Aromatherapy has an almost immediate effect on the nervous system. Therefore, it is an excellent preventative means for stress and tension management, which are major contributors to headaches. Essential oils also have anti-microbial, pain relieving and immune strengthening qualities, which provide cellular healing. They interact with the limbic brain, effecting the hormone and nervous systems.

The most frequently used oils for headache pain include-

Peppermint

Lavender

Helichrysium

Grapefruit

Rose

Basil

Sage

Coriander

Rosemary

Ginger

Melissa

Eucalyptus

Marjoram

Chamomile

Wintergreen

Neroli

Valerian

Camphor

Here are some tips on the use of essential oils-

– For a headache with eyestrain, try a cool compress with a mixture of chamomile, parsley and/or rosemary on the forehead and lie down for about 20 minutes.

-Try putting an essential oil in a soft cloth and inhaling throughout the day.

-For a sinus-related headache, try putting peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger and/or wintergreen in the cloth.

-For tension-related headaches, take a warm bath with a couple of drops of your favorite oil that helps with stress (such as lavender) and soak for about 20 minutes.

-For a vascular headache, use two compresses- put calming oil in a cool cloth on the face or neck and put another one in a warm foot soak for about 20 minutes.

-You can take any of your favorite oils and use in a diffuser, aroma lamp or try putting a couple of drops in a bowl with boiling water in it, put a towel over your head and the bowl and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

In order to get the full healing properties of essential oils you will want to use oils that have been extracted by natural means, not an industrial solvent. If you want to check your essential oils try putting a drop into water and if it looks creamy it may be a synthetic. You could also put a drop on paper and if it has a grease stain after 2-3 hours it may be diluted.

Essential oils are potent-

-Keep a bottle of pure vegetable oil close by to dilute if they cause irritation to your skin.

-Make sure your essential oils are kept away from children.

-Keep oils capped tightly, upright and in a dark place.

-Do not get oils close to the eyes or put in the ears.

-If pregnant or nursing consult a trained aroma therapist before using.

-Check with your health care practitioner if you have any type of major illness, especially high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Educate yourself on ways to become headache free. There are many good books to study more about the use of aromatherapy. You might also try an on-line search and see what information you come up with. Keep experimenting with different ideas and approaches as you will eventually learn how to empower yourself to take control over your pain.

The use of aromatherapy with essential oils can be a beneficial part of treating yourself for headaches. Especially when used in conjunction with massage, stretching, hydrotherapy (using hot and cold application), and relaxation techniques, aromatherapy is an excellent part of a natural headache treatment plan.

Using aromatherapy really can decrease the frequency, severity and/or duration of your pain. It is an essential tool in helping you to become “Headache Free…Naturally.”

Jean Olsen is a licensed massage therapist (since 1995) and certified neuromuscular therapist. Her website- www.achyhead.com offers unique, natural alternatives for headache sufferers. Apply her techniques and become “Headache Free…Naturally.” “Helping people help themselves has always been my passion.”

Jean Olsen is a licensed massage therapist (since 1995) and certified neuromuscular therapist. Her website- http://www.achyhead.com offers unique, natural alternatives for headache sufferers. Apply her techniques and become “Headache Free…Naturally.”

Author Bio: Jean Olsen is a licensed massage therapist (since 1995) and certified neuromuscular therapist. Her website- www.achyhead.com offers unique, natural alternatives for headache sufferers. Apply her techniques and become “Headache Free…Naturally.” “Helping people help themselves has always been my passion.”

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: aromatherapy,headaches,migraine,alternative health,sinus,tension,neuromuscular,cluster,massage