The sciatic nerve is deep and is the thickest nerve in the human body. In some individuals it can be as wide as ¾ of an inch. Some of the common symptoms are burning, tingling pain through the glutes, continuing into the upper leg on either side.

A massage combined with essential oils can help alleviate one of the causes: strain of the muscles. It can also help with swelling, by using essential oils that are anti-inflammatory.

When a client describes acute pain for this condition, the best thing to do is reduce the tension in the area, and thus the swelling, which adds to the irritation of the nerve. Using a hot or cold compress with essential oils before gentle stretching and light lymphatic drainage techniques can help with the management of pain.

If the client is prone to this issue, maintenance through increased exercise should be suggested. In addition, daily self-massage with the essential oils diluted in a carrier oil, can be used in between massage treatments.

Recommended essential oils:

Celery Seed oil properties: carminative, analgesic, stimulant. Clears fire toxins, drains dampness and increases blood flow to localized area.

Rosemary oil properties: antiseptic, antispasmodic, stimulant, carminative, antitussive.

Myrtle oil properties: nervine, clears heat, antibacterial.

Recommend dilution: 1 quart of water, place five to 10 drops of essential oils above or one to three drops of essential oils directly onto the compress.

A hot compress does increase blood flow to a specific area of the body. A compress is when a cloth or towel is soaked in cold or hot water and applied directly to the area of tension. Compresses, hot or cold, are used in treatment of a localized area.

Cold compresses can be used for relief of recent sprains, strains and bruising; after a few days, hot and cold can be alternated.

To make a compress: Fill sink or large bowl with 1 quart of hot or cold water. Place five to 10 drops of the above essential oils on a towel or cloth. Place a clean cotton cloth in the water and soak. Wring out cloth and place on the area to be treated. Apply the compress to the localized treatment area. A hot compress should be left on until it has cooled to body temperature, then repeat application for soaking and reapply. Repeat three to four times. A cold compress can be reused more often, after several minutes. Repeat as needed to area being treated. No longer than 15 minutes.

Please use the recipe report form to record your experience then email your instructor for review.