Aromatherapy Oil - Health Benefits Of Tangerine Essential Oil

March 4th, 2010

Tangerines are a citrus fruit which originated from China but were traded throughout Europe by the European traders who had colonized the country. Today, tangerines are grown and harvested all over the world. Tangerine is a tangy fruit which resembles an orange. It has a deep orange colored peel and doesn’t have a pit. Tangerine essential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit using the method of cold compression.

Tangerine Essential Oil Uses

There are various uses of tangerine essential oils, some of which include dietary benefits. It is also considered an excellent calming agent and can be used topically for various other benefits. The oil is also rich in antioxidants. Apart from this, the oil has antiseptic, sedative, tonic, antispasmodic, depurative, and stomachic properties.

Due to its many healing properties, tangerines have been used in several herbal medicines in ancient China. Here are some of the benefits of tangerine essential oil:

  • Tangerine oil is antiseptic and can help cure the swelling and reddening of wounds. If applied to the affected area immediately after a wound is sustained, the oil can help prevent any kind of swelling in the wounded area. The oil can also be consumed orally in order for it to take effect on the entire body.
  • The oil can be topically applied to treat stiff and painful joints. It is also useful for treating severe cramps in the muscles, acute pain, and immobility.
  • Tangerine oil has also been successfully used in ancient Chinese medicine to cure fever and convulsions caused by increased temperature.
  • The oil can be used to heal spasms in the muscles and is excellent for being used during a neuromuscular massage.
  • Respiratory problems like asthma, chest congestion, dry cough and breathing problems can also be eased using tangerine oil.
  • Besides this, the oil can also be used to treat digestive problems such as cholera, spasmodic diarrhea, and gastrointestinal infections.
  • The oil has a very calming and soothing effect. It can help treat many nervous afflictions. It can help you relax and can also help improve your mood.
  • Some of the components of the oil can help regenerate cells by stimulating cell division. It can also help improve the process of recycling cellular material in the body. This property of the oil also helps heal wounds faster and treats any kind of wear and tear sustained during exercise, sports, or accidents.
  • Ingestion of the tangerine essential oil can help remove toxic substances from the body. It also improves the body’s capacity to retain oxygen.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Aromatherapy Oils | No Comments »

Massage Therapy - Neuromuscular Massage Technique

March 4th, 2010

Neuromuscular massage is a massage technique which is fast gaining popularity all over the world. This massage technique is based on the principle of trigger points, which are also the underlying principles of many ancient techniques like the kundalini massage, acupuncture, and acupressure. These trigger points are known to be small areas in the neuromuscular network that trigger painful sensations in the nearby areas when stimulated.

It is now believed that pain in the muscles of the body is not caused by an external or internal stimulus to the entire length of the muscle. The stimulus is only to a specific trigger point which transmits signals of pain to the brain. If the trigger point receives a spasm, it may reach other areas of the body, some of which may not be in close proximity to the trigger point.

Trigger points are strategically located all over the body and receive a healthy amount of blood flow. However, if for some reason there is a spasm in the trigger point, blood flow decreases significantly, causing discomfort and pain. As the blood flow decreases, there is an excessive buildup of lactic acid. Such a buildup causes soreness, not only in the trigger points but also in the other muscles which receive blood circulation through the trigger points.

Often, this pain doesn’t get contained, and instead becomes a vicious circle, in which the body automatically reduces the oxygen flow in order to compensate for the pain being experienced. However, it is not necessary for you to suffer from this continued buildup of lactic acid. A neuromuscular massage can help stimulate the trigger points so that the spasms can be removed and the body can function normally.

To perform a neuromuscular massage, the affected area of the body is first heated up so that the tissues in the area are loosened up. When the tissues and the muscles loosen, the blood vessels also expand, increasing the flow of blood through the body.

After heating the area, start massaging it gently using smooth long strokes. This is only the warm up. As you progress, increase the pressure of the strokes, making sure that the person receiving the massage is not feeling pain.

Using only your fingers; probe the tender area till you discover the trigger point. The trigger point will be a specific area on the body which is a little raw and is more tender than the rest of the area. Massage the trigger point using a little pressure. Initially, the recipient of the massage may feel uncomfortable because the pain will seem exaggerated. However, as you continue massaging, release the pressure. The symptoms will begin to subside.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Massage Therapy | No Comments »

Aromatherapy For Hemorrhoid Treatment

March 4th, 2010

Hemorrhoids are a painful and very often an embarrassing medical condition. It is not unusual for patients with hemorrhoids to avoid visiting a doctor due to embarrassment. There are many medicines available for treating hemorrhoids. An increasing number of over-the-counter medicines also claim to be of use to those suffering from this frequently painful problem. However, there is a growing body of research on the use of alternative therapies like aromatherapy for hemorrhoid treatment.

