Types of Insomnia
Insomnia affects 1 in 4 people during their life time. It can be short term or long term – usually related to the cause, like a stressful situation that causes you to stay awake worrying at night, or a long term painful condition that stops you being able to get comfortable in bed at night. Insomnia can present as difficulty getting off to sleep, waking up too frequently, waking and not being able to go back to sleep, or just not feeling refreshed in the morning.
How can Massage Help?
Massage helps to rebalance the body in many ways It helps blood and lymph flow and relaxes muscles which can in turn help to treat painful conditions such as arthritis and tension headaches, or back spasms. Where your usual experience of your body is being in pain, massage can help you remember what it feels like to enjoy your body again and really relax.
How can Aromatherapy Help?
Aromatherapy is especially helpful for insomnia, many studies have shown the beneficial affects of oils such as Lavender and Roman chamomile on anxiety and depression which both affect sleep. The chemistry of essential oils is well understood nowadays and there have been direct associations made between pain relief and some of their chemical components. Think of Clove, traditionally used for tooth ache, this essential oil can also be used on back pain.
Making your Own Massage Blends
Blending essential oils for your own situation is a serious business – you need to know the correct dosage for each oil, the correct oils for your type of insomnia or related complaint. If you are trying ‘at-home-a-therapy’ try oils with a safer reputation like Lavender and Chamomile to start with. As some oils have side effects – Clary Sage for example can make you feel very drunk if you use it and then drink just a little alcohol. For more ideas on blending see my blog ‘How To Make Your Own Aromatherapy Products’
Do You Need Professional Help?
Professional treatments are always going to be the best way forward if you can find the time and think you are worth the expense. A good Aromatherapist will be happy to blend you an essential oil mix to use at home – saving you money on oils which can cost quite a bit when bought individually. Rose for example costs about £30 for a very small 5ml bottle. So sometimes it actually makes more financial sense to get a professional to give you a great massage and a blended oil perfect for you as part of your treatment.
Finding A Therapist
Finding the right therapist for you is important, you want someone qualified, professional and someone who can really help you get some sleep! I advise people to use the IFPA therapists, they are some of the most highly qualified in the UK, and have high standards for ongoing training meaning they are always up to date with the latest in aromatherapy as a science and a medicine. Of course if you live in London I work in Hoxton, Lewisham and Acton, so check out my profile to see if I may look like a good therapist for you.
If you like this blog, you might also like these…
Complementary Medicine for Anxiety and Depression