November 2017 - Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group

Essential Oil Basics

Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group uses only doTerra and Young Living oils. The following information is usage advice from these companies.

I’m new to essential oils. How do I use them?

Each bottle of essential oil comes with directions for how to use it; these directions vary based on your region. Please consult the product label for appropriate usage directions.

I see the term “carrier oil” used in several places. What is a carrier oil, what does it do, and why should I use it?

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil—such as coconut oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil—that can be used to dilute essential oils. Carrier oils ensure the appropriate dilution of essential oils as applied topically. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil. In fact, it prevents waste due to excessive application. 1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil; 5-6 drops per ounce)

What is a “hot oil”?

“Hot oils” are oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied to the skin. Examples of hot oils and blends include Cinnamon, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Thyme and OnGuard. For some people, Peppermint’s cooling sensation is also intense.

If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add Biotone unscented or another carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed.

What if I experience skin discomfort or irritation?

If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using the essential oil and apply carrier oil to the affected area. If a rash occurs, this may be a sign of detoxification. Drink adequate water to encourage the release and removal of toxins in your body. Toxins present in petrochemical-based soaps and skin care products, detergents, and perfumes may trigger some of the detoxification reactions. Consider discontinuing these agents if a reaction occurs. Be aware that water actually drives oil into the skin and eyes. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off of the skin, as this may increase discomfort. If essential oil gets in your eye, flush with carrier oil as quickly as possible to alleviate any discomfort. If eye discomfort does not subside within 5 minutes, seek medical attention.

How often can essential oils be applied? How much do I use?

Follow the proper usage instructions printed on each essential oil label. Essential oils are very powerful, so start low and go slow. Excessive use of essential oils may increase the risk for adverse reactions. In most cases, 1–2 drops are adequate, and using more may waste product. Depending on the essential oil, you can gradually build up to 3–4 uses per day, if desired.

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy or while nursing?

As with any medical condition, we strongly recommended that prior to using essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in essential oil usage. Some people choose to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Idaho Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils.

Can essential oils be used on children?

Many essential oils are appropriate for use on children but should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use. Some products come pre-diluted with carrier oil, as indicated on product labels, and are intended for direct application on children. You can dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil such as SleepyIze™, RutaVaLa™, Gentle Baby™, and Peace & Calming® with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet.

How does exposure to sun affect essential oil use?

Some essential oils, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. Some brands of essential oils and oil blends that contain these compounds come with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12–48 hours after applying. Always use caution when starting to use a new oil. If sun sensitivity is a concern, do not apply to areas of the body that will be exposed to sun/UV light within 12-48 hours of application.

What about the use of essential oils with specific medical conditions? Can essential oils interact with prescription medications?

If you have a disease or medical condition or are using a prescription medication, it is recommended that prior to using an essential oil, you consult with a health care advisor who has experience with essential oils. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about potential interactions between any medication and essential oils.

doTERRA and Young Living Essential Oils

Deep Blue (muscle and joint support):

Apply directly to tired, aching joints.

Rub on muscles before or after massage to reduce discomfort.

Use with carrier for deep tissue massage.

Breathe Respiratory Blend (respiratory support):

Diffuse into the air, or apply topically to chest and neck or bottoms of

feet to promote clear breathing.

On Guard Blend (immune defense):

Diffuse into air for purification.

Lavender (calms the nervous system, soothes irritated skin):

Diffuse into air to calm anxiety and soothe emotions.

Massage onto back or bottoms of feet.

Peppermint (stimulant asthma is a contraindication):

Inhale deeply to invigorate lungs or increase mental alertness.

Apply with lavender to neck and forehead to calm headache.

Melaleuca/Tea Tree (skin support, anti-fungal, anti-microbial):

Apply topically to bottoms of feet and toenails for healthy skin.

Frankincense (skin health, mood booster):

Diffuse into air to lift moods.

Apply topically to neck and forehead with lavender and peppermint

to calm stress and headaches.

Apply to bottom of feet to boost immunity.

Lemon (energizing, anti-depressant Sunlight/UV sensitivity up to 48 hours):

Diffuse into air to help life mood and and improve alertness.

Karla Freitag2018-03-19T03:40:21+00:00November 20th, 2017|Essential Oils|

Why Massage Therapy for Amputees?

Most treatments for helping amputees manage pain are pharmacologic, or medications, while many of these carry the risk of unpleasant side-effects. Amputees are increasingly starting to turn to complementary and alternative therapies for relief. Amputee Massage Therapy, as a complement to medications, has much to offer clients with amputations.

What Are The Benefits of Amputee Massage Therapy?

