How to Deal with Constipation: Can Aromatherapy Help?

Bharat39

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posted on 14 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Occasional or chronic constipation is an annoying, uncomfortable condition. If you suffer from constipation, you might be curious if alternative treatments like aromatherapy can help relieve your symptoms. In fact, there is evidence that massaging your abdomen with essential oils is a helpful aromatherapy treatment for constipation. A few other treatments are less successful, but they can improve your mood while you wait for your symptoms to pass. Aromatherapy isn’t a replacement for eating enough fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly, which are proven treatments for constipation.[1]
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However, combined with these lifestyle treatments, aromatherapy could be an effective remedy for constipation symptoms.

Steps

Massaging Yourself with Essential Oils

Get diluted lavender, lemon, rosemary, or peppermint essential oils. Research shows that these oil types are most effective for treating constipation. You can use them individually or mixed together for an essential oil blend. Essential oils diluted to 3% are safe for use on your skin. Either buy oils that are already diluted or dilute it yourself. Since essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, make sure you only buy from reputable manufacturers. Search online and make sure the producer doesn’t have any complaints or violations on record.

Dilute the oil to 3% if it’s undiluted. Never use undiluted oils on your skin because this can cause irritation. If the oil is undiluted, squeeze 4 oil drops into a teaspoon of olive oil for a 3% dilution. You can also use a different carrier oil to dilute the oil, like jojoba.

Pull up your shirt and expose your stomach. Roll your shirt up so it’s just above the bottom of your ribcage. Make sure it’s out of the way, because oils can stain your clothing.

Massage your abdomen with oils for 10 minutes. Lay back, squeeze some oil onto your hands, and massage your stomach in a circular motion from right to left. If you’ve been constipated, then your abdomen may be tender. Don’t press too hard, and only use as much pressure as you’re comfortable with.

Inhale as you’re massaging yourself. The aromas can help release your stress and improve your constipation symptoms.

Repeat the treatment daily. Studies show that daily aromatherapy can improve constipation within 1-2 weeks, so be consistent and repeat the massage every day. If you still see no improvement within a week or two, then you should talk to your doctor.

Using Other Aromatherapy Techniques

Soak in a bath with diluted essential oils. A warm bath is a known treatment for constipation, and adding a 2-3 drops of essential oil to the water could provide a more therapeutic effect. Soak and inhale the scents for 15-20 minutes to loosen your bowels. You could also massage your abdomen while you’re in the bath. This can help your bowls move.

Massage your feet with oils to reduce stress. Applying pressure to your feet is known as reflexology. More research is needed to establish how effective it is, but since it helps reduce stress, it could improve your constipation. Since you’ll be using the oils on your skin, make sure they’re diluted. You could also visit a professional reflexologist for a more comprehensive treatment.

Diffuse essential oils throughout the room to improve your mood. While not directly related to constipation, using aromatherapy in your home can relieve stress and anxiety. This could help relieve your constipation symptoms. You can either use a diffuser that sprays oils periodically, or reeds that absorb and spread the aromas. You don’t have to dilute essential oils if you’re only using them for aromas.