There are many proven specific benefits to the use of essential oils in the treatment of physical systems. This post highlights muscular-skeletal problems.
Fractures
Treatment of fractures using essential oils will start after the cast has been removed. Aromatherapy will help to increase muscle mass, improve circulation and mobility. One of the main essential oils used for this treatment is ginger which is believed to have bone regeneration properties.
Sprains and strains
These will cause swelling and severe pain from pulled or torn muscles, for example sports injuries. As soon as this occurs, acute measures should be taken and immediate FIRST AID should be applied by placing an ice pack on the affected area. Once numbed, a cold compress can be applied with analgesic and anti-inflammatory essential oils, and when swelling has subsided, a gentle massage of the affected area is recommended to help with circulation and flexibility.
Muscular aches and pains
Chronic pain can affect the upper and lower back area, restricting movements, imposing limitations on other parts of everyday living, such as not able to sit for a period of time or practicing certain sport. Local application of anti-inflammatory and analgesic essential oils will relieve pain instantly.
Osteoarthritis
This is the degeneration, wear and tear of joint cartilage causing pain and stiffness, especially to the hip, knee, and thumb joints. Aromatherapy and massage with analgesic essential oils can help to improve movement. The use of essential oils can also relieve sudden pain associated with muscle spasm common around the affected areas of this condition.
Gout
A condition caused mainly by a diet high in rich food, contributing to the formation of excess uric acid in the system which tend to form crystalline deposits around the big toe. These deposits cause severe pain through swelling and inflammation. The best essential oil treatment for gout is regular full body massage with detoxifying oils to restore balance to the body as a whole.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a progressive disease that causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in painful deformity and immobility, especially in the fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles. A beneficial treatment with essential oils is massaging anti-inflammatory and analgesic essential oils around the affected area – not on the swollen joints. A cold compress applied directly on the affected area can help to reduce swelling and pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This is a form of spinal arthritis, mainly affecting young males, that eventually causes abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones. Severe muscular pain is experienced with this condition. Aromatherapy offers a holistic approach and help with muscular spasm.
Osteoperosis
This condition causes the bone density to decrease, mostly common in menopausal women. It arises due to hormonal shift. But, is sometimes the result of lifestyle factors such as poor diet or heavy smoking, can also be hereditary. Aromatherapy will tend to relieve pain of muscular spasm and regulate hormones by including ginger which is a hormone regulator and has a reputation to regenerate bones.
