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Essential Aromatherapy Oils
for Sport & Exercise.
Over the years many sports men and women have sought advice on which essential oils they might use. Some want to improve their performance; others to relieve tired, aching muscles. With so many oils available a novice can be so spoilt for choice that they just become confused - others might feel that aromatherapy is no more than a nice smell and a relaxing massage!
Oils are powerful! They work in many different ways and at different levels: physically, emotionally and mentally. Aromatherapy is such a wide subject that it is difficult to explain in a nutshell. The same oils can be used in many different ways and for many different reasons.
I'd like to share with you some of the ways that oils can be used: there are blends to stimulate, energise, uplift, to warm you up before competitions, while others can assist with cooling down after competing and provide help to relieve sprains, strains and aching muscles.
Carrier Oils
To enable the oils to absorb easily into the skin and therefore enter the circulatory and respiratory system use a good quality carrier oil. Grapeseed has the smallest molecular structure and is the most easily absorbed. Sweet Almond is also a very good economical carrier oil but its use must be limited to people who do not have any nut allergies.
Aerobic oils
As a sportsperson you need to breathe efficiently - simple I know but essential oils can improve your respiratory system making breathing easier and increases blood circulation.
Frankincense - Eucalyptus - Peppermint - Camphor - Rosemary*
Smell the oil directly from the bottle. Inhale deeply for a count of 6, hold for a count of 1 and exhale for a count of 8. Repeat 4 or 5 times to increase lung capacity, oxygenate the blood, increase circulation, focus the mind and stimulate your senses.
Make up a massage blend and apply to chest and back.
Frankincense 6 drops
Benzoin 6 drops
Cypress 6 drops
Add to 30ml carrier oil
Pre Sport Rub
To stimulate the lungs and respiratory system, warm the muscles (to help prevent strains) and focus the mind.
Eucalyptus 8 drops
Thyme 10 drops
Rosemary 10 drops
Add to 50ml carrier oil
Apply the blended oil to feet, ankles, calves, thighs, buttocks, lower back and arms. Rub in well before competing.
Post Sport Blend
After any sport your muscles and joints have been worked very hard, having been pounded and asked to repeat movements over and over again. Soothe away aches and pains and help to eliminate adrenal chemicals from the muscles with this blend.
Eucalyptus 10 drops
Ginger 10 drops
Peppermint 10 drops
Add to 30ml carrier oil
Marjoram 10 drops
Ginger 10 drops
Black Pepper 10 drops
Add to 30ml carrier oil
Wintergreen** Add 5 drops to 15ml carrier oil.
Alternatively add the oils to a warm bath and soak away the aches and pains in a relaxing bath. Use 8 - 10 drops in a bath, swirl the water and lie back for 10 - 15 minutes.
Marjoram, Ginger & Black Pepper
Lemon, Nutmeg, Clary Sage & Grapefruit
Don't forget your feet!
Massage your feet as often as possible to keep them supple. Healthy feet can withstand the pressures placed on them by constant pounding. Blisters are painful and can become infected - "prevention is better than cure".
Rosemary 5 drops
Peppermint 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops
Add to 30ml carrier oil
Geranium 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops
Thyme 5 drops
Add to 30ml carrier oil
Recommended Essential Oils for Sports
Improve Respiration
Rosemary - Frankincense - Benzoin - Camphor - Eucalyptus - Peppermint
Warming Oils (Rubefacient)
Black Pepper - Ginger - Rosemary - Eucalyptus - Juniperberry - Marjoram - Basil
Reduce Pain (Analgesic)
Bergamot - Chamomile - Lavender - Marjoram - Rosemary - Cajeput
Reduce Inflammation (Anti-inflammatory)
Chamomile - Lavender - Myrrh
Detoxifying Oils
Fennel - Juniperberry - Cypress - Celery Seed
I hope this has awakened an interest in the many ways these wonderful oils can be used. Whether you want to increase your stamina, wind down and relax or to just give your mind, body and soul a treat, essential oils can play a large part of everyday life.
Obviously this is a very wide subject and there is too much to know or discover about essential oils in a short article. Find a good supplier (such as Ellwoods of Dumfries) who has an in depth knowledge and years of experience in using oils. We offer friendly helpful advice not just to the novice but also the professional therapist. So give us a call - we are here if you want or need us - Enjoy!
Visit our websitewww.ellwoodsofdumfries.co.uk/
we offer a full range of therapeutic grade essential oils plus valuable information on using the various oils.
Take note:
Essential oils must always be diluted before applying to the skin. They are very powerful and should never be used neat. Take care when inhaling from a bottle that the oil does not remain on the nostrils.
*Rosemary - should not be used if epileptic
**Wintergreen - should not be used if taking drugs for arthritis
Alison Tweedie.