GHS Natural Health Blog

If you haven’t tried Aromatherapy massage, you have to read this article to get informed what you miss. An aromatherapy massage can be great way to relax and to relieve tired, sore muscles and a stressed out mind.

The practice of aromatherapy involves using essential oils from plants to heal the body, decrease pain and help keep one’s moods in check. It can help in decreasing depression, increase focus and provides a “pick me up”. Essential oils come from roots, flowers and plant extracts.

Aromatherapy massage utilizes these essential oils for all of these benefits. They can also be used for other spa-like treatments, for example facials and hydrotherapy baths.

To prepare essential oils for a aromatherapy massage, they should be combined with a carrier oil such as Grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil. The oils that you use will depend on how you are feeling, what you are looking to accomplish or what ailment that you are trying to treat. If you are feeling sad, or stressed, Lavender oil is a good essential oil to use. If you need to treat tired and sore muscles, then you may opt for Peppermint oil.

A massage therapist can mix up to five essential oils to create your massage oil. You want to make sure that you work with an aromatherapist who is qualified and that knows how to properly mix and use the massage oils so that you don’t suffer any skin irritations or other negative reactions.

Many store brought products claim to use aromatherapy. However, it most cases, these include little more then perfumes and fragrances. These do not quality as aromatherapy. Real aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which most of these products do not contain. Instead, most of these use chemicals and not essential oils. So don’t be fooled. You won’t get the same benefits that essential oils provide.

If you are interested in creating your own aromatherapy massage blend, you may want to try the following recipe.

Massage Oil:

• 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil blend, or single essential oil
• 1 ounce of carrier oil
• You will need to mix the oils. The mixture should be stored in a cobalt glass or amber bottle or container. You can use this blend whenever you get your next massage.

An aromatherapy massage can be great way to relax and to relieve tired, sore muscles and a stressed out mind. If you plan on creating your own massage oil, be sure to mix your essential oil blend with a carrier oil so that you do not irritate the skin. You should not place essential oils directly into the skin without a carrier oil. Also, be sure to only use safe oils that will not negatively react to the skin. This may require that you do a little research to determine which essential oils are not safe for human use. Also never use essential oils on babies or young children.

Q. I was recently in a pretty horrific car accident and have been receiving physiotherapy as my method of treatment. Unfortunately I cannot take the anti-inflammatory drugs my doctor prescribed me. What are my alternatives?

A. I’ve had the opportunity to work with thousands of people who have been in car accidents and other injuries. Accidents range in severity and so do the resulting injuries. All severe injuries including head injuries require immediate medical attention.

After a car accident, many patients visit the doctor for a full evaluation and to rule out any broken bones. In my experience, I’ve found that most people experience a certain amount of muscle pain, soreness, stiffness along with headaches, lack of concentration, nervousness, forgetfulness and difficult sleeping.

I feel that car accidents, even the mild ones, should be taken seriously. I recently attended a homeopathic medical conference in which a physician presented research which revealed that injuries from motor vehicle accidents occur in collisions as slow as 7-8 mph! In fact, these unseemingly simple traumas can progress to chronic problems. The use of homeopathic remedies can be used following an accident to minimize injury and speed up the healing process. Homeopathic remedies can even be used to treat conditions that happened months and even years ago.

The standard treatment for basic injuries incurred during a car accident include physical therapy as well as medicine. The most commonly prescribed medicines for sore muscles are the non steroidal anti-inflammatories (i.e. ibuprofen etc.). Not everyone can tolerate these medicines, as some of the side effects include ulcers, bleeding of the stomach, heartburn, rash and hepatitis.

Personally, I keep several remedies with me at all times. Following an injury begin taking the remedy that matches your symptoms. If you are under the care of a homeopath, contact your practitioner.

Arnica montana – ‘I’m fine!’

Arnica is the first medicine to use for any injury. Often the person says, ‘I’m okay.’ Arnica is useful for: bruises, swelling, muscle soreness, sprains and strains, falls and blows, overexertion from lifting, sports, or work. In addition, Arnica is useful for after-surgery swelling, and following dental procedures and surgery.

Aconitum napellus – ‘I’m gonna die!

Aconite is useful for the feeling of anxiety and panic from an accident or frightening or shocking events. This person is nervous, agitated and can’t sit still. This remedy can really be used during an S.O.S.!

Exercise

In addition to homeopathic treatment, exercise and physical treatments are an important element in the healing process. Physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractic or osteopathic treatments can offer one a major amount of relief. Furthermore, exercise that accentuates stretching and relaxation techniques should be done. Yoga is an exceptional example of exercise that increases strength and flexibility which helps in reducing pain. Also yoga is suitable for people of all levels.