Alternative Health for the Athlete: Enhancing Sports Performance and Treating Injuries with Essential Oils

Essential oils have long played a roll in the health and fitness of athletes around the world - perhaps without them even knowing it! Sports massage for enhanced performance and recovery almost always includes massage blends including Eucalyptus, Wintergreen and Rosemary - essential oils that enhance circulation to the muscles and enhance recovery by clearing post-exercise lactic acid and other waste products. 'Tiger Balm' - a popular remedy for muscular aches and pains contains camphor, menthol (found in Peppermint), cajuput, mint and clove oils. Other blends can greatly speed healing time of injuries, getting one 'back in the game' as fast as possible. Here we'll have a look at some of the most popular means of enhancing the sporting life with the magic of essential oils.

Essential oils can promote the health and fitness of athletes in many ways, the most common being the pre- and post- exercise (or competition) massage. Long used by top athletes around the world, sports massage with essential oils plays an important part in warming up the muscles before exertion and removing lactic acid (thereby speeding recovery) after a hard effort. Massage formulas often these essential oils - Eucalyptus, for invigoration, circulation and opening airways; Lavender, with anti-inflammatory effects, relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and brings mental calm without sedation; Rosemary relieves pain, stimulates the mind and body, and has a warming effect on the muscles; Juniper Berry, used in the post-exercise formula, detoxifies and helps eliminate lactic acid from muscles; and Sweet Marjoram which helps relieve cramping in over-exerted muscles.

Blending your own massage formulas for pre and post exercise massages is simple - just between 10 and 30 drops total essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil (Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Hazelnut are good choices). Generally, the more essential oil in a blend, the more stimulating it will be; lower concentrations of essential oil will be more relaxing. For pre-exercise, to warm and loosen the muscles, open the airways and awaken the mind, try eight drops Rosemary, four drops lavender and four drops Eucalyptus essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil Peppermint can be used in place of the Lavender if you're really looking to 'get going' - though if you're prone to anxiety before strenuous efforts, stick with the Lavender. Use light, quick invigorating massage strokes. For post-exercise, a little deeper massage can be performed with longer strokes toward the heart - this will assist removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. Try eight drops Lavender, four drops Juniper Berry and four drops Sweet Marjoram, or, when the muscles are really over-exerted, try eight drops Eucalyptus, eight drops Peppermint and eight drops Ginger essential oil.

Aromatherapy oils can be used during pre and post exercise baths and showers as well, using the same oils and blends mentioned above. Oils can be added directly to bathwater (after the bath is filled) where they will be well-absorbed over the entire body. Before showers, essential oils can be applied undiluted to the body; this is particularly advised post-exertion to support the elimination of metabolic wastes. Try one drop each of Rosemary, Lemon and Eucalyptus. A massage oil blend as described earlier should be used after a shower or bath when the pores are open. Choose a stimulating or relaxing mix depending on your needs.

When the athlete is in need of more dramatic healing, essential oils can also offer significant support. Injuries both minor and major are common in many sports. While serious injuries should always receive proper medical attention, essential oils can aid in pain relief and healing in almost all cases. Many essential oils are well-known for their anti-inflammatory action, their antiseptic properties, and some contain compounds that signal the body's tissues to regenerate faster. The aroma of these oils are also often stress-relieving, which can further support the healing process.

To treat bruises and strains, there is no match for the synergistic molecules making up Helichrysum essential oil. Helichrysum (also known as Everlasting oil), is touted by Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D.: "Used for bruises, sprains, and twisted ankles - usually accompanied by swelling and subsequent hemorrhages - this oil proves to be practically a wonder cure." Keeping a small bottle on hand is wise, as with most treatments involving swelling, quick application provides the best results. In cases of bruises, twists strains or strains, apply a thin film of the oil directly to the affected area immediately, then apply frequently as a ten percent dilution in any carrier oil until healed (the oil will help with serious injuries, but is not a substitute for proper medical attention if needed). A blend of Helichrysum and Jojoba can also be used for chronic injuries such as tendonitis - simply massage a small amount into the affected area a few times a day.

Athletes of all ages playing hard will often incur minor cuts and scrapes. Essential oils have a broad range of antibiotic effects, and can prevent infection while speeding wound healing. Tea Tree oil, an essential oil distilled from a plant long used by native Australians for its healing properties, is highly effective antimicrobial properties. Lavender essential oil, distilled from the plant's flowering tops, is anti-inflammatory and regenerative. Together, they make a wonderful topical treatment for athletes of all ages. Blend the two oils together in equal parts and apply directly to cuts and scrapes after the wound has been properly cleansed. - if this is too strong a blend, simply apply a drop or two to the gauze portion of a band-aid and cover the wound for the same effect. The blend can be applied again whenever the dressing is changed. These essential oils are widely available in health food stores.

Beyond the obvious direct applications, the overall health and fitness of any athlete can be supported using essential oils. Athletes can be particularly susceptible to illness during hard periods of training and competition. Diffusing Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Lemon in the air can reduce the chance of illness. Niaouli is an excellent oil for supporting the immune system in general, and should be applied neat to the chest and neck after showers for best absorption and effect (use 10-20 drops). A strong immune system will always go a long way to keeping an athlete happy!

This is a brief overview of many common applications of aromatherapy for supporting the health, fitness and performance of any athlete. There are many variations of the essential oils suggested - if one oil is found offensive, too stimulating, etc., try another, as this is usually the body's natural way saying the timing of a particular oil is not right, or the oil is not compatible with the individual's chemistry at the moment. With a little research and experimentation, an effective and rewarding combination of essential oils can enhance nearly any athletes health, fitness and competition endeavors.

The author, manager of www.anandaapothecary.com, regularly employs essential oils and aromatherapy techniques in her personal and professional natural wellness practice.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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