Massage Therapy & Bodywork	Aromatherapy & Essential Oils	A-Z of Sports Injuries	Massage Article Archive

Cuts and Wounds

Cuts and wounds are extremely common in contact sports, athletics and cycling. Wash all skin wounds thoroughly as even a minor cut carries a risk of infection. Essential oils are antiseptic and therefore ideal for cleansing and treating wounds. They also help to stop bleeding, promote healing and have pain relieving properties too.

Treatment

If the wound is severe, basic first aid is required. Raise the injured part and then apply direct pressure to the wound. Place a pressure bandage over the injured area and consult a doctor.

If the wound is less serious, diluted essential oil of lemon speeds up the coagulation of blood and stops the flow of blood. It is also antiseptic. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is just as effective if the essential oil is unavailable. Soak a pad of gauze in the diluted lemon - three drops to 10 ml of water - and press it firmly against the wound. Essential oil of geranium also stops bleeding.

Nosebleeds are common in contact sports such as football, rugby, ice-hockey and boxing. To control a nosebleed sit the patient down with head forwards and use your thumb and index finger to pinch the nostrils together, maintaing the pressure for about ten minutes until the bleeding has stopped. Do not tip the head backwards as blood may run down the back of the throat. The casualty should breathe through his or her mouth. Inhale essential oil of lemon or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Once the bleeding is under control, gently clean the nose and mouth area. The casualty should not blow the nose or the clot could be disturbed.

Clean and dress the wound

It is vital to remove all dirt otherwise bacteria will begin to multiply, invading the tissues and resulting in infection. Bathe the area thoroughly in the following situation:

5 drops of lavender

5 drops of tea tree

(Remember to dilute it in 1 pint of warm water)

After the wound has been cleansed thoroughly, apply a drop of neat lavender or neat tea tree. It may sting slightly but it is not as uncomfortable as disinfectant.

If the cut is superficial, allow the damaged skin to heal in the fresh air to accelerate the healing process. Otherwise put three drops of lavender or tea tree on a piece of gauze or on a plaster and place it over the cut.

If in any doubt as to the severity of the wound, refer to a qualified medical practitioner.

A-Z of Sports Injuries

Achilles Tendinitis

Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis)

Verrucae (planter warts)

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