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 Minimize Post Workout Soreness Naturally

Jill Turpin

According to the Merck Manual of Medical Information, Pocket Books – 1997, "Pain is an unpleasant sensation signaling that the body is damaged or threatened with an injury."

Pain is an unpleasant reality for many people. From the healthiest to the unhealthiest, everyone has pains at one point or another. There are several different kinds of pain:

  • Deep pains are described as dull and aching, but localized.

  • Surface pain is usually sharper and may be burning or prickly.

When we exercise, pain can be part of the process. No doubt good for us, a regular exercise program can make us familiar with the muscles we haven’t used in a long time. For relief from the aches and stiffness associated with exercise many people choose over the counter (OTC) muscle rubs, which can be quite stinky or medicinal. Others choose popular OTC pain pills such as NSAIDs (non-streriodal anti-imflamatory drugs) such as ibuprofen. Prolonged use can be harmful to the eliminative organs.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to OTC remedies. Herbs and essential oils can be useful in relieving the aches and pains associated with exercise. Aromatic remedies are simple to make, effective, typically free from side effects and less expensive than OTC products.

The goal of holistic therapies are pain prevention rather than restorative after damage has been done; proactive vs. reactive.  Aromatherapy treatments can become part of your daily routine to maintain health and vitality and reduce post workout aches and pains.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbal teas can be ingested and essential oil blends for topical (applied to the skin) applications are useful as preventatives, as well as after a muscle becomes sore. There are many varieties of herbs and essential oils that can be used for pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, surgery or other medicinal conditions.

One of my favorite methods of application is massage. Massage treatments are simple to make and simple to apply. You start with a base oil, such as Neways Mixing Oil or Tangible Massage Lotion. Ten drops of essential oil per ounce of base is the general rule of thumb.  Always apply essential oils with a base as opposed to neat (undiluted).

I recommend the following oils:

  • Neways Agility Blend – this blend may assist the body in soothing tired aching muscles associated with soreness caused by physical activity. This is a gentle blend of ginger root, wild rosemary, lavender, cajeput, juniper berry, peppermint, eucalyptus and marjoram.

  • Lavender (Lavandula vera) a clean fresh scent which encourages feelings of exhilaration or relaxation. Lavender may aid the body with a calming response during headaches and help soothe tired, stressed muscles.

  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) when mixed with birch helps to ease tense tired muscles.

  • Wild Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)  with its woodsy scent assists in soothing aching muscles and enhances memory. Wild rosemary soothes feelings of nervous exhaustion and when combined with Peppermint and Lavender helps to relieve headache pain.

  • Basil linalool (Ocimum basilicum) with its soft and sweet scent is sedating and analgesic, eases tension in the muscles and tendons.

  • Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) whose Latin name means “ever living” has a pleasant, woodsy scent and acts as an astringent while easing muscle spasms. Cypress also helps support a woman’s body during menstruation.

  • Rose (Rosa damasena) is an all purpose pain reliever and a specific remedy for the heart.

  • Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is useful for emotional pain as an antidepressant or with Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) for an allover pain reliever.

  • Sage (Salvia officinalis) is calming and restorative when inhaled during massage, acting as a tonic on the nervous system. It is antiseptic and analgesic, particularly for sports injuries such as football or golfer’s elbow.

So the next time you have an aching body, whether from physical activity or illness, instead of reaching for OTC solutions try an essential oil massage. Your body will thank you.

Essentially yours,

Jill

Jill Turpin is a Certified Aromatherapist and is the co-owner of EJ Wellness.  She has been using essential oils and studying aromatherapy since 2001.  She is also the designer of her own line of aromatherapy products called Private Label Aromatherapy.  Jill can be reached at JillMTurpin@aol.com and www.ineways.com/ejwellness.

 

Editors Note:  I've used this product for several years.  Not only is it an excellent solution for snoring problems, it's also a great product to soothe the throat during cold season and to clear the throat before speaking engagements.  Dave.

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Mission Statement:  Desk Jockey Fitness is a wellness facilitation center, teaching our clients how to feel good—both in body and in mind. Our clients’ successes are based on their strong desire to restore their self-confidence, to improve their body image, and to live productive, pain-free lives. Our clients provide the determination; Desk Jockey Fitness provides the tools in a private, non-judgmental setting. We accomplish measurable results through a holistic mix of functional exercise instruction, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle coaching, a dash of motivation and copious doses of accountability. Looking for a “new you?” It’s time to discover the Desk Jockey difference.

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