You may be asking, how does aromatherapy work? Once the aroma enters the nasal cavity, changes occur in the limbic system, a complex biological switchboard in the brain which controls things like memories and emotions. Some ways to use essential oils are, putting a drop or two on the hands (if direct contact with the oil is safe) and inhaling directly, there are also some high quality essential oil diffusers on the market, look for one that does not alter the chemistry of the oils. Some oils can be taken internally, and users have had some incredible health results with that. Do not take oils internally unless the label says it is safe to do so. Many people mix essential oils in ,what is called , a "carrier" oil like almond oil, vitamin e oil, or jojoba oil. You can then massage the oil blend into the skin, and will receive the benefits, as soon as, your body absorbs them ( about 20 minutes). One essential oil blend ,that I use during sports massage, is great for trigger point therapy. I use 4 oz vitamin e oil, and add 10 to 15 drops of lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, and sage. This blend has a high linalool content which , to make a long scientific story short, has been proven to effective in treating myofascial pain!

Essential oils have been a passion of mine for the past few years. The benefits are broad spectrum, meaning almost every essential oil has more than one benefit. Many oils such as lavender have relaxing qualities, and users report that it may help with insomnia. Many oils such Rosemary, Cinnamin,Thyme, and Frankincense have anti-inflammatory properties, and research has shown them to be valuable in treating arthritis. Frankincense has been shown to be effective against ulcerative colitis, in fact one research shows 82% of treated patients went into remission. Here is an article on the possible cancer killing effects of frankincense -http://guardianlv.com/2013/07/cancer-treatment-found-in-ancient-resin/.
Also resent Israeli research shows lemongrass may be effective in killing cancer cells -http://www.scribd.com/doc/12879711/Israeli-Research-Finds-Lemon-Grass-Kills-Cancer.
Also because of the anti-microbial properties of lemon oil, many surgeons are using lemon oil to disinfect their equipment. Many essential oils are resistant to bacterial mutation because of their broad spectrum properties. In fact some places in the world, France for example, incorporates essential oils into their healthcare system. In the next blog I will tell you about some of the best ways, to use essential oils, including an awesome blend that I use for sports massage...to be continued. 
 

Working with athletes, I have found something common among cycling enthusiasts recently. They show up for a massage with tight I.T. Band, hamstrings, and low back (quadratus lomborum).  I have found that most athletes especially cyclists and runners have a tight psoas, some of them are suprised to find the trigger points in the psoas refer directly to their low back pain! This is the major "core" stability muscle which structurally effects the pelvis, low back, and legs. Here is an awesome photo of the psoas, as well as, a more in depth article explaining psoas function! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=558590954195722&set=a.147110562010432.36040.147107135344108&type=1&theater