There are times we have deep conversations with our body through movement. This may be during a challenging hatha yoga practice, lifting weights or any other physically challenging activity. I don’t know about you but the aftermath of these experiences often give my body a lovely soreness. Lovely because you know you are in your body and it is soreness you EARNED; certainly nothing to fight or complain about. Soreness is often a signal that you were challenged and are now in need of care; that it’s time to honor yourself with restful action. This is a time to celebrate your earned soreness by turning to minerals, heat and aromatics to soothe sore muscles and revel in the sensations of the body.
Then there are the times we are really deep “in our mind,” which often comes at the expense of the body—especially when we are not mindful (oh, the cruel irony of this!). Many of you may find yourself in the same daily situation as me: at a desk, sitting on a chair, behind a computer. I often cross my right leg on top of my left, in “eagle legs” when I’m deep at work. This has imbedded mal-alignment in my right hip. This mal-alignment often translates into tight hamstrings. This is tightness I’ve earned through mindless action. Thankfully I catch myself in these contorted positions more often than I used to and adjust my body. Do you find you do similar things too?
Whether you have a “lovely” soreness or an “un-mindful” soreness as described above, it still IS. Now is not the time to immediately turn to the NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen). Think about minerals, heat and aromatics: hot aromatic baths and penetrating salves and aloe-based preparations.
As an herbalist and aromatherapist, I have learned different ways to approach pain
management and self-care. Essential oils (EOs) are incredible allies for assisting with
inflammation and pain management. It’s often the simplest things that are the most gratifying: consider taking a “perfect bath” and applying a DIY aches-and- pains salve or aloe rub to sore spots when your body is telling you it needs restful action. (*Note: each link highlights an essential oil—scroll-down to the bottom of each post to see DIY recipes.)
essential oil being applyed to water
Following is my version of a “perfect bath”:
• Draw a bath where the water is 100°-110° F
• Ensure there is enough water in the tub so a full-body immersion is possible;
where the water is up to your neck and covering your heart
• Add:
• 1-2 cups Magnesium Chloride or Magnesium Sulfate
• 1-2 cups Dead Sea Salt
• EOs of your choice put into a dispersing agent* (5-10 drops of essential
oil are enough for a bath)
• Spend 15-20 Minutes spent soaking in the tub
• Follow-up your bath with an aromatic salve or aloe rub; applying to sore spots
*Essential oils are lipophilic by nature, meaning they are not readily soluble in water. Some EOs, like peppermint, may be dermal and mucus membrane irritants. For safety purposes, it is best to disperse and solubilize EOs in fatty/lipid substances like a nut/seed oil, powdered or liquid milk (coconut milk is a lovely option), honey or into bath salts. TIP: Always put your EOs into the carrier mixture FIRST and then stir the mixture around in the bath water as you go into the bath.
Enjoy taking the time to honor your body with restful action. Namaste.
Check out upcoming classes and retreats at the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies.
Interested in a deeper track? Look into our certification programs!
Amy Anthony is an aromatherapist and herbalist based in Manhattan, NY. She is an
instructor at the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies
(https://aromaticstudies.com) and maintains a private practice (https://nycaroma.com/).
