Have you ever felt that a nice massage would be nice with essential oils? One favourite oil to consider for Back Pain is the Juniper Berry. The berry has been used over the centuries for healing purposes. The Juniper tree is found world wide in hot climates such as California, Mexico and the West Indies. It is well known for use as a massage oil for back pain.
It has been used to create infusions, tinctures, lotions, oils, ointments, chest rubs and hair rinses, we will look at it as a massage oil for back pain.
The Juniper Berry when fully ripened, creates essential oils, these are then used to generate the above. The Juniper massage oil for Back Pain ia healing oil and contains powerful anti inflammatory and astringent substances. This oil will help healing to the back and joints and help to heal pain.
To make your own Juniper Massage Oil around 125g of fresh juniper berries, the fresher the better. Also 250ml of Olive oil or Sunflower oil.
You will need to soak the berries over night and allow to soften, then strain and discard the water. If you have a double boiler, place the berries in the unit. If you haven’t a double boiler, you can place the berries in a covered bowl over a pan of hot water, then add the oil and allow to simmer gently for around 30 minutes, we are looking for the berries to lose their colour and the oil darkens.
Take care not to burn them. Then strain them through a sieve with a lining of muslin keeping the oil separate. Then pour into a glass to store. It would be helpful to massage the affected area well with the oil 2 – 3 times daily for best results. The oil will keep for months.
There is a wonderful book called Grow Your Own Drugs by James Wong if you are inclined to take this further, useful reading.
Massage along with regular yoga practice will help your recovery time and also help to prevent injuries. As with all exercises you will need to take care and listen to your body to avoid over working, agreeably uncomfortable is the way to go. Remember with back pain if you have a tight side then it is a good idea to repeat the tight side again, this will help to restore the balance.
Any form of exercise is good to keep the body mobile, as long as you are gentle with yourself. I hope you find this useful, until the next time.
Glen Wood – The Yoga Teacher. Glen is a yoga expert whom loves to teach you how to lose your neck, shoulder and back pain with yoga.