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Best Way To  Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain

6/30/2015

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The sciatic nerve is almost 3 feet long and it goes from the bottom of your spine down the back of your leg,  right down to the tips of your toes.  It is the biggest nerve in your body.  Sciatica pain is most often caused by a bulging disk. 

As the disk bulges it can cause irritation of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. People can actually have bulging disks and not experience any pain, but when there is pain, it can be quite extreme and it runs through your buttocks and down the back of your thigh. The pain only occurs on one side of your body.

People are frequently mis-diagnosed and any back pain is labeled as sciatica.  In reality there are many other conditions that can cause back and leg pain.  It is only sciatica if the sciatic nerve is irritated, otherwise it's something else entirely.

Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you pain is actually sciatica or something else.  It's important to get the problem accurately diagnosed in order to provide the proper treatment.  

Anyone who has ever suffered from sciatica knows how excruciatingly painful this condition can be.  If you are a sufferer the only thing on your mind is to find a way to  relieve sciatic nerve pain.

Prescription drugs to relieve pain are expensive, can have potentially dangerous side effects, and may even be addictive, and if you don't relieve the underlying problem you will suffer from continual flareups.   Besides you won't be able to stay on the pills forever, and then what?

It's always better to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your pain, by addressing the cause and not just relieving the symptoms you will hopefully reduce any further painful flareups.

Many people would rather find natural forms of relief  and prevention instead of using drugs that just mask the pain but don't do anything to cure the problem.

Keeping your muscles flexible and strong with exercise can help prevent sciatica.  Also any low impact activities such as walking, swimming, bike riding, etc, can help by increasing blood circulation.

A better option for many sciatica sufferers is to use various physical therapies to help prevent painful flareups.

Many people have had great success in keeping sciatica pain at bay by implementing stretching, yoga, pilates, or a combination of all three into their daily routine.

 These stretching exercises will help keep your muscles loose and increase the amount of space in between each vertebrae.  Stretching back, buttock, and leg muscles can relieve sciatica.  

Many health care professionals also advise exercises to strengthen the lower back muscles.  The idea is to form a 'muscular girdle' that will help keep your discs in proper alignment.  And the exercise will provide the added benefit of improving your overall health.

The most important thing I want you to take away from this article is that there are other ways to relieve sciatic nerve pain besides resorting to prescription drugs.  Find one or more methods that work for you.  Your body will thank you!

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Keeping your muscles flexible and strong with exercise can help prevent sciatica.  Also any low impact activities such as walking, swimming, bike riding, etc, can help by increasing blood circulation.
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Benefits of Exercises and Yoga Stretches for Lower Back Pain

6/25/2015

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Sadly, lower back pain is a part of many people's lives. That's why exercise and yoga stretches for lower back pain are becoming increasingly popular with every passing day. Yoga stretches, along with normal bodily exercise, are certainly a good route to go; when you are suffering from lower back pain.

Exercise combined with a good, nutritious diet and plenty of rest, is something everyone should do on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, it takes something like a lower back injury, for people to realize just how frail their bodies are.  By that time, it's too late. The damage has already been done. We just have to fix it as best as we can and do everything in power to prevent it from happening again or getting worse down the road.

When you combine exercise and yoga stretches for lower back pain together you get two excellent tools in your arsenal of healing. Exercise is great for building up strength and endurance. Yoga is perfect for maintaining elasticity and flexibility; two great attributes every muscle should have.  

Elasticity will allow your muscles to extend and flex over and over again without causing any tears. Flexibility is needed when you need to over extend or over flex your muscles. It allows them to twist and turn whenever you need them to. Where most people would strain or sprain a muscle, yoga keeps your muscles limber enough to handle the task without injury.

Bodily exercise and yoga stretches for the lower back help not only the part of your lower back that's causing pain. But they help the entire rest of your body, too.  Any type of exercise can get your heart rate up.  An increased heart rate can help you burn off calories and fat, resulting in a leaner, stronger you.  It can also keep your entire cardiovascular system running more effectively, letting your heart pump more efficiently.  That can lead to less chance of a heart attack down the road.  

