Lavender oil is considered one of the most favorite lavender essential oils in the world and has been cherished for centuries because it is simply unbelievable as a healing agent on earth. All over the world, it is used in practical uses and practices with the use of lavandin oil from the flowers of the plant Lavandula angustifolia in aromatherapy and cosmetics. It also finds pride of place in the traditional sphere of medicine. Versatile enough, one can find it in most homes seeking home remedies with natural ingredients. It is within this discussion that this blog post will try to reveal the numerous benefits of this oil, especially in the department of massage therapy. We shall also talk about different techniques to maximize the effectiveness of lavender oil in massage.
Extracted by steam distillation from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, lavender oil is an essential, concentrated oil with many of the active principles of the plant, among which are linalool and linalyl acetate. These components bestow the soothing smell to lavender, which in turn makes it responsible for a lot of its therapeutic actions.
History and Origin of Lavender Oil
Lavender goes all the way back to the early civilizations, where it was used by the Egyptians for mummification and perfumes, then by the Romans for bathing and cooking as well as a natural purifier. In medieval Europe, it was given light usage in refreshing and disinfecting homes, with no mention of its presence in love elixirs. Of course, with time passed the purposes of lavender changed, to make it one of the ingredients that would define aromatherapy and natural medicine.
Science Behind the Benefits of Lavender Oil
It works because there is a wealth of scientific research into the efficacy of lavender oil. The two key active ingredients, linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. The combination of ingredients works in the brain with neurotransmitters to provide relief from feelings of stress and anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Health Benefits of Lavender Oil
Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Arguably the most recognizable benefit attributed to lavender oil is its ability to abate levels of stress or anxiety within an individual. The relaxing aroma created by lavender calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol, and relieves feelings of relaxation. Inhaling it also helps soothe feelings of anxiety and stress during a massage.
- How It Works: Lavender oil works on the limbic system, the brain center responsible for emotions. Inhalation of lavender oil may induce production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps boost mood and promote well-being.
- Scientific Support: In the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, capsules of lavender oil demonstrated equal efficacy to the prescription drug lorazepam in alleviating anxiety symptoms, without the sedative side effects experienced through the prescribed medication.
Improves Sleep Quality
Lavender oil gained its recent fame by enhancing sleep. The relaxing properties help calm restlessness and improve the quality of one’s sleep as a result, and, therefore, can be used as a remedy against insomnia.
- How It Works: Lavender oil helps increase slow-wave sleep, instrumental for heart rate regulation and muscle relaxation. It will decrease insomnia by acting like a mild sedative.
- Application: Diffusing lavender oil in the bedroom before sleep or using the oil as a general massage oil helps improve one’s patterns of sleep and guarantees that they manage a good night’s sleep.
Pain Control
Due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil functions as an excellent agent in pain relief. It eases muscle soreness, joint pains, and headaches.
- How It Works: Lavender oil works by acting on the pain receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties due to linalool, which may contribute to the reduction of swelling and the promotion of healing.
- Application: Applying diluted lavender oil directly to aching muscles or joints provides ample pain relief. Moreover, massaging with lavender oil releases stress in muscles and consequently helps reduce pain.
- Skin health.
Lavender oil works very effectively in different types of skin conditions, with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps to relieve acne, eczema, and psoriasis and promotes the healing of wounds.
- How It Works: In relatively simpler terms, lavender oil helps speed up the healing process by inhibiting these infective bacteria and reducing inflammation of the skin. This protects the skin against damage as it is an antioxidant.
- Application: Lavender oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the site of injury to reduce imperfections and help ward off scarring.
Relief from Headaches and Migraines
This offers an organic treatment for headaches and migraines through its lavender oil content. The calming fragrance from this extract has anti-inflammatory characteristics that reduce how often and the degree of headaches.
- How It Works: Being able to reduce tension and stress, lavender oil is bound to be effective against headaches. It also improves circulation, relieving symptoms of headache.
- Application: Inhalation of lavender oil aborts headaches and migraines, while it can be massaged onto the temples and neck.
Benefits of Lavender Essential Oils
Massaging using Lavender Oils
1. The right Lavender oil is chosen.
The massage will have to ensure that it uses a good quality and pure essential oil of lavender. While selecting lavender oil for a massage, look for absolutely 100% pure with no additions or synthetic ingredients added. You also may want to consider organic lavender oil because there is no application of pesticides or other dangerous chemical applications.
2. Mixing Lavender Oil with Carrier Oils
The lavender essential oil is strong, so it should not be used directly by rubbing it onto the skin. It is well diluted in a good recommended oil that could be useful as a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil or coconut oil. An average composition would be 12 drops of lavender in 1 ounce of carrier oil, which can later be decreased if needed, due to individual preference and oversensitivity.
Most Popular Carrier Oils:
- Jojoba Oil: Nourishing but not greasy; ideal for all skin types.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E, therefore, suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
- Coconut oil: It has strong antimicrobial qualities, is greatly moisturizing, and nourishing to very dry skin.
