by Renee Rainbow, LMT
Stress enters our lives from many different directions. A common one is dealing with physical pain. Living with chronic pain can be quite exhausting. It gradually wears on a person until there is simply no energy left to do something about it. We know that getting a massage or taking a vacation or even getting in for a regular check up with the doctor would be really good for us. But do we schedule that appointment? No. Life is just too busy, especially if we are busy caring for families and careers and all those things around us that keep us busy and push our own needs to the back burner. We put ourselves last on the list of care taking duties. We get tired, irritable, just downright unhappy. Did you know that your happiness, or lack thereof, can affect everyone around you? Well, it does. In fact, not only does it affect those around you, but also those around them, and those around them. Happiness seems to be contagious and researchers repeatedly find clusters of happy and unhappy people:
In a 2008 study, researchers Fowler and Christakis set out to evaluate whether happiness scan spread from person to person and whether niches of happiness form within social networks. The findings resulted in discovering that people’s happiness depends on the happiness of others with whom they are connected. This provides further justification for seeing happiness as a collective phenomenon.
Not only that, but chronic pain leads to constant stress which is the base cause of so many degenerative diseases. So, when you are putting yourself last on that list of people to make happy, you are actually interfering with the happiness of those around you.
Massage can help relieve chronic pain in the body. It relieves muscle tension, spasm, and stiffness. All of these contribute to pain. Experts suggest that tense muscles are usually deprived of oxygen, because the tightness reduces blood circulation to the area. Massage improves blood circulation, bringing with it what the muscle needs-oxygen and other forms of nourishment. The muscle then relaxes, and pain decreases.
Some essential oils you can use for pain such as the essential oil blend called PanAway® which can be applied directly to the area of pain. Other pain relieving oils are marjoram for muscles, peppermint and lavender. Deep Relief is another blend that comes with a roll on applicator that is wonderful for pain relief and very easy to apply to any area of pain. Some essential oils forhappiness are the essential oil blend of Joy™. Joy™ contains the oil of rose and rose is the highest vibration on the planet. Breathe in the scent of the oil which goes into the limbic system of the brain to make an immediate change in our mood, also apply the oil over the heart. Citrus essential oils are also very uplifting such as lemon, tangerine and orange.
So pick up the phone right now. Order some essential oils and make that appointment. Take some time off and take a step towards your own happiness and pain relief. Start treating yourself better and dozens of people around you will benefit from your happiness.
Renee Rainbow, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist / Young Living Essential Oils