Much like exercise, whenever you do yoga, you will be using more than just your lower back muscles. All of your muscles will receive the benefits of yoga as you move from one yoga position to the next.  Each of your muscles will become more limber and flexible, allowing all of them to twist and bend more smoothly and efficiently whenever you require it.

The benefits you receive from exercises and yoga stretches for lower back pain affect far more than just your lower back.


When you combine exercise and yoga stretches for lower back pain together you get two excellent tools in your arsenal of healing.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and linkages to other sites provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. South Jersey Muscle Therapy, LLC or its representatives are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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How to Use Essential Oils for Skin Care

1/5/2015

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People have been using essential oils to nourish and soothe their skin since the time of the ancient Egyptians, at least.  For awhile, chemical products were coming on the market every day.  People went almost completely away from using essential oils.  In recent years, it seems that they're back!

With the resurgence of the use of essential oils, people are finding ancient answers to common problems.  Several different essential oils have been used for simple cleansing.  Some of these are sweet basil, lemon, lemongrass, neroli, juniper, and peppermint.  Any of these oils can be put in by a few drops in a mild soap.  Acne is a distressing skin condition that is related to overproduction of sebum in the skin cells of the face.  Essential oils have long been used to help the condition.  Geranium, chamomile, tea tree, and lavender oils are among those employed. 

These essential oils can be combined with a light carrier oil and applied directly to the skin.  However, the extra oil of the carrier may seem to be too much.  In this case, the essential oils can be dropped into fragrance-free lotion or cream and rubbed into the affected area.  The biggest single factor causing skin to age is the fact that skin loses the ability to hang onto moisture.  Thus, it dries out and becomes more fragile.  Skin can also age because of exposure to sun or pollutants such as smoking. 

Essential oils supply a variety of remedies for aged and wrinkled skin.  Frankincense, neroli, or rose oils are excellent oils to use for this purpose.  Put them in carrier oils or in fragrance-free lotions to rub on the face.  Sandalwood oil, carrot root oil, and many others can be used. 

Dandruff can be a bothersome ailment.  There are all kinds of chemical remedies in your local stores to treat it.  However, there are many essential oils that can help the condition in a more natural way.  Cedarwood, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, or rosemary essential oils can be used.  There are many other oils and combinations of essential oils that have been used successfully.  Any of these can be dropped into hair oil, or added to a water and vinegar mixture to rinse the hair with. 

Chamomile and lavender oils are the two best essential oils to use for sunburn.  One method is to put a few drops into a cool bath and soak until the heat goes away.  The other way to use them is to drop a few drops into a carrier oil and rub gently onto the burnt skin.  For severe burns, see your doctor.  It seems counterintuitive that essential oils can help to clear oily skin.  However, people have been getting good results with these treatments for years upon end.  Juniper berry, chamomile, cedarwood, and lavender oils, to name a few, have worked wonders.  Add them to water to make a rinse for your face after you wash it. 

Skin problems aren't new to the world.  Using essential oils to treat them isn't new either.  However, because these treatments were ignored for so long, they are new to many people now. 


This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and linkages to other sites provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. South Jersey Muscle Therapy, LLC or its representatives are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

 
This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and linkages to other sites provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. South Jersey Muscle Therapy, LLC or its representatives are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

 
Skin problems aren't new to the world.  Using essential oils to treat them isn't new either. 
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How to Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy

12/8/2014

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Those who have used essential oils before becoming pregnant will probably want to use them during their pregnancy.  Some people will want to try them for the first time while expecting.  However, it's important to know how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy.

There are many essential oils and blends of oils that just aren't safe to use during pregnancy.  Some herbs that are used in cooking should be avoided in their essential oils forms during all nine months of pregnancy.  These include basil, bay leaves, sage, thyme, and oregano.  Others are clove, marjoram, and wintergreen.  Some of the essential oils are safe for use after the first trimester.  There are remedies for many of the discomforts of pregnancy.  

For example, women often have morning sickness that lasts beyond the first trimester.  If so, they can breathe in oil of peppermint, spearmint, or lemon. 

