Using Compresses For Aromatherapy

A compress is a valuable way of treating muscular pain, sprains and bruises as well as reducing pain and congestion in internal organs. However, it is important to know when to apply a cold compress and when to apply a hot compress.

 

Cold: These are for recent injuries such as sprains, bruises, swellings and inflammation, and for headaches and fever.

 

Hot: These are for old injuries, muscular pain, toothache, menstrual cramp, cystitis, boils and abscesses.

 

To make a hot compress, add about six drops of essential oil to a bowl containing about 500 ml of water, as hot as you can comfortably bear. Place a small towel, or a piece of lint or cotton fabric, on top of the water. Wring out the excess and place the fabric over the area to be treated. Cover this with a piece of clingfilm, then lightly bandage in place if necessary (for an ankle or knee, for example). Leave the compress on until it has cooled to body temperature; renew at intervals as required.

 

For a cold compress, use exactly the same method as above, but with very cold, preferably icy, water. Leave the compress in place until it warms to body heat, then renew at intervals as required.

 

 

While massage can be very helpful for sufferers of arthritis, it should be avoided at all costs whenever there is a 'flare up' of inflammation and swelling in the joints. Massage over inflamed or swollen areas will cause further pain and damage to body tissue. The most effective way to reduce pain and swelling is to alternate hot and cold essential oil compresses. Each compress should be applied for two or three minutes. Repeat the cycle of hot and cold applications two or three times, always ending with a cold compress to prevent the hot application from having an enervating effect upon the skin.