Muscle knots can be very bothersome. Some essential oils can noticeably benefit those suffering from muscle knots.
If you are someone who spends a lot of time at your desk, you know how frustrating muscle knots can be. Not only do they interfere with your comfortable workability, but they can also impact your self-confidence greatly. These knots usually develop in parts of the body that are used the most and require the least movement, such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
However, a minor side strain or an injury to any one of the muscles of the body can cause muscle knots. These knots can cause immense pain and hinder an individual’s ability to perform their routine activities properly. Fortunately, many natural remedies are available that help in relieving these knots, including the usage of essential oils
This article highlights five essential oils that provide relief from muscle knots and may be worth the cost. By reading this informative article, you can discover new freedom for pain-free living.
3 Main Causes Of Muscle Knot
There are three main causes of muscle knots: lack of moisture, lack of blood flow, and too much protein.
An essential oil can help with all three issues. The components found in essential oils can rehydrate dry muscles, help increase blood flow in the muscles, and reduce swelling.
How Essential Oils Can Help Those With Muscle Knots By Increasing Circulation?
Essential oils contain powerful compounds called monoterpenes that interact with receptors in the dermis, the outer layer of skin. The receptors trigger a reaction in the body’s sympathetic nervous system, which in turn causes the blood vessels in the skin to dilate. This increases circulation, which benefits the tissues beneath the skin, including the muscles.
How Essential Oils Can Strengthen Muscles And Reduce Swelling?
Essential oils like cypress oil contain compounds called terpenoids, which can influence collagen and elastin synthesis. These compounds work by mimicking and regulating the hormones that stimulate the body’s collagen production. By increasing collagen and elastin production, essential oils help the body build more muscle tissue and reduce inflammation. Further, essential oils can reduce water retention by stimulating the kidneys, which release excess fluid back into the bloodstream thus reducing swelling.
How Essential Oil Can Rehydrate Dry Muscle To Help Those Suffering From Muscle Knots?
Dehydration is a common reason for muscle knots. The essential oils in eucalyptus and peppermint can rehydrate and replenish the electrolytes lost during exercise, helping to flush toxins from muscles and help the muscle tissues to recover faster.
What Are The Best Essential Oils For Muscle Knots?
The essential oil of cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) is one of the most effective oil for muscle knots. Cypress oil is fast-acting and penetrates deep into the muscle tissues in muscle knots. It effectively promotes circulation and improves blood circulation, which helps to flush out toxins.
Also, cypress essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain.
To treat muscle knots with cypress oil, you should apply a 10% solution when massaging the swollen or affected area and allow it to absorb into the skin. After two to three minutes, apply a large cotton ball soaked in warm (not hot) water to the affected area, which will help to further relax the muscle tissues.
Other than Cypress oil, the oil of lavender is also another effective oil for muscle knots. Lavender oil is quickly absorbed in the body and helps in relieving pain as well as improving blood circulation.
Lavender oil can be applied topically on the spot where it is needed. Also, you can dilute 1 part of essential oil to 5 parts of almond oil and massage the affected area with the oil. This would help in decreasing the pain as well as improve blood circulation.
FAQ For Treating Muscle Knots With Essential Oils
Do all muscles tense at the sarcolemma and therefore, are responsive to essential oils?
The sarcolemma is plasma membrane of muscle cells, which surrounds the muscle fiber. All muscle cells contain specific receptors for the essential oils, called G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors are activated with essential oils and act as the gate-keeper of entry into myocytes. Once inside the muscle cell, the essential oils bind to the receptors, leading to the release of certain hormones and proteins that result in smooth muscle relaxation. So to answer the question, yes, all muscles do respond to essential oils.
If essential oils can loosen knots, can they be repeated several times?
Yes, essential oils are generally safe to be used repeatedly. However, excessive use of essential oils may cause reactions on the skin and irritation or allergy. Also, the repeated application of essential oils may cause a broken blood vessel or capillary leak. It is best to consult a pharmacist or certified massage therapist first.
Are essential oils a substitute for massage therapy?
No. Massage therapy involves a combination of essential oils and massage. When used, the oil penetrates into the skin layer and relaxes muscles, which relieves pain as well as promotes blood circulation. Massage therapy boosts mood by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that alleviates depression.
Are essential oils safe for pregnant women?
No, essential oils should not be used by pregnant women unless recommended by a doctor.
Can you use the essential oil mixture for muscle relief?
Yes, you can use essential oils as massage oils. The oils might irritate the skin, so it is best to use a carrier oil, such as virgin coconut oil or olive oil.
What is the best carrier oil for muscle pain?
Virgin coconut oil is a good carrier oil because it does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. Alternatively, sunflower oil is a good oil for muscle pain because it penetrates into the skin easily.
Muscle knots are a painful condition that can happen to any of us at times. Hope this article has answered your questions about getting relief from muscle knots through essential oils.
Have you tried the essential oils for treating muscle knots? Please share with us your experience using essential oils for treating muscle knots in the comments below.