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Aromatherapy For The Athlete

by: NancySmith
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Essential oils have long played a roll in the health and fitness of athletes around the world - perhaps without them even knowing it! Sports massage for enhanced performance and recovery almost always includes massage blends including Eucalyptus, Wintergreen and Rosemary - essential oils that enhance circulation to the muscles and enhance recovery by clearing post-exercise lactic acid and other waste products. 'Tiger Balm' - a popular remedy for muscular aches and pains contains camphor, menthol (found in Peppermint), cajeput, mint and clove oils. Other blends can greatly speed healing time of injuries, getting one 'back in the game' as fast as possible. Here we'll have a look at some of the most popular means of enhancing the sporting life with the magic of essential oils.

Essential oils can promote the health and fitness of athletes in many ways. The most common use is pre- and post-exertion massages. Sports massage technique is typically fairly gentle, used to invigorate and warm the muscles before exercise, and to soothe and speed recovery after serious efforts. While it's nice to have a massage therapist, it's absolutely not necessary to enjoy the benefits of sports massage - self massage is very common, particularly for those of us not quite as well supported as the world's top pro sports teams! The oil blends used in sports massage are simple yet effective, including oils such as Eucalyptus (invigorates, opens breathing passages, relieves pain), Lavender (anti-inflammatory, spasm-relieving), Rosemary (invigorates, opens airways, stimulates the mind, warms muscles), Peppermint (stimulates, increases circulation), Juniper Berry (detoxifies, speeds removal of lactic acid), Ginger (increases circulation, relieves pain) and Marjoram (calms, relieves muscle spasms).

Blending your own massage formulas for pre and post exercise massages is simple - just between 10 and 30 drops total essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil (Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Hazelnut are good choices). Generally, the more essential oil in a blend, the more stimulating it will be; lower concentrations of essential oil will be more relaxing. For pre-exercise, to warm and loosen the muscles, open the airways and awaken the mind, try eight drops Rosemary, four drops lavender and four drops Eucalyptus essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil Peppermint can be used in place of the Lavender if you're really looking to 'get going' - though if you're prone to anxiety before strenuous efforts, stick with the Lavender. Use light, quick invigorating massage strokes. For post-exercise, a little deeper massage can be performed with longer strokes toward the heart - this will assist removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. Try eight drops Lavender, four drops Juniper Berry and four drops Sweet Marjoram, or, when the muscles are really over-exerted, try eight drops Eucalyptus, eight drops Peppermint and eight drops Ginger essential oil.

Aromatherapy oils can be used during pre and post exercise baths and showers as well, using the same oils and blends mentioned above. Oils can be added directly to bathwater (after the bath is filled) where they will be well-absorbed over the entire body. Before showers, essential oils can be applied undiluted to the body; this is particularly advised post-exertion to support the elimination of metabolic wastes. Try one drop each of Rosemary, Lemon and Eucalyptus. A massage oil blend as described earlier should be used after a shower or bath when the pores are open. Choose a stimulating or relaxing mix depending on your needs.

When the athlete is in need of more dramatic healing, essential oils can also offer significant support. Injuries both minor and major are common in many sports. While serious injuries should always receive proper medical attention, essential oils can aid in pain relief and healing in almost all cases. Many essential oils are well-known for their anti-inflammatory action, their antiseptic properties, and some contain compounds that signal the body's tissues to regenerate faster. The aroma of these oils are also often stress-relieving, which can further support the healing process.

To treat bruises and strains, there is no match for the synergistic molecules making up Helichrysum essential oil. Helichrysum (also known as Everlasting oil), is touted by Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D.: "Used for bruises, sprains, and twisted ankles - usually accompanied by swelling and subsequent hemorrhages - this oil proves to be practically a wonder cure." Keeping a small bottle on hand is wise, as with most treatments involving swelling, quick application provides the best results. In cases of bruises, twists strains or strains, apply a thin film of the oil directly to the affected area immediately, then apply frequently as a ten percent dilution in any carrier oil until healed (the oil will help with serious injuries, but is not a substitute for proper medical attention if needed). A blend of Helichrysum and Jojoba can also be used for chronic injuries such as tendonitis - simply massage a small amount into the affected area a few times a day.

The most common of all sports injuries are the cuts and scrapes that athletes of all ages incur. A blend of two widely available and inexpensive essential oils provides a wonderful alternative to drug-store preparations for prevention of infection and soothing relief. Lavender, the oil that began the modern aromatherapy revolution through its wound healing effects, and Tea Tree, distilled from a plant long used by Australian natives for its healing properties, combine synergistically for these injuries. Simply keep on hand a bottle of these oils blended together in equal parts. Once a wound has been cleaned properly, apply directly to the wound and cover with a dressing (band-aid or other). If the blend is too intense for the little ones, just apply to the gauze portion of the dressing before covering the wound.

Other than the direct sports-related uses of essential oils, the overall health and fitness of any athlete should be supported for top performance. During periods of especially strenuous training or competition, athletes may be particularly susceptible to infectious illnesses - colds, flu and the like. Diffusing Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Lemon in your home can reduce the chance of illness, or the spread of colds. Niaouli essential oil, a relative of Eucalyptus, is also an excellent oil for supporting the immune system. The oil is recommended to be applied neat all over the body after showers for best absorption and effect (use 10-20 drops). A strong immune system goes a long way to keeping an athlete happy and in top form.

These are just a few suggestions for incorporating essential oils into the life of the athlete to improve their health, fitness, and performance. There are many variations of the essential oils suggested - if one oil is found offensive, too stimulating, etc., try another, as this is usually the body's natural way saying the timing of a particular oil is not right, or the oil is not compatible with the individual's chemistry at the moment. Experimenting with essential oils can be extremely rewarding, and finding the right combination for support of sports performance can add a whole new dimension to one's athletic endeavors.

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About the Author

The author has made available reports on specific anti-microbials such as tea tree essential oil and other therapeutic aromatics.  

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