It is easy to end up feeling tense and full of muscle pain when you are pregnant.  If this happens, a massage could be just the thing you need.  With the essential oils of lavender and chamomile mixed with vegetable oil, your partner can help ease away that tension. 

Commonly, women suffer from swollen ankles and feet during pregnancy.  If lavender, cypress, and juniper oils are mixed with vegetable oil, they can used for massage oil.  This blend of essential oils can cause the swelling to decrease. 

Pregnant women also have muscle cramps in their legs at times.  For this, massage oil can be made from the essential oils of lavender and chamomile, just as for any muscle pain.  However, with this pain and any pain of the feet and legs, it is important to be careful when doing the massage.  Activating pressure points in these areas can induce labor. 

Carrying around all that extra weight can make a woman feel quite fatigued.  She may have given up coffee and caffeinated soft drinks for the health of her baby.  To energize herself, she can mix essential oils of lavender, grapefruit, and orange with vegetable oil. This can be inhaled or rubbed on the solar plexus.  Skin eruptions are common during pregnancies.  They are uncomfortable and distressing to many women.  Several different conditions can be helped by putting a mixture of essential oils and vegetable oil on the affected areas. 

The essential oils you should use for dry skin are geranium, lavender, and rose.  For inflamed skin, use chamomile.  For itchy skin, use a combination of chamomile and lavender.  These remedies should soothe the skin and make it smoother.  There's just no getting around stretch marks.  If you are getting them, though, you might like to have a way to soothe them and keep them from itching.  Just put lavender, geranium, and rosewood essential oils in your vegetable oil for massaging. 

Do your homework if you are pregnant and wanting to use essential oils to relieve some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy.  After the first trimester, there are certain essential oils that are safe to use.  If in doubt, consult an expert.  It's important to take the safety of you and your baby into account. 

...it's important
to know
how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy.


This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and linkages to other sites provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. South Jersey Muscle Therapy, LLC or its representatives are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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Super-Foods That Can Help Arthritis Sufferers

12/5/2014

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Does someone you know suffer from arthritis?  If so, over-the-counter pain medication may become a common fixture in your life.  Unfortunately, some individuals are susceptible to addiction and there are health complications due to over-consumption.  So, what should you do?  Consider more natural ways to seek relief.  In fact, start in your kitchen.  Although there are no guarantees, many arthritis patients see success by incorporating certain foods into their diets.

What type of foods may help those suffering from arthritis?

Pineapple
Pineapple is recommended for arthritis because it contains a chemical called Bromelain.  Many claims this helps to prevent inflammation.  In fact, some athletic trainers recommend its consumption to keep joints pain free and flexible.  As with any other health foods, it is best to consume fresh instead of canned or frozen.

Oily Fish
Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are often encouraged to avoid meats.  Meat has fat that is known to produce inflammation agents in the body.  The only exception to this is with fish.  Oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon, are rich in omeg-3 fatty acids.  These acids have many health benefits.  They inhibit the release of joint destroying chemicals and compounds.  Supplements are found in most retail stores, but it is best to get these oils directly from the source.

Celery
The celery plant contains many different anti-inflammatory agents.  These can lessen the suffering of arthritis pain and discomfort.  It is best to eat the celery seeds.  Most recommend placing up to one teaspoon of celery seeds into a cup with warm, but not boiling water.  Let stand for a few minutes and drink.  This can provide almost instant relief during an attack.  The celery plant as a whole contains anti-inflammatory agents; so eating fresh celery regularly has benefits too.

Red Chili Pepper 
Red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper, can help relieve the joint pain associated with most types of arthritis. 
As for how, you may be amazed.  Many claim it causes the release of natural endorphins.  Essentially, your body itself stops the pain.  Not only should patients consume red chili pepper, but a topical mixture works too.  Many recommend mixing up to one quart of rubbing alcohol with once ounce of cayenne pepper.  It is important to note, this mixture is to be applied to the skin during bouts of pain.  Under no circumstances should you drink the mixture due to the rubbing alcohol.

