A compress is generally recommended when the affected area or condition is too painful to massage.  It is helpful in reducing swelling & pain, increasing blood flow and circulation and it’s a very easy & practical way of benefitting from the therapeutic effects of essential oils.  It is a valuable way of treating muscular aches and pains, bruises, swelling, headaches, fever, inflammation, menstrual cramps and many kinds of skin conditions such as eczema.

To make a compress, all you needs is a bowl, water, some essential oils and a cloth (flannel or washcloth).

Add the essential oils to the water, mix, place the cloth in the water to soak up some of the water, wring out the cloth and then apply to affected area, covering with some cling film (glad wrap) to seal in the temperature & the oils.

The normal dilution of essential oils in a compress solution would be 4-5 drops in 200ml of water

When would you use a hot compress?

Hot compresses are ideal for older injuries where there is stiffness in the joints or tension in the muscles.  It is very effective for toothache, menstrual cramp & cystitis.  They can be used in conjunction with traditional massage.

They are also excellent for chronic conditions such as back pain or tendonitis.

They can be used to increase energy flow, improve circulation, relax muscles and stimulate nerves.

They can be used to draw out impurities for boils or even help to pry out splinters.

Hot compresses give the same type of stimulation as acupressure to where massage is contraindicated, so they can be used on acupressure points for similar results.

When would you use a cold compress?

Cold compresses are good for recent injuries where swelling is still present and before the area is ready for massage.  I

They are great to treat bruises and for reducing pain and congestion in the internal organs.

Cold compresses may be used to relieve tiredness due to overwork or stress, to alleviate acute pain and as a first aid for injuries such as sprains.