Amputee Massage Therapy helps reduce the pain, stiffness, and spasms which occur in the muscles of the amputated limb. Additionally, massage restores flexibility and range of motion to overused muscles an amputee depends on to compensate for the missing limb. Subsequently, an amputee achieves an improved performance of daily functions.

Residual limb pain is a painful sensation or feeling from the remaining part of the limb. By increasing sensory input from the residual limb, massage may override the brain’s perception of pain. Massage therapy can also help develop tolerance of the residual limb to touch and pressure.

Dealing with the effects of scar tissue buildup is an everyday occurrence for an amputee’s injured and surgically repaired limb. How does scar tissue differ from normal tissue? It is avascular (no blood supply), thicker and less elastic than normal tissue. Because of this, scar tissue has limited range of motion with pain, itching, and sensitivity. Massage therapy helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with scar tissue buildup.

Amputee Massage Therapy also provides relief from irritated nerves and neuromas, reduces edema and improves skin health.

The evidence on mood improvement from massage therapy is strong. Amputee Massage Therapy has a profound influence on quality of life by helping to manage depression and anxiety.

Karla Freitag2017-11-20T05:08:57+00:00November 9th, 2017|Massage Techniques|

What is Hot Bamboo Massage?

Hot Bamboo Massage uses bamboo sticks of different lengths and diameters. A heating pad keeps them hot. The longer sticks are used for gliding strokes, while smaller tools are used for more specific work. The bamboo replaces the hands of the massage therapist and used to perform similar strokes as when doing regular massage. Clients will comment that aside from the heat, it feels comparable to hands! As the heat dissipates throughout the tissues, it assists in the release of tension and knots, providing a very effective deep tissue massage.

Massage therapists often combine Hot Bamboo Massage with other techniques to achieve the best result for each individual. Hot Bamboo Massage is similar to Hot Stone Massage without the extra time, mess and prep work. In addition, bamboo seems to hold the heat longer than stones.

What Are The Benefits?

As with many massage therapy techniques, Hot Bamboo Massage increases blood circulation which enables improvements in nervous system functions and sensory nerve perception. In addition, it stimulates cellular activity to repair and intensely nourish the skin, assists to remove lactic acid from exercised muscles and improves lymphatic drainage, ultimately helping remove toxins from all systems of the body.

Other benefits of using heated bamboo include a relief from pain and stiffness, thus improving joint and muscle flexibility. It encourages the softening and breakdown of adhesions in the tissues helps relieve migraines, improve the quality of sleep and manage respiratory ailments.

Finally, Hot Bamboo Massage encourages the body’s natural healing abilities as it releases endorphins, your body’s natural painkiller.

Advantages Of Bamboo:

Considered to be one of the most multifaceted plants on earth. In Asia, bamboo symbolizes durability, fertility, prosperity and peace. It is used as medicine in the form of the Chinese herb, Bambusae Caulis.

The use of bamboo is an innovative way to provide deep tissue massage. It is also powerful preventive therapy against stress and tension.

While bamboo massage can be beneficial for the clients, it is also beneficial for the therapists. Since the bamboo cane replaces the hand of the therapist, this allows the therapists to deliver a deeper, firmer massage, while minimizing strain on their hands and fingers.

Karla Freitag2017-11-20T05:22:25+00:00November 9th, 2017|Massage Techniques|

What is Hot Stone Massage?

Hot Stone Massage is a technique which uses heated basalt stones and oil to massage the muscles and fascial tissues of the body. Basalt stones are smooth and have the capacity to retain heat for a long period of time. While the heat from the stones is first of all calming, it also allows for deep penetration and consequently, encourages deep relaxation.

A widely accepted belief is that hot stones have been used for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years. Native Americans, for example, would heat up rocks on a fire and place them on the body for healing purposes. Native groups which settled in Arizona are credited with popularizing this alternative form of healing massage for modern times.

What are the Benefits?

Hot Stone Massage provides relief from pain and discomfort associated with general muscle aches and some chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also decreases pain associated with muscle spasms and injuries. In addition, it increases flexibility in the joints, allowing for improved function and mobility. Another benefit is that it stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, improving detoxification of the body and calms the central nervous system. Furthermore, it helps reduce the chronic stress caused by muscle sprains, spasms and stiff joints. As a result of all these benefits, it creates space for the body to improve it’s self-healing capacity.

Visit us online or give us a call now to schedule your treatment!

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www.medicalmassagecenter.com

(303)979-0342

Karla Freitag2017-11-20T05:23:00+00:00November 8th, 2017|Massage Techniques|