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July 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 7]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Essential Oils for Pain Relief
When it comes to pain relief, aromatherapy recognizes that there are different ways to approach. For example, there are specific essential oils recommended for headache pain if the headache is caused by stress, by overindulging, by withheld anger, and so on. In the same way, muscle or joint pain could require nerve sedation, warming through increased circulation, removing inflammation and/or toxins, or a combination of these and other aspects. Massage therapists should be well equipped to determine the physical cause and description of the client's pain, which makes selecting the right essence easy if you know its physiological properties.
Understanding the mental and emotional state of the client in regard to the pain or in their current life experience will add the ability to select essences based on the subtle properties. For example, a pain blend for someone who has had a sports injury would be different than one for someone going through a difficult divorce. The most effective blend addresses both physical and subtle influences. Topical application in massage or bath is suggested, but relief through inhaling diffused blends has also been reported. Essential oils have been seen to have an almost immediate effect on muscle tissue augmented by manipulation through massage.
Musculoskeletal pain can be effectively reduced through using analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, detoxifying and rubefacient essential oils. By diluting certain essential oils and applying through massage therapy, one can enjoy a relaxing massage while benefitting from the pain relieving effects of oils such as: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary and Thyme. As always, talk to your doctor before trying anything new.
For more information including specific treatment blends for pain, read the full article by aromatherapist Shellie Enteen, LMT, on www.massagetoday.com.
Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with various health benefits; with respect to the brain, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the brain and is linked to brain development and function. Good sources of omega-3s include seafood (especially cold-water fish) and supplements; manufacturers also have begun adding DHA to some dairy products.
Choline, a water-soluble B vitamin, is a chemical building block of every cell in the body; that makes it a pretty important nutrient. Evidence suggests choline may improve memory and protect against senility in old age. Good sources of choline include egg yolks, skim milk, soybeans and lentils.
Folic acid, otherwise known as vitamin B9, is well-known for its effect on fetal development: adequate daily folic acid intake can reduce the risk of birth defects such as cleft palate/lip. It's also great for improving cognitive function (your ability to think clearly and remember things), suggesting it may help protect against the development of Alzheimer's. Spinach, asparagus and avocado are all good sources of folic acid; many cereals are also fortified with B9, and it is a staple of many daily multivitamin supplements.
If you don't think your current diet will ensure adequate intake of these and other brain-friendly nutrients, consider taking a supplement containing one or more of the above. Talk to your doctor for more information about brain health and what you can do to keep your brain – and the rest of your body – functioning at its best.
Got Back Pain? Practice Proper Ergonomics
Kevin Wong, DC, discusses easy ways to prevent and relieve common back pain conditions by providing the following ergonomic tips.
Think safety: When you make your everyday activities safe to perform, it will help reduce the undue stress on your body. This includes having your computer work stations at home and at your office set up properly for your body. Generally speaking, the keyboard height should be the same height as when your arms are comfortably at your side with the elbows bent. The mouse should also be close to your dominant wrist while your arms are at your sides.
Avoid poor posture: Whenever you sit, it is safest to sit on a full-back chair with plenty of support. Crossing the ankles is fine, but do not cross your legs. This puts tremendous pressure on the lower back, contributing to back pain. Also, if you are experiencing low back pain, it's a good idea not to sit on the couch or sofa, since they are typically too soft and unsupportive for the low back.
Lift properly: When lifting items, use the legs and the trunk of the body rather than the arms. Always bring objects closer to your abdomen or chest, as that is the center of gravity and support for most people. Try to avoid bending the back while you lift.
Sleep well: The most supportive position for the body during sleep is on your back with a pillow under your knees. The next best position is on your side with a pillow between your knees and your head on a pillow that is thick enough to span the distance of your neck to the shoulders. A neck pillow that is too thin will kink the neck and could lead to neck and upper back pain down the road.
For more information on pain prevention and keeping your body healthy, log onto www.toyourhealth.com.
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