Massage and Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia

Both massage therapy and essential oils for fibromyalgia can help manage the condition. In Fibromyalgia: Fact or Fiction, Erik Dalton (founder of the Freedom From Pain Institute) states

"The first line of defense for relieving basic fibromyalgic symptoms should be body therapy and exercise. Although pain from this condition primarily manifests in specifically designated areas, the trained manual therapist refrains from 'chasing the pain' and instead, seeks to restore whole body function by testing for ART: asymmetry; restriction of motion; and tissue texture abnormality."

The Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia DVD shows how to use massage to address the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Essential Oils for Fibromyalgia

According to Linda L. Smith, Director of the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy, the following essential oils are most useful in treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia:

For pain relief: lavender, sweet marjoram, petitgrain, Roman and German chamomiles, clary sage, lemongrass, helichrysum, peppermint, ginger, and black pepper.

Lavender with peppermint and helichrysum is a good blend to use for inflammation. Other essential oils with anti-inflammatory effects include nutmeg, balsam fir, white fir, and wintergreen.

For stress/anxiety relief: rose, frankincense, clary sage, sweet orange, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang ylang, sandalwood, neroli, sweet marjoram, petitgrain, tangerine, lavender, geranium, jasmine.

For peaceful sleep: lavender, neroli, jasmine, marjoram, Roman chamomile, valerian.

For headaches: lavender, peppermint, marjoram, basil, Roman chamomile.

For increased circulation: geranium, ginger, black pepper, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary.

For massage, blend up to 10 or 12 drops of essential oil in one ounce of carrier oil. Take into account the mental, emotional and spiritual effects of the oils, as well as their physical properties, to make the blend more appropriate for you. You might need to experiment with different blends before you find the one that works best.

You can also diffuse the essential oils or use them in the bath.

Another article on essential oils for fibromyalgia.

Other Fibromyalgia Resources: Fibromyalgia Network and National Fibromyalgia Association.