3. Massage Techniques with Lavender Oil
Incorporating lavender oil into your massage routine can enhance the therapeutic benefits of the massage. Here are some techniques to try:
- Effleurage—Gliding Strokes: This refers to the long flowing strokes, which use light to medium pressure. This helps to warm up the muscles and relax them.
- Petrissage: This is a kneading movement over the muscles, similar to that used in dough. It helps relieve muscle tension and improves circulation.
- Friction: Deep circular pressure applied with the thumbs or fingers. This is useful for breaking up adhesions and also relieves deep muscle pain.
- Tapotement (Rhythmic Tapping): This is a method of tapping or pounding the muscles with the side of the hand, fingers, or palm. It invites the area to refresh and helps stimulate the nerve endings.
- Aromatherapy Massage: Be subject to an aromatherapy treatment that relaxes both the body and the mind. Expect, during a massage, a diffusion of lavender scents in the room that may enhance relaxation and lift the mood.
4. Creating a Relaxing Environment
Make the uttermost of your lavender oil massage by preparing a nice, relaxing atmosphere. Here are some tips for you:
- Ambient lighting: To set a calming atmosphere, this could be dull, warm illumination, or the light from candles.
- Music: Play calming music to facilitate relaxation.
- Temperature: Ensure your room is pleasantly warm, for this will help your muscles relax.
- Breathing Exercises: Encourage deep oxygenation to help the body relax and imbibe all the benefits of the massage.
5. DIY blends of massage oil with lavender oil:
By blending your massage oils from home, you can further customize your experience. Here are a few basic recipes:
- Relaxation Blend: Combine 10 drops of lavender oil with 5 drops of chamomile oil in 2 two-ounce amounts of carrier oil.
- Pain Relief: Combine 10 drops lavender, 5 drops peppermint, and 5 drops eucalyptus in a 2-ounce carrier oil.
- SLEEP Blend: Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil and 10 drops of clary sage essential oil in 2 ounces of any carrier oil.
Additional Uses of Lavender Oil
- Bath Oil Soak: Infused with Lavender Oil
Adding a few drops of lavender oil to a warm bath is equivalent to a full-blown spa experience at home. It relaxes muscles, calms skin problems, and helps clear the mind.
- How to use: Add 10-15 drops of lavender oil into a warm bath. You can also mix the oil with some Epsom salts before putting them into the bath for additional relaxation of one’s muscles.
- Lavender Oil for Scalp Massage
Lavender oil can also be used in scalp massages to promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, and relieve tension headaches.
- How to Use: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with some carrier oil, massage into the head in circular motions, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before washing with shampoo.
- Massage of Hand and Feet with Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is fantastic for soothing tired hands and feet. It helps to soften the skin, kill the pain, and relax the muscles.
- Uses: Massage a few drops of lavender oil into the hands and feet with some carrier oil. However, extra attention to the pressure points is essential for optimum relaxation.
Precautions and Safety Tips
1. Dilution is Key
Since lavender oil is a true concentrate and undiluted application may cause skin irritation, always dilute it with some carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
2. Patch Test
Before using the oil for massage purposes, it is necessary to test it by doing a patch on lavender to be sure of not having an allergic reaction to it. This involves applying a bit of the diluted oil to the skin and waiting for 24 hours to see if irritation develops.
3. Consult with a healthcare provider.
If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any medical condition, then consult your healthcare professional before using lavender oil. Although that may be considered safe, it never hurts to consult help from a professional.
4. Do Not Ingest
One should never use the internal application of lavender essential oil without a qualified healthcare professional. The ingestion process for essential oils is highly dangerous and should only be advised with caution.
Conclusion
Choose high-quality lavender oil, mix it in good proportion with the carrier oil, apply the right massage strokes, and get to realize real potential from this great essential oil. Rubbed to skin in the right amount and with the right technique, the lavender oil is bound to make your intentions of massaging a holistic and rejuvenating act.
FAQ’s for Lavender Essential Oils
What are the main benefits of lavender oil?
Lavender oil is used for its calming, analgesic, skin-boosting, and immune-enhancing effects. It is applied predominantly in reducing stress, promoting sleep, soothing pain, and enhancing well-being in general.
Can I apply the lavender essential oil directly to my skin?
No, the lavender oil must always be diluted with some carrier oil before applying it to the skin because it may cause irritation.
How often may I massage with lavender oil?
You can use lavender oil for massage as often as you would like, but it is generally recommended to apply the oil only a few times a week in order to ensure that your body does not become immune to it.
Is lavender oil safe for children?
Although lavender oil at this dose is considered to be safe for children, it is still better to consult with the attending pediatrician before using it.
Does lavender essential oil help in a headache?
Indeed, the analgesic properties in lavender oil work to relieve headaches. Massaging a few drops of diluted lavender oil onto the temples helps reduce headache pain.
Does lavender oil expire?
Yes, like all essential oils, lavender oil has a shelf life. If stored properly, it will last approximately 1 to 2 years. When the scent of the oil is not fresh or if it changes in consistency, it is best to discard the oil.
