottle to use as needed.
- Gently massage the affected areas as needed.
TIP:
- Use fractionated coconut as your carrier oil for a no-scent, no-stain option.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Smithii): This anti-inflammatory, analgesic oil is a popular choice for those suffering from a variety of aches and pains from sprains to stiffness.
- Rosemary Essential Oil: This pain-relieving oil stimulates blood circulation, which makes it a popular remedy for arthritis, muscle and joint pains, and headaches. It promotes faster healing for wounds by facilitating the process of coagulation.
- Juniper Berry Essential Oil: This warming, stimulating oil is known to be anti-inflammatory. As such, it is commonly used to relieve the uncomfortable pressure of fluid retention that is characteristic of arthritis and aching muscles, bones, and joints.
- Carrier Oil of your choice: Carrier oils help to dilute essential oils before topical application, as their potency can be harmful when used in high concentrations without dilution. Carrier oils also help essential oils remain on the skin longer without quickly evaporating.
GINGER AND ROSEMARY MASSAGE BALM
Use the following recipe to relieve sore muscles:
| INGREDIENTS | MEASURE |
| Cocoa Butter | 15 g |
| Apricot Kernel Oil | 85 ml |
| Lavender Essential Oil | 25 drops |
| Rosemary Essential Oil | 20 drops |
| Ginger Essential Oil | 15 drops |
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Melt the butter with the Apricot Kernel Oil.
- Let it cool, then add the essential oils and mix thoroughly.
- Store in a clean container out of sunlight.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Ginger is not suitable for sensitive skins.
- Do not use Lavender Oil during pregnancy.
- Rosemary Oil should not be used during pregnancy either. Avoid especially if you have a history of epilepsy.
- Cocoa Butter: This natural, healing butter is rich in healthy fats and anti-oxidants that make this velvety moisturizer anti-inflammatory.
- Apricot Kernel Oil: This fast-absorbing carrier oil softens skin without leaving an oily residue and has a pleasantly nutty aroma. The anti-inflammatory properties of this mild yet rejuvenating oil help relieve sore muscles.
- Lavender Essential Oil: This anti-inflammatory and analgesic oil is a popular choice for those looking to relieve both emotional and physical stress ranging from sadness to headaches and aching muscles.
- Rosemary Essential Oil: Blood circulation, which is vital to managing pain, is improved when this analgesic and anti-inflammatory oil is used in massage.
- Ginger Essential Oil: The Zingibain compound in Ginger makes it anti-inflammatory, which promotes the relief of pain in muscles, bones, and joints. This oil is believed to lessen the number of pain-related compounds in the body called prostaglandin.