Aromatherapy has long played an important role in athletics for both the weekend warrior and the seasoned competitor in the form of sports massage. Massage is used both pre- and post workout and competition, to improve performance, speed recovery, and lessen chance of injury. Perhaps only a few athletes have known these massages are wonderful form of employing essential oils; the classic massage blends contain essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram and others depending on the application. For athletes, essential oils can enhance circulation, open breathing passages, reduce inflammation, and encourage healing of chronic and acute injuries seen in sport. Here we'll have a look at several popular sports massage blends, as well as other healing recipes for the healthy athlete.
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).
For a pre-sports rub to loosen-up and warm the muscles, add 8 drops of Rosemary, 4 drops lavender and 4 drops Eucalyptus essential oils to each ounce of carrier oil (Grapeseed and/or Sweet Almond oils work well). Rub either just the legs or the entire body to help get you off to your best start. Post-exercise, use 8 drops Lavender, 4 drops Juniper Berry and 4 drops Sweet Marjoram. For an alternate post exercise rub for over-exerted muscles, use 8 drops Eucalyptus, 8 drops Peppermint and 8 drops Ginger essential oil for your blend. Recovery from competition or workouts can be greatly enhanced by the post-sport rub: the elimination of metabolic waste products and enhancing circulation (thereby bringing important electrolytes and other nutrients to the muscles faster) will have a noticeable effect on your ability to bounce back to top form. In all these blends, you may adjust the concentrations of essential oils to your liking - remembering that it is often the case that smaller amounts of oils will provide more relaxing effects, larger ones more stimulating.
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.
Essential oils' medicinal value goes beyond just warm up and cool down rubs. In many sports, stronger healing properties are often needed due to cuts and scrapes, bruises, twists and sprains. Essential oils can powerful healers of skin, muscle and connective tissue. Many oils are known to have strong anti-inflammatory action, and contain certain molecules which signal the regeneration of tissue. And, of course, there's the stress-relieving 'aromatherapy' aspect, which further enhances 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.
Athletes of all ages playing hard will often incur minor cuts and scrapes. Essential oils have a broad range of antibiotic effects, and can prevent infection while speeding wound healing. Tea Tree oil, an essential oil distilled from a plant long used by native Australians for its healing properties, is highly effective antimicrobial properties. Lavender essential oil, distilled from the plant's flowering tops, is anti-inflammatory and regenerative. Together, they make a wonderful topical treatment for athletes of all ages. Blend the two oils together in equal parts and apply directly to cuts and scrapes after the wound has been properly cleansed. - if this is too strong a blend, simply apply a drop or two to the gauze portion of a band-aid and cover the wound for the same effect. The blend can be applied again whenever the dressing is changed. These essential oils are widely available in health food stores.
Beyond the obvious direct applications, the overall health and fitness of any athlete can be supported using essential oils. Athletes can be particularly susceptible to illness during hard periods of training and competition. Diffusing Eucalyptus, Thyme, Tea Tree and/or Lemon in the air can reduce the chance of illness. Niaouli is an excellent oil for supporting the immune system in general, and should be applied neat to the chest and neck after showers for best absorption and effect (use 10-20 drops). A strong immune system will always go a long way to keeping an athlete happy!
This is a brief overview of many common applications of aromatherapy for supporting the health, fitness and performance of any athlete. 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. With a little research and experimentation, an effective and rewarding combination of essential oils can enhance nearly any athletes health, fitness and competition endeavors.
