| Backaches seem to be a common complaint in | | | | contraction. This causes blood flow to the area to be |
| humans but essential oils can definitely be a "rescue | | | | impeded. Less oxygen and glucose and the decrease |
| team." Part of the problem is the fact that we walk | | | | in circulation means that removal of toxins and waste |
| upright on two legs and not four. If you look at the | | | | products is slowed down. Inflammation, muscular |
| construction of the spine, a number of weak areas | | | | soreness and pain are the results. |
| become quite apparent. We have several curves | | | | Essential oils can aid chronic pain sufferers by |
| which can go out of alignment producing a weak back | | | | increasing levels of endorphins and enkephalins through |
| and pain. Nerves can be pinched or irritated, mobility | | | | stimulating the pituitary and thalamus in the brain. Some |
| can be hampered, ligaments, tendons and muscles can | | | | essential oils are known to be "euphoric" or |
| be stretched or strained, or simply parts can | | | | "aphrodisiac" and can produce a feeling of well-being. |
| degenerate with ensuing inflammation and pain. | | | | Try clary sage, jasmine, patchouli and ylang ylang |
| According to some estimates, approximately 80 | | | | which stimulate the pituitary to secrete the |
| percent of Americans will experience low back pain at | | | | neurochemical endorphins or use clary sage, jasmine, |
| least once in their lifetime. A small number will develop | | | | grapefruit or rose which stimulate the thalamus to |
| chronic or degenerative spinal disorders which can be | | | | produce enkephalins. These of course are the "feel |
| disabling. | | | | good hormones" that our body naturally produces. |
| How Does Western Medicine Treat Acute and | | | | Topically you could apply oils like basil, marjoram, |
| Chronic Backaches? | | | | lavender, specifically for muscles. Others might be |
| You already know the drill-rest, application of heat or | | | | nutmeg, black pepper, spruce, Roman Chamomile, |
| cold depending on whether there is inflammation, pain | | | | wintergreen, rosemary or peppermint. Balsam fir, elemi |
| killers, muscle relaxers and rest and more rest before | | | | and Palo Santo are highly anti-inflammatory oils. For |
| physical therapy, stretching exercises, and losing | | | | sciatica you could try oils like helichrysum, peppermint, |
| weight. When all else fails sometimes surgery is the | | | | nutmeg, thyme, spruce, wintergreen, basil, rosemary, |
| only answer. | | | | clove or tarragon. I would dilute these oils 50-50 and |
| Is There a Natural Way to Get Back on Your Feet | | | | apply 6-10 drops on location as needed for relief of |
| Faster or Prevent a Little Backache from Turning into | | | | pain and inflammation. You may find that these oils will |
| A Chronic Backache? | | | | get you back on your feet quicker and with less drugs |
| Essential oils are nature's medicines. Many oils can | | | | in your system. Healing a natural way is far better than |
| serve to detoxify, relax, and decrease swelling in | | | | putting chemicals in your body which can have side |
| muscle tissue. A muscle responds to pain with a reflex | | | | effects. |