Sesame Seeds
The Chinese have long believed and used sesame seeds to combat the inflammation caused by arthritis.  As with oil, sesame seeds contain healthy fatty acids.  For the best results, eat sesame seeds straight.  If you dislike taste or texture, opt for incorporating them into your meals.  Eat sesame seed rolls and use them when preparing dinner at home.  They can be added to most foods.

Ginger
Ginger is well-known and widely used to fight inflammation.  Most commonly used as a cooking spice, it has many health benefits.  In addition to reducing inflammation, it assists in treating diarrhea and nausea.  Available in a spice format, it can and should be sprinkled atop cooked vegetables and other foods. As with omeg-3 fatty oils, it is best to go directly to the source.  Fresh ginger is easy to peel and cook.  Wrapped in a towel, bag, and freeze for months.  It is also found in the non-carbonated ginger ale drink.

Raw Cabbage
Although not as well-known and as popular as the above mentioned foods, many also claim raw cabbage assists with arthritis relief.  Some recommend the regular consumption of raw cabbage or cabbage juice.  They claim this relieves both joint paint and swelling.

The above mentioned foods may assist those suffering from arthritis.  Unfortunately, there are no guarantees.  Our bodies each process food in different ways.  For example, celery can work to reduce joint pain for one individual, but it may actually trigger additional pain with another.  In fact, some forms of rheumatoid arthritis are trigged by certain foods.  For that reason, be prepared to experiment.  Trial and error can help you determine which foods are the best at relieving your own, unique pain.


This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and linkages to other sites provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. South Jersey Muscle Therapy, LLC or its representatives are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.
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Arthritis and Driving:  Tips for Ease

12/5/2014

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Those suffering from arthritis may find it difficult to walk to the car and back.  However, most do not let arthritis stop them from enjoying their life.  So, you may head out of the house and hop into your car.  This is great, what if you start experiencing pain?  How do you treat it on the road or prevent that pain from coming back the next time?

Keep arthritis pain relievers in the car.  In one of your car’s compartments, have a few pain relief supplies on hand.  This may include over-the-counter pain pills, a tube of arthritis cream, or on-the-go heat patches.  Whether you experience pain as soon as you get in your car, or later down the road, rely on these over-the-counter products to seek relief.  If you live in an area with cold winters, do not keep these items in your car, as they may freeze.  Instead, put them in your purse or fanny pack.

Speaking of over-the-counter products, most retail stores sell on-the-go heating patches.  These patches stick to your body and warm with skin contact.  ThermaCare is a well-known brand.  They are ideal when you can’t use an electric or microwaveable heating pad.  If in pain before you leave the house, but must still leave, like for a holiday party or a doctor’s appointment, apply an on-the-go heated patch.  Relief will last for up to 12 hours.  Since they stick directly to the skin, no adjustments should be needed.

Buy a remote car starter.  If you live in the northern United States, it is important to warm your car first.  Unfortunately, this may mean an extra trip back and forth.  It doesn’t have to.  Instead, purchase a remote car starter.  This device allows you to start and warm your car from inside your home.  They also make it easier to unlock car doors.  Instead of fumbling with the keys, push the button and your car doors unlock!  When buying a remote car starter, look for stores that offer free or discounted installation.

Buy no slip steeling wheel covers.  Those who suffer from arthritis of the fingers, dread driving.  In fact, some may fear the danger they put themselves and others in.  If you find it difficult to grip your car’s steering wheel, make a new purchase.  That purchase should be an easy grip and non-slipable steeling wheel cover.  Ask a store employee, family member, or friend to install the cover for you.

Keep a jar opener in the car.  If you have arthritis of the hands, you likely already utilize rubber jar openers at home.  They make griping, twisting, and turning easier.  Keep one in your car.  Use it to unscrew your car’s gas cap.  You can also find arthritis gas cap wrenches available for sale.  They slip over your gas cap, have an extended and easy grip handle.  These are nice, but they can be hard to find.  For the same price, you could easily buy 20 rubber jar openers, which accomplish the same goal.

