Aromatherapy has been practiced for centuries in India, China, and Egypt, and around the world. This holistic healing treatment utilises natural plant and tree extracts and essences known as essential oils. These aromatic essential oils are used to enhance the health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Essential oils are derived from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, fruits, peels, bark, roots, and resin. Application methods include inhalation or topical application, typically always diluted with a carrier oil, cream, or gel. Aromatherapy serves multiple purposes, such as pain relief, stress management, and treatment for conditions like colds and sinusitis and more.

The neck is a vital part of the human body, acting as a bridge between the head and the body. Despite its powerful structure and range of functions —including movement, support, protection, and communication— the neck is susceptible to pain and discomfort. It comprises various structures like the seven vertebrae, which provide support and facilitate communication between the brain and the body. Nerves and muscles in the neck enable head and neck movement, blood circulation,  important nerves like the Vagus Nerve, playing roles in the parasympathetic nervous system, heart rate, digestion, and the functioning of vital organs.

Neck pain can arise from various causes, including poor posture, stress, sudden movements, or injuries. When the neck experiences pain, it can cause discomfort, nausea, stiffness, restricted movement, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, loss of appetite, and nerve pinches around the shoulders or fingers. Along with Medical Yoga therapeutic techniques, aromatherapy can complement and help alleviate neck pain. Essential oils such as wintergreen, eucalyptus, peppermint, black pepper, and ginger, etc., relax the neck and shoulder muscles, and reduce the side effects of neck pain, including loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches.

How to use essential oils:
Please conduct a patch test on the skin before applying to the affected area.
Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.
Avoid using essential oils on cuts, wounds, or open skin.
Do not use essential oils during pregnancy or on children under 10 years of age.
This is not a substitute for any medication. Consult your doctor if you have skin allergies or any medical conditions.
After applying the oil, do not apply heat to the treated area.

Here are some essential oil recipes to help relieve neck pain applied:
For pain relief
1 tbsp of carrier oil (jojoba, sesame, coconut oil)
5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops Wintergreen Essential oil
4 Drops Peppermint essential oil
Blend all the essential oils along with the carrier oil and massage on the pain area.

Neck pain due to stress
1 tbsp of carrier oil of your choice (jojoba, sesame or coconut oil)

6 drops of lavender essential oil

4 drops of peppermint essential oil. 

Mix the essential oils along with the carrier oil and apply it behind the neck and ears.

Nausea and heavy head

Diffusing blend 

5 ml peppermint essential oil,

4 ml fennel essential oil, 

1 ml ginger essential oil, (optional) 

Diffuse this blend in an Aroma diffuser or add few drops in some tissue or handkerchief, and smell

Topical application blend

1 tbsp of carrier oil like jojoba, sesame, coconut oil,

 5-6 drops of peppermint essential oil, 

 4-5 drops of fennel essential oil, 

1-2 drops of ginger essential oil, optional.

Blend all the essential oils along with the carrier oil and massage it behind the neck

 Article by 

              Chandan Mahajani

              mahajani.chandan@gmail.com