Aromatherapy Wraps for Back Pain

Today as the pharmaceutical companies churn out ever increasing synthetic drugs, there is a genuine push to embrace holistic medicines to promote well-being. Holistic medicine includes many sub-facets, one of which is aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is the belief that there are healing and soothing qualities from various plant based EO's, also known as essential oils. While there is little scientific proof available, aromatherapists claim that 1 to 2 drops of certain essential oils combined can have a dramatic effect for those experiencing pain.

These drops of oil are not ingested but are applied directly to the skin where pain exists. In fact, there are some essential oils that are potentially fatal if ingested. Aromatherapists suggest that the best results with aromatherapy come when a combination of EO's are used together in a carrier oil. A carrier oil acts to dilute the stronger EO's so that they can safely be applied to the skin and then wrapped with a bandage. A common carrier oil used in aromatherapy mixes is sweet almond oil.

Essential oils thought to have the most potent healing qualities for muscle spasms and back pain are Rosemary, Peppermint, Marjorum, black pepper, lavender, birch, ginger, and blue chamomile. These essential oils from different plants can address back pains, digestive discomfort and muscle aches.

Which essential oils to combine and how many drops of each oil to add (typically 2 to 4 drops) to create an aromatherapy wrap really depends on the severity of pain being addressed. One of the indicators as to whether an oil will be helpful and should be used in a mixture is whether the intended patient finds its aroma appealing.

While not very scientific, this indicator does support a basic premise of aromatherapy that the body reacts on a physical level to different aromas. If appealing, one would be more likely to feel relaxed, loosen tension in the muscles and use the aromatherapy wrap long enough experience relief and well-being.