Keep your car well gassed.  As previously stated, there are tools available to make opening and losing the gas cap easier.  Even with these tools, it can still be difficult and painful.  To prevent the onset of pain, always have a full tank of gas in your car.  You won’t be forced to put gas in when you are already in pain or more susceptible to it.  If you have a full-service gas station in your area, use it.

As you can see, there are many steps that you can take to ease travel and car use.  Just because you suffer from arthritis and are prone to pain, it does not mean you need to live your life in fear.  Implement the above mentioned steps to reduce pain.  If and when it does arrive, turn to your stash of over-the-counter arthritis care products to seek relief.



Keep a jar opener in the car.  If you have arthritis of the hands, you likely already utilize rubber jar openers at home.  They make griping, twisting, and turning easier. 

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and linkages to other sites provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through linkages to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. South Jersey Muscle Therapy, LLC or its representatives are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.
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The Use of Essential Oils for Pets

11/30/2014

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When people have success using essential oils for healing and rejuvenation, they automatically assume they can use them on their pets as well.  Sometimes this is indeed true.  However, it takes special knowledge of animals to know when and how to use essential oils for pets.  With many pets, you should avoid the use of essential oils altogether.  Birds especially are susceptible to severe reactions to essential oils.  You should not even diffuse these oils in the air near birds.  They can have respiratory problems that can be deadly. 

Cats are another subject.  There is much controversy over whether you can use essential oils with cats.  Many purveyors of these oils recommend frankincense for ear mites and peppermint for respiratory troubles.  These are just a couple of the remedies suggested for the ailments of cats.  Veterinarians, though, explain that essential oils do more harm than good to cats.  Oils like peppermint are too "hot" for cats.  Their sensitive skin will burn.  Also, any essential oils that a cat takes in, whether it be through the air or through the skin, must be eliminated.  This is done through the cat's liver. 

The problem is that a cat's liver is more delicate than a human's or that of other animals, as well.  It takes some forty eight hours for the cat's liver to process and expel the essential oils.  This can lead to a build-up and finally to liver damage. 

Dogs are more suited to the use of essential oils, but you should still never use them without diluting them.  If you use a reasonable amount of caution, you can use essential oils to help dogs with many common problems.  You can massage the essential oils mixed with carrier oils into the dog's skin.  Use an area of the skin that is the least hairy.  You can also use a diffuser in a room twice a day and let your dog breathe the air from it.  Since a dog's liver is hardier, this will not damage it.  You can use a mister to spray around the areas where the dog stays, too. 

Many dogs will develop arthritis as they get older.  Sometimes owners will even euthanize their dogs just so they won't have to suffer with this ailment.  However, there are essential oils that can help your dog live a more comfortable life.  Some are juniper, pine, rosemary, and birch oils.  When your dog becomes ill, it can mean damage to your flooring and furnishings.  Besides that, you don't like to see your dog suffering.  For vomiting, you can use essential oils of lavender, tarragon, or peppermint.  You can use a cinnamon oil massage for diarrhea. 

Dogs often get what are known as "hot spots."  These are raw areas of skin where the fur has either been chewed or worn off.  They can be very difficult to treat, and vets have several antidotes for them.  If you want to try essential oils, try Melrose and lavender.  They both clean the wound and reduce inflammation. 

Care should be taken when using essential oils on or around animals.  Some pets just can't take it.  Yet, for those pets that are able to tolerate them, they can be a great help. 

Dogs are more suited to the use of essential oils...
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How Essential Oils Are Used For Emotional Well-Being

11/24/2014

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Essential oils have been used for about one thousand years for all sorts of reasons.  One of the key uses for essential oils has been for emotional healing.  These preparations of plants are excellent at producing a feeling of well-being. 

There are generally three methods for using these essential oils to promote emotional health.  One is to add ten drops of the oil to a bath and soak.  Another is to put a few drops on the essential oil in a carrier oil and use it for a massage. 

The final method is to inhale the aroma of the oil directly.  This can be done by putting a few drops of the essential oils on a handkerchief or tissue and holding it up to the nose.  You can also accomplish the same thing by boiling two cups of water, adding the oil, and inhaling the vapors.  Different essential oils are used for different emotional problems.  For example, grief comes to most people at some time in their lives.  It may involve a loss of a job, a home, a marriage, or an actual death.  In any case, using essential oils of frankincense or rose can help to ease the suffering. 

