Whether you are a new massage therapist or an old timer one thing we in this profession often experience are sore wrists and hands. Our bodies naturally let us know when we are out of balance so when my hands and wrists start “talking” to me I go through my inventory of self-inquiry/check-in questions. Did I see more than my usual number of clients this week, how were my body mechanics, was I tired, did I do a lot of deep tissue work, were there times when I tried to “push” the tissue to respond using strength vs. using technique and patience to achieve the desired release, do I really want a day off to rest and play? Questions such as these help me to take inventory of where I may have been out of balance, where I need to readjust and where to be more diligent about self-care in order to prevent further injury.

We are all taught that ice and rest are effective ways to take care of our sore and tired hands and wrists; done routinely these are can be hugely beneficial to help heal minor injury. Sometimes, however, I find I need extra support and essential oils are one of my favorite treatment options.

Essential oils that are most effective are those that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and calming. The oils that I use most are:

Peppermint (a personal favorite!) – Mentha piperita The high menthol content of peppermint essential oil gives it its analgesic properties. It is cooling to the skin and has an immediate soothing sensation upon application. As a side note when ice is not available Peppermint is a great option. Peppermint also helps to increase circulation which aids the healing process. CAUTION: Peppermint is NEVER to be used near a child under 30 months of age; it can cause a spasm in the larynx that may make it difficult for the child to breathe. So if you have children do not use this on yourself and then go to care for them.

Wintergreen – Gaultheria procumbens The main chemical constituent in wintergreen is methyl salicylate which is known to be a very effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic, great for painful overworked muscles. CAUTIONS: Wintergreen is an essential oil that needs to be used with care. It should only be used if you are generally in good health are not taking anticoagulant medications and in a 1-3% dilution for a few days at a time. Do not use wintergreen daily as it can become toxic if overused.

Plai – Zingiber cassumunar Plai, not the sweetest scent, actually a little bit of a dirty sock aroma, (official description “similar to tea tree with a touch of bite”) but its pain relieving properties makes it well worth enduring the interesting aroma and blended well with some of the more appealing scents of peppermint, lavender or wintergreen any less desirable undertones all but disappear. Plai is part of the ginger family but is more intense and has a cooling rather than heating effect. Plai has been said to be one of the best pain relievers and is traditionally used by Thai massage therapists to ease joint and muscle pain.

Lavender - Lavendula angustifolia Lavender essential oil is a “must have” as it has so many beneficial healing qualities beyond it’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Relating to our sore wrists, Lavender helps to calm and soothe muscle aches and pains. It also helps to uplift our mood and we all know a positive mind set increases our bodies abiltiy to heal. The main chemical constituents in Lavendula angustifolia are linalool and linalyl acetate.

Lavender Spike – Lavendula latifolia Lavender Spike has a more camphor type of aroma than true lavender. It is often used for chronic joint pain to reduce inflammation and discomfort. The main chemical constituents in Lavendula latifolia are linalool and 1,8 cineol.

I keep both Lavender and Lavender Spike in my stock of essential oils, as there are times that I am drawn to use one over the other. If you are new to essential oils, however, I would recommend starting with Lavender French as it has the “softest” aroma of all the lavenders.

Chamomile, German – Matricaria recutita German Chamomile is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In her book, Aromatherapy for Massage Practitioners, which I highly recommend, Ingrid Martin, Massage Therapist and Aromatherapist, states that it is the best essential oil remedy for inflammation in any form and excels at treating acute inflammation.

Helichrysum – Helichrysum italicum Helichrysum is more expensive than many essential oils, but is also on the “must have” list because of its many healing properties. This essential oil can be used in a high dilution and still be effective. I generally buy 2.5ml and make a 50% dilution with fractionated coconut; I then use the diluted essential oil in my blends. You only need a few drops to greatly increase the healing properties of your essential oil blend. It is a potent anti-inflammatory and “sometimes called the super arnica of aromatherapy” (Penoel 1991). It is also one of the best essential oil remedies to help heal bruising.

BLENDING: All of the essential oils listed above can be used individually or in combination. I like to create blends that are specific to what my body needs in the moment. As an example, if I am feeling really sore a slightly higher proportion of peppermint gives that instant cooling soothing sensation upon application, add extra German Chamomile and Helichrysum if inflammation is acute or a couple extra drops of Lavender if a more calming blend is needed.

Notes for blending:
Use a TOTAL of 15-20 drops of essential oil (single or combination of oils) per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. This will give you an approximate 15-20% dilution. This dilution is for local application only.

The exception here is Wintergreen. NEVER use more than 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil and it is best to start with 1 or 2 drops.

Peppermint can also be irritating to sensitive skin. So start with 2-3 drops and see how your body reacts.

Carrier Oils: You can use any pure plant oil or all natural lotion as a carrier medium for your essential oils. I most often choose fractionated coconut or Jojoba because of their very long shelf life and their ability to absorb into the skin. For more information on carrier oils you can go to www.essentialthree.com and click on the carrier oil tab.

Here is an example of the proportions that I use to create a blend:
4-6 drops Peppermint
2 drops Wintergreen
4 drops Plai
5 drops Lavender or Lavender Spike
3 drops Helichrysum or German Chamomile

Blended in a base of 1 teaspoon or 5ml of carrier oil

APPLICATION: Apply your blend to your wrist, hands and forearms 3 times per day until your symptoms dissipate. Listen to your inner guidance for when to stop using or to change your essential oil blend. If you have any irritation discontinue use.

SAFETY: Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas. If PREGNANT OR NURSING, consult with your health care professional before using. Essential oils are volatile and highly flammable. Keep away from direct flame. For external use only; DO NOT use undiluted on the skin. We recommend that you keep a small bottle of carrier oil, i.e. Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut (we prefer due to long shelf life) with your essential oils for immediate dilution if needed.

To stay in optimal health and well-being it is important for all of us to find our place of balance in all aspects of our lives. E3 essential oils are one of my favorite tools to help me achieve that balance in myself.