At some point, we’ll all experience some type of physical discomfort. It’s estimated that 80% of adults will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime. Though we can’t completely eliminate the discomfort from living our lives, we can minimize it’s impact and learn to bounce back more quickly with a proactive approach, some simple tools like essential oils, and a little knowledge and skill.
Muscles and Joints
After a good workout or a long day spent at the computer you might feel too tired to do much. Maybe you experience discomfort performing routine tasks due to lingering tension in your muscles. You can help yourself get back to speed with a little bit of self-care. Essential oils are highly convenient, feel deliciously decadent and soothing, and provide a calming, positive atmosphere and aroma. Whether you over did it at the gym or you have lingering chronic physical or emotional pain, these three paths could be game changers for how you feel. First, a little background.
Essential Oils and Muscle Discomfort
When you do activities that your muscles and joints are unaccustomed to, it can result in discomfort and you may wake up the next day feeling stiff. Your body will adapt to the new strain over time, but at first it can be uncomfortable. It’s kind of the purpose of exercise is to create micro-tears in the muscle which then repair and inso doing, grow stronger.
If you experience muscle discomfort, there are good ways to soothe your body. Make sure you’re getting enough mineralized water – this alone could completely resolve your pain as we need fluids to help circulate vital nutrients and remove waste. This is particularly pertinent if your pain is head tension, head aches, or migraines. Massage and chiropractic adjustments can be extremely helpful not only in soothing the affected areas but play a vital role in prevention, too. By incorporating essential oils into your massage and chiro treatments you can experience faster, deeper relaxation and therefore greater benefits.
1. Prevention of Discomfort and Pain
I far prefer a proactive, preventative approach particularly when it comes to pain management. On ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?
Wintergreen, Lemongrass, and Siberian Fir are helpful when used as part of a warming, pre-workout massage. Dilute a few drops with Fractionated Coconut Oil before applying to the skin. Wintergreen is almost entirely composed of the chemical constituent methyl salicylate—commonly used in topical products to relieve occasional minor aches in muscles and joints. Before I go for my morning walk as I’m putting on my socks, I apply Siberian Fir oil onto the bottom of my feet, shins, and calves so I’m less likely to be sore from my hike. The aroma also gets me mentally prepared for the activity and is a cue to my pup, too.
AromaTouch is a proprietary blend containing Cypress, Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Grapefruit, and Lavender oils, all chosen for their relaxing and comforting effects on circulation. Use AromaTouch as part of a whole-body massage blend or add a few drops to a hot bath. I actually love AromaTouch blend in the diffuser as it smells like the most high-end spa and becons me back to feeling relaxed as I do when I get a massage. PRO-TIP: apply AromaTouch blend to either side of your low back and gentle drag across your shoulders to support your adrenals and common areas of tension in the neck and shoulders.
To help maintain health and vitality and recovery from acute pain or strenuous exercise, incorporate the doTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack® into your daily regimen. Alpha CRS+ helps boost cell function, while the omega fatty acids in xEO Mega support joint function.* I add Deep Blue Polyphenols and Turmeric Duo-Caps for long lasting pain support and to lessen inflammation without the need to resort to drugs and medications that invariably have side-effects to create even more problems.
Any athlete who has used Deep Blue® products can attest to their efficacy. But the benefits extend beyond athletic activities to everyday accomplishments. The Deep Blue blend is perfect for a soothing, cooling massage after a long day. Massage Deep Blue on your feet and knees before a hard workout or after a long day hunched over the computer so this minor discomfort doesn’t turn into a chronic problem. Follow up with the Deep Blue Rub to soothe tired muscles. For everyday support the Deep Blue Polyphenol Complex® helps support muscle and joint comfort.* It contains a proprietary blend of extracts and polyphenols that soothe occasional aches and discomfort.* I particulary appreciate the new Deep Blue + Copaiba Stick as it is less aromatic than the cult-favorite Deep Blue Rub and has the addition of copaiba to support skin and proper inflammatory responses.
Deep Blue Oil Blend Uses and Benefits
Everyday use: Apply Deep Blue oil blend topically to enjoy a soothing, cooling sensation.
Comforting massage: Combine a few drops of Deep Blue essential oil blend with Fractionated Coconut Oil and include in a soothing massage.
Exercise companion: Apply Deep Blue oil blend to the feet and knees pre- and post-workout to comfort tired muscles and joints.
Moving buddy: Rub a few drops of Deep Blue essential oil blend on the lower back after a day of heavy lifting for a soothing sensation.
After-chore comfort: Massage Deep Blue oil blend into the arms and legs after a day of cleaning for a well-deserved, relaxing experience.
Gardening guardian: Apply Deep Blue essential oil blend to the hands and feet after gardening to help relax the muscles and prepare them for another gardening adventure.
Meaningful connector: Give a loved one a hand massage using Deep Blue oil blend to create a meaningful connection and show care.
Perfect desk mate: Rub Deep Blue essential oil blend on the fingers, wrists, shoulders, and neck after long hours on the computer to soothe, cool, and relieve affected areas.
Runner’s best friend: Dilute a few drops of Deep Blue oil blend in Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into the desired areas after completing a long run.
Hydration and Rest
Hydration and adequate rest can’t be overstated in their importance for the prevention and even management of pain. Sip your mineralized water through the day to get enough in and add flavor and health benefits including supporting appropriate inflammatory response by adding essential oils like lemon, green mandarin, or tangerine to your beverage. I love adding lavender, chammomile or vanilla to my evening tea to calm and soothe my body and mind. If your sleep habits leave much to be desired, let’s help you uplevel your rest and create the kind of sleep dreams are made of. Read along here for some really poignant and practical tips to start creating your BEST sleep yet!
Pain management should be viewed with a bit of curiosity and a customized approach. Even within the same individual, the same massage, oils, or approach may not be effective every single time you need relief. Our emotions play a big role in our recovery and what we hold onto so give yourself the gift of ocntinuing to try a few combinations of tools or approaches to suit your individual and changing needs.
Until I see you again, I wish you peace and no pain!
