Aromatherapy Remedies for Headaches

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Aromatherapy Remedies for Headaches

Headaches refer to pain in the head and sometimes neck. It can be

located in the back of the head (occipital), the front of the head or

forehead (frontal), on the top of the head (vertex), on the sides of

the head (temporal) or wraps around the head (headband). Most

headaches result from tension. Tension produces pain in the neck and

shoulders resulting in constriction of the blood vessels and blood

circulation resulting in headaches. Stress, guilt, fear, anger,

depression, and rage are all contributing factors to tension

headaches.

Aromatherapy can clear a headache by combating improving blood

circulation, opening up nasal passages, reducing inflammation and

relieving pain. Essential oils such as Basil, Chamomile, Clary Sage,

Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rose,

Rosemary, Rosewood and Thyme are all beneficial for this condition.

Chamomile: oil calms the nervous system and promotes nerve health. It

reduces muscular aches, pains and spasm.

Eucalyptus: increases blood oxygen supplies allowing more oxygen as

well as nutrients to be delivered to the cells throughout the body.

By this action, eucalyptus oil can reduce the pain of a headache as

well as a migraine.

Ginger: stimulates the immune system. It warms the chill from winter

and dampness, cools the body by inducing sweating, reduces the

drainage of a runny nose and helps with respiratory infection. As an

analgesic, ginger relieves the pain of a headache due to muscle

spasms as it stimulates circulation.

Lavender: clears congestion, stuffiness and soothes respiratory and

throat disorders and boosts the immunity. Massage this soothing oil

directly into the temples, jaw line and back of neck for soothing

relief from a headache or migraine. Lavender relieves muscle spasms

and pain as it reduces inflammation.

Lemon: is an uplifting and citrus solution for headaches as it

encourages circulation and clears the head.

Marjoram: eases respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis,

colds and flu and sinusitis. It is a favorite solution for

alleviating headaches and migraines.

Peppermint: clears sinuses and improves breathing. It is one of my

favorite remedies for headaches. Massage this oil (preferably in a

carrier oil) into the temples, sinuses, nape of the neck and jaw

line. Gently inhale this remedy to stimulate blood circulation and

create a cooling sensation.

Rose: is a soothing scent that stimulates circulation. Rose reduces

inflammation and relieves muscle spasms. It calms the nervous system

and decreases depression.

Rosemary: helps relieve respiratory disorders, fights infection,

expels phlegm and assists in lymph drainage. This oil benefits

headaches by relieving muscles spasms. Caution with this oil as it

can raise blood pressure, so those already dealing with high blood

pressure, this oil is not recommended. It can also trigger an

epileptic seizure in those prone to them.

Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood

cells. This oil is great for respiratory disorders. Thyme oil can

calm headaches due to muscle spasms and poor circulation, such as

with a tension headache. It helps to overcome emotional fatigue,

stress and nervousness.

Utilize a blend of 2-3 essential oils above. Blend several drops of

your choosen oils into 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (sunflower,

safflower, jojoba...) and massage into back of neck, between shoulder

blades, temples, sinus areas and/or forehead) when symptoms arise.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/oils.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit