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Is Lavender Body & Massage Coconut Oil Good for Sciatica?

Massages using coconut oil with lavender can be helpful in treating sciatica, but uncovering the underlying cause of sciatic nerve pain is your first priority. Sciatic nerve damage can result in pain that is often referred to as sciatica. This nerve is the largest in your body, therefore any impingement can be debilitating. The causes for sciatica are varied, therefore any treatment should be reviewed by a physician.

  1. Treating Sciatica

    • Treating sciatica yourself may prove difficult. Know your limitations. Should you encounter sciatic pain when performing regular movements, seek out a referral for therapists trained to specifically address treatment of low back pain.

      This condition has a number of possible causes and treatment is very specific for every individual. Women may experience sciatica in the last trimester of pregnancy as the weight of the baby presses against the nerve. Other cases involve misalignment of a spinal disk that pinches the sciatic nerve. Sciatica pain is often sharp, constant and severe. Sciatica pain can be intense, and resting without exercise is not recommended. Working with a qualified professional (massage therapist, yoga therapist or physical therapist) to treat this type of nerve pain is the best method for individualized treatments.

    Massage

    • Massage can serve as a conduit for increased circulation. It also helps relieve tension making exercise safer. Muscles and fascia tissue need to be manipulated and properly aligned to alleviate sciatica pain.

      Consistent, daily self massage of the lower back and legs can be helpful. Effective self massage may prove difficult for adjusting an impingement of the sciatic nerve. Consult a trained therapist to apply pressure into the muscles of the buttocks and lower back. Ask your therapist about what kinds of movements will improve your alignment. Your therapist can suggest exercises that reduce the possibility of re-injury.

    Lavender and Coconut Oil

    • Virgin coconut oil has anti-microbial properties that make it suitable for massage, as well as a dietary supplement. Coconut oil has fatty acids that are absorbed through the skin. Coconut oil provides a lubricant for self massage of the backs of the legs. The effects of lavender essential oil are synergistic to relaxing and calming the nervous system when applied with coconut oil. The essential oil of lavender is anti-spasmodic and anti-convulsive. The calming effect of lavender and trans-dermal absorption of coconut oil can relax the muscles that are chronically contracted with massage. Specify the use of these oils when making your appointment.

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