There’s nothing worse than feeling a migraine creep in. Whether you feel it in your eyes, your neck or all over, you know you’re in for a rough day. But before you reach for a whole bottle of pain pills, I want to tell you something important.
Most commonly, headaches migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress of the emotions or body, making relaxation an important part of headache treatment. So when the pain hits, ask yourself what might be causing your stress and ask if there’s something small or big you can do to eliminate it at least for the day.
Usually, when we are stressed, our muscles tighten, causing our nerves to spasm. And the most common areas that this happens is at the temples, all around the base of the skull, around the ears and under the jaw. So get in a relaxed seated position and feel what area feels the tightest and gently stretch and massage those areas. Do make sure to focus some good attention to the joint of your jaw; massage downward as you open and close your mouth. Then be sure to hook your finger just under the edges of your jaw and apply pressure. Does it feel tight and sore? Apply the pressure (not too hard) until you feel it’s beginning to relax and then move to the next spot. From the jaw, rub your fingers downward along the front/sides of your neck, all the way down to the collar bone. Rub along the top and bottom of your collar bone as well. When you picture all of this, you see how interconnected all the muscles are. In our daily lives we spend so much time at computers and on our phones that our muscles tighten in those positions. Add stress and muscle tightening to the equation and you end up with the dreaded migraine.
Now do the stretches and massage and take it further by adding heat and aromatherapy. For many generations, aromatherapy has been used to relieve stress and pain for pain, and is quite safe, provided you use them as directed.
Eucalyptus
The most efficient solution is Eucalyptus. The leaves and oil of the eucalyptus tree are used for many medical purposes. Eucalyptus oil is said to help reduce swelling, increase circulation, clear nasal congestion, and relieve pain. Full-strength essential oil of eucalyptus should never be taken by mouth or rubbed on the skin. It should be diluted first. (everyday health)
The best way to enjoy the benefits of Eucalyptus for headaches, migraines and muscle tension is through steam – using our eucalyptus oil shower spray in both a shower or steam room. You’ll quickly feel the pressure lighten and your body relax. Try the massage I told you about, while in the shower or steam room and see how quickly you find relief!
Other oils that can provide headache relief are Lavender, Rosemary and Peppermint. Here’s a little information on each of those.
Lavender
Lavender oil comes from the plant’s blue-violet flowers. Some small research studies suggest that lavender oil has a calming effect when its scent is inhaled. It may also help reduce pain — aromatherapists often use it to help treat headache. Just place a few drops of lavender oil into boiling water and inhale the vapors. Lavender oil can also be rubbed into the skin for pain relief. But keep it away from your mouth and eyes — it’s toxic if ingested by a non-therapeutic grade brand.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another essential oil that is frequently used in aromatherapy. Rosemary oil applied to the skin has been used to treat muscle pain and improve circulation, so it makes sense that it could help relieve migraine or headache pain. One study supports the use of rosemary for reducing stress and anxiety. Essential oil of rosemary may be added to base oil and rubbed into the skin. It can also be added to bathwater, but avoid contact with the eyes or any open cuts.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint plants, and it grows wild in Europe and North America. Peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy for headache as well as muscle and nerve pain. This essential oil can be inhaled, applied to the skin after being diluted with another oil, or taken by mouth in very small doses. Some pain studies show that peppermint oil used as aromatherapy for headache may allow people to use fewer traditional pain medications.
If you deal with headaches or migraines, we don’t envy you. But we do want to provide you with relief. Use the techniques taught to you today and support your health with the highest quality essential oils possible. Learn more about our Eucalyptus based products on our website and shop for them in our store.