A lot of medication that is recommended for treating hemorrhoids has temporary effects. The symptoms may subside for a while, but they reappear soon after the medication has been stopped. Aromatherapy is a painless alternative for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Since aromatherapy makes use of essential oils which are extracted from natural substances, it has almost no side effects. Thus it is possible to use it over a long period of time.

Essential Oils For Hemorrhoids Cure

Though it has not been proven, it is possible that for some, traditional therapy may work better than the number of medicines that cause several side effects. There are basically two methods in aromatherapy for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Aromatherapy oils can be added to a sitz bath, or they can be applied directly on the hemorrhoids.

To draw a sitz bath using essential oils, first draw a shallow bath in your bath tub. Then add about twenty drops each of the essential oils of lavender and juniper. Use your hands to mix the essential oils well with the water. Once done, soak yourself in the bath water for about twenty minutes. Let the oils reach the affected areas and work on it. A slightly warm bath as it will help you relax and also help the blood vessels expand.

Since both lavender oil and juniper oil are extremely hot, you are advised not to apply them directly on the hemorrhoids. If you do not want to draw a bath, you can simply make a mix of one drop of geranium oil with two drops of the essential oil of lavender. To this mix add about two ounces of vegetable oil. Apply the mix directly on the hemorrhoids and leave it for twenty four hours. You can also mix larger quantities and store it for future use; however, make sure that the container you use to store the mix is kept away from sunlight and always shut tight. It is also recommended that you test your skin for allergies before applying the essential oil directly on your skin; apply the oil on your arm and leave it overnight to test for allergies.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Treatments | No Comments »

Aromatherapy Oil - Niaouli Essential Oil Uses

February 25th, 2010

An evergreen tree, found typically in Australia and Madagascar, niaouli essential oil is extracted from the niaouli tree (botanical name Melaleuca quinquenervia). The process of extraction used is steam distillation, and the oil is usually extracted from the leaves and twigs. Niaouli essential oil has an earthy and musty aroma, and it is clear in color.

Health Benefits of Niaouli Essential Oil

Niaouli essential oil has antiseptic and disinfectant properties.

  • It is used mostly to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, and sore throats.
  • It is also used in the treatment of many skin conditions such as acne. Niaouli essential oil is an integral component in many cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and soaps because of its benefits regarding skin conditions. A more detailed explanation of the benefits of niaouli essential oil has been given below.
  • Niaouli essential oil is an effective remedy for pain. Owing to its analgesic properties, the oil helps in easing discomfort and relieving pain.
  • Niaouli oil also works as a mild local anesthetic, which, in turn, helps to desensitize the area and numb the nerves. This further helps in easing pain.
  • In particular, niaouli essential oil is useful in for relieving migraines, toothaches, earaches, sprains, and joint pain.
  • Apart from its use as a general pain killer, niaouli essential oil can also be used as an effective complementary therapy for rheumatism. Since the oil stimulates the lymphatic system and increases blood circulation in the body, it helps considerably as an anti-rheumatic agent.
  • Niaouli essential oil is also useful for people suffering from gout as it prevents the accumulation of uric acid at the joints.
  • Owing to its antiseptic and disinfectant properties niaouli essential oil is good for fighting any kind of infection. It can be used on both internal and external wounds as it prevents the wounds from getting septic and infected. It does so by controlling and limiting bacterial growth in the region.
  • Niaouli essential oil has also been known to be effective in controlling fevers.
  • As mentioned earlier, niaouli oil is extremely useful in clearing respiratory congestion. It helps with a number of respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and whooping cough.
  • Niaouli essential oil improves lung efficiency and eases breathing by clearing out clogged phlegm.
  • Niaouli essential oil is a well-known stimulant. It increases blood circulation, improves metabolism and digestive functions, triggers the endocrine system, corrects hormonal imbalances, and increases the body’s immunity. By stimulating all important organs and systems, the oil helps in boosting overall health.
  • Lastly, the oil is helpful in relieving any troubling skin condition and clearing scars. By improving blood flow to the skin, it helps in tissue rejuvenation.
  • It is effective in the treatment of acne marks, cuts, pox, and stretch marks. It can also be used to bring a glow to dull and dry skin.
  • Niaouli oil is available in creams and lotions for cosmetic purposes. Apart from that it can be blended with other massage oils, diluted in baths, and used as soaks. It can also be used in vaporizers and burners.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Aromatherapy Oils | No Comments »

« Older Entries