Poor memory is often the result of poor eating and sleeping habits.  If you are suffering in this way, you can try oil of rosemary to help the problem.  However, if you notice poor memory being a continual happening in your life even after using essential oils, you should seek a medical opinion. 

The same is true for postnatal depression.  Many new mothers find that they feel down after the birth of their child.  After their hormones get back to normal, they should begin to feel better.  In the meantime, they can use essential oils such as bergamot, chamomile, or neroli.  If at any time they feel it is important, they should seek a doctor's help.  This is not a problem to treat lightly. 

For stress, chamomile, lavender, and sandalwood have all been used with success.  Ongoing stress without substantial relief should be reported to a doctor.  Anxiety should not be taken lightly either.  However, you can try the essential oils bergamot, cedarwood, or lavender before seeing a physician. 

If you are actually having panic attacks, your anxiety is much worse.  You are probably having symptoms that seem more physical than emotional.  At times, you may almost feel like you are having a heart attack.  If you have panic attacks, you should have medical advice to rule out physical causes.  If you still don't get relief, essential oils can help you.  Frankincense, lavender, neroli, and ylang ylang will help to alleviate the distress. 

Mental fatigue comes after hours of work or study.  It can make you feel a kind of exhaustion that sleep won't even cure.  Essential oils, though, can help with that feeling.  The use of lavender, peppermint, and rosemary will all relieve your mind. 

Emotional distress can become a part of anyone's life.  The world is full of stresses and pressures that keep people from feeling relaxed.  Essential oils can help these people to feel more at ease with themselves and the world around them. 
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Explaining Essential Oils

12/8/2013

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Maybe you have heard the term "essential oils" but didn't know what was meant by it.  Perhaps you had a vague idea that it was connected in some way with aromatherapy, but didn't know how.  Now is as good a time as any to learn what essential oils are.  Essential oils are made from different parts of plants.  They can be made from leaves, like peppermint oil.  They can be made from petals, like rose oil.  Some are made from bark or wood, like sandalwood.  

Others are made from other parts of plants.  If a so-called "essential oil" has any animal products in it, it is not truly an essential oil.  Also, true essential oils do not contain synthetic ingredients.  

Essential oils are usually made by distillation to make the natural oils in a plant substance very concentrated.  It takes an enormous amount of plant material to make just a small amount of essential oils.  For this reason, they are very expensive.  It only takes a few drops of these essential oils to have a powerful effect.  Most essential oils are not used directly on the skin.  Most are either inhaled or applied in a carrier oil.  Sometimes the oils are put into a bath.  

You can buy individual essential oils or you can buy blends.  If you buy blends, it's up to the maker to decide what oils to mix together and in what proportions.  You can save money this way, because you only have to buy one bottle of a blend rather than several bottles to mix yourself.  If money is no object, you might like to have the choice.  

Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote physical and mental well-being.  There are many varieties of essential oils and there are different ones for almost every ailment out there.  There are several choices of oils for many of the conditions.  Essential oils enter the body through the sense of smell.  This is why they are often inhaled in some way or another.  However, they are also absorbed into the tissues of the skin and into the bloodstream.  This is especially true when they are used in baths or massages.  

When essential oils are inhaled, they reach the limbic system of the brain and go on to affect all the systems that it interfaces with.  These include the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the endocrine system, and memory.  In the bloodstream, they affect the organs as well.  When you have had a massage treatment with essential oils, it is wise not to bathe or wash it off for a couple of hours.  This is because the systems of the body take time to absorb the oils from the skin.  

Both psychological and medical conditions have been treated with aromatherapy through the use of essential oils.  Some can be very expensive, especially those that come from exotic plants.  However, by using the few drops as recommended, a small bottle can last a long time.  Essential oils are effective tools in controlling uncomfortable symptoms.  
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    Author

    Brooke M. Barry is President of SJMT and a Certified Massage Therapist specializing in Integrated Therapy incorporating Essential Oils. 

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