Health Benefits of Peppermint Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil

The benefits of peppermint are many, but the most common reason I offer it to my massage clients is that it relieves muscle soreness at the same time as it reduces inflammation. I frequently see people who have an acute condition, but more often I find overuse of a particular muscle group is the cause of restriction and discomfort. I usually apply 4 to 6 drops along the spine, lightly effleurage the oil with my fingertips and then cover with coconut or apricot kernel oil. Peppermint oil will continue to relax muscles, even after leaving my treatment room for as long as you leave it on your skin. You can further reactivate the effects by applying heat to the area. If you have only one essential oil at home, make it peppermint.

Self Care: Walking Meditation

My massage table is patiently waiting for this period of "shelter in place" to come to an end. In the meantime, walking meditation can contribute to your sense of being grounded and at ease in your body. It doesn't need expensive equipment and can be done anywhere your feet happen to be. Focus on your breath, feel the bottoms of your feet connected to the surface they are touching. With your first step, imagine your inhale breath moving up the ball of your foot and the back of your body, over your head and pausing for a moment at your crown. Transfer your weight and slowly exhale, imagining your breath moving down the front of your body and moving into the the earth beneath the soles of your feet. Imagine your lungs filling with light which radiates into your community, and spreads itself across the planet, healing everything in it's path. And repeat.