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Good Massage Oil Recipe For Lymphedema
Further to my article Lymphedema Diagnosis? Some Helpful Alternatives I have put together a good massage oil recipe for lymphedema, for those of you struggling with this condition.
For a good explanation of lymphedema and what it is see reference 1 below. See also my article above. One day, modern science will finally come to the conclusion that excising lymph nodes only creates more problems than it cures. In the meantime, while there is no cure for the secondary lymphedema caused by lymph node removal during breast cancer surgery, there are certainly a number of things you can do for yourself to ease the symptoms and severity of it and I discuss many of those options in my article referenced in the first paragraph above.
The focus of today’s post is to share with you a really excellent massage oil recipe which helps to ease the pain and swelling of lymphedema. Here it is:
Lymphedema Massage Oil
In a dark glass bottle, combine 2 oz/60 ml organic carrier oil (this can be almond, fractionated coconut, olive, or hemp but make sure it’s organic) with 5 drops each of the following medicinal grade essential oils :
Lemon – has antiseptic properties, is excellent for improving microcirculation, and is anti-tumoral (yes I have research on that if you’d like to see it)
Rosemary – has anti-bacterial properties, it improves circulation, helps with liver detoxification
Juniper – cleans the blood of toxins, removes extra water from the body through the urine (natural diuretic), increases circulation
Cypress – reduces inflammation, increases circulation, discourages fluid retention
Copaiba – has antiseptic properties, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory substances on the planet, helps to reduce pain, is also a gentle diuretic
Place cap on bottle, shake lightly and use this oil daily, massaging it into the affected area. If you would like to work on your body yourself, there’s a good YouTube video that will show you how:
Self-Massage for Upper Extremity Lymphedema
Just make sure to shake the bottle gently prior to each use to combine the oils.
A Little Info About Essential Oils
Essential oils have long been recognized for their wonderful healing properties and they have been used for centuries. There are many references to essential oils in the ancient Judeo-Christian religious texts. Essential oils are created from a variety of plant constituents including flowers, leaves, roots and bark, and the oils are extracted through specific distillation methods.
Although not oils in the sense that olive oil, almond oil or coconut oils are oils, “essential” oils are termed this because they have the distinctive scent or essence of the plant from which they are derived. They are also essential to life (both ours and the plant’s!).
References:
1. http://www.medicinenet.com/lymphedema/article.htm
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you are God sent
Dear Esther,
Well thank you! I appreciate hearing from you. I’m glad you found this information useful.
Sending hugs,
Marnie
How much oil for each area should be used? I have it in both my arms, both armpits and in trunk. And when not actively swollen, still use it?
Dana, I apologize for the delay in responding. How much of the massage oil blend recommended on this page is quite an individual thing, which is why I didn’t specify in the article. What works for one person is not enough for another, so my best advice is to play around with it. Use as much as you feel you need to use until you get the results you want. Definitely use it even when it’s not actively swollen as it can work as a preventative. I hope that helps.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
I just found out I have lymphedema in my leg have enjoyed you site I use Young Living Essential Oils going to make me some massage oils to use Thank you
Hi Linda,
Sorry for the delayed response. I’m glad you are using the best essential oils money can buy. I hope you will find the recipe on this page to be helpful.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Marnie! You are awesome!!! Thank you for this
great information. Hugs from Indiana❤️❤️
Joyce,
Thank you! Glad you found the info useful.
Marnie
My mother has primary lymphadema, will this work for her? How often should I apply to her and where is the best place?
She has it in her legs, so I tried doing the lymphatic massage oil on her feet/legs while doing the lymphatic massage to her feet and legs. She hasn’t noticed a difference. Any other help you have?
Tracy,
I’m sorry to be so long replying to you. Primary lymphedema is somewhat different than secondary. Primary lymphedema is a congenital abnormality (ie a malformation somewhere in the lymphatic system). Yes, this oil recipe could be extremely beneficial for your mother. You will need to use very specific techniques however. This is a helpful page explaining the very precise type of technique: http://www.lymphedemablog.com/2013/01/22/self-manual-lymph-drainage-for-lymphedema-affecting-the-leg/ In combination with the oil recipe this could be extremely helpful. I would apply the oils (diluted) directly to the problem area, let them sit for 5-10 minutes to soak in, then use the technique described in the link above. MLD is a very slow movement, not at all like regular massage movements. Give it a try and let me know how you do!
Warmest regards
Marnie Clark