Aromatherapy is widely used in massage therapy and naturopathic practices because it shows benefits when it comes to relieving stress and allowing a person to relax. Being able to calm down after a long and frustrating day can be a big help for those who have high blood pressure and other heart conditions, but what about headache relief?
Many health practitioners have started to consider aromatherapy for migraines as a possible way of at least reducing the degree of discomfort sufferers feel when they are in pain.
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromatherapy uses the “aroma” or smell of a plant to elicit a healing response in the body. Essential oils that are extracted from the plant are placed in a diffuser and sent into the air. As a person breathes in the particles, they attach to the mucus membranes in the mouth and nose and begin to send messages to the brain.
A true essential oil (one that is the most natural and easiest to absorb by the body) will be able to travel throughout the body in a very short amount of time. Essential oils can also be mixed with a “carrier” oil, like jojoba or coconut oil, and used in massage therapy or as a lotion.
What Scents Work Best
Different essential oils offer benefits for certain types of health concerns. When it comes to aromatherapy for headache relief, a few of the most commonly used essential oils include:
- Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus oil is commonly used for the relief of sinus headaches. This oil has been included in cough and cold remedies for years and has shown benefits when it comes to relieving sinus pain and pressure.
- Lavender – Lavender is another essential oil that has been proven to show benefits when it comes to relieving stress and eliciting a calming response within the body. Cosmetic companies have been including it in products that are used prior to bed because of the oil’s ability to calm the nerves and allow the person to relax. It has the potential to do the same for individuals who suffer from tension headaches.
- Roman Chamomile – Roman Chamomile has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and sedative benefits. This allows the person to relax and help remove the inflammation that may be restricting blood flow to the brain.
Making Scents of It All
The fact is that many doctors can only speculate as to what type of aromas will work when it comes to headache pain. The use of aromatherapy, however, is steadily increasing in popularity and many people are drawn to the fact that no potentially harmful drugs are involved. Using different aromas to elicit a healing response offers a natural solution to a stubborn and sometimes irritating health problem.
Miami Headache Institute
If you’ve tried aromatherapy for headache relief and are still suffering pain, please contact the Miami Headache Institute in Miami, FL. We understand what you are going through and are here to offer the safest, most effective treatment options possible. Let us work with you to find the solution to your headache pain.
