Bodyworkers

Blue Mountain works with numerous bodywork practitioners including chiropractors, massage therapists, reiki practitioners, and acupuncturists.  We’ve found that some preparations, such as our room sprays or therapeutic body oils, can enhance the experience during a treatment.  Other products, such as oral supplements and topical creams, can provide at-home support for patients in between visits to their practitioners.  

To the right are some examples of preparations and herbs that we’ve seen to be useful specifically in pain management and promoting relaxation.  This is not a finite list, rather it is meant to initiate creativity and conversation to explore the possibilities of custom-compounded preparations for bodywork patients.  Please contact us to share ideas about how we may serve you.

Administration Techniques:

Transdermal creams, lotions or gels: Bases for these creams are specifically designed carrier agents that pull medication through the dermis for optimal absorption.  We can add many combinations of pharmaceuticals and/or herbs to these creams.  Our favorites include Ibuprofen, Kava, Solomon Seal and Balm of Gilead.

Pain sticks:  Like the creams, pain sticks are designed to optimize penetration and absorption of the medication.  The stiffness of this base allows the product to be dispensed in lip-balm or deodorant applicators for “spot” trigger point application.  One might consider this preparation with NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen), muscle relaxants (such as guaifenesin) and anesthetic agents.

Oral preparations:  Oral preparations could include anything from pre-blended encapsulations, medicated gummies or lollipops to formulated tinctures.  The pharmaceutical and natural world leave no shortage of agents to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation, or to relax muscles, clear toxins, or provide nutritional support via oral administration.

Room sprays: Essential oils are strong anti-microbial and sanitizing agents as well as aromatherapy tools.  Practitioners use our essential oil room sprays between patients to sanitize the area and to energetically clear the air so that each new client enters a fresh treatment space.  Patients may use room spritzers to calm agitated or restless children prior to homework, bedtime or in the car.

Alternatives to Consider:

Arnica Montana (arnica):  An anti-inflammatory and topical, arnica is specific for joint or muscular injury where the skin has not been broken.

Capsicum annuum (cayenne): A familiar and fiery spice, cayenne is a powerful circulatory and mucosal stimulant.  As an anesthetic agent, it blocks Substance-P.  It is used to warm cold joints or to boost insufficient peripheral circulation.  Cayenne plasters are a traditional remedy for back pain.

Escholzia california (California poppy): California poppy is a non-addictive relative of the opium poppy.  It has anti-spasmodic, anodyne, and sedative activity.  It is a favorite mild herb for children.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort): St. John’s not only has a sedative and pain-reducing effect, it also speeds the healing of wounds, bruises, and burns. St. John’s oil works effectively to heal and repair damaged nerve tissue after acute trauma.  It is an excellent choice for patients that suffer from mild depression, anxiety or have nocturnal neuralgias.

Lobelia inflate (lobelia):  Lobelia is one of the most powerful systemic relaxants in our herbal medicine chest.  It acts as a general depressant on neuro-muscular action.  It must be used with caution and in low doses, as excessive dosing will cause vomiting.

Matricaria charmomilla (chamomile): Many people recognize chamomile’s relaxing properties when consumed as a tea, but few are aware of its potential as a compelling muscular anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent.  Chamomile can be particularly helpful when muscular tension is a reflection of emotional stress.

Piper methysticum (kava):  A well known relaxant from the Pacific Islands, Kava acts as a mild sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, local anesthetic and mild analgesic.  Herbalists treasure it as a remedy that can relax the body without numbing the mind.

Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon’s Seal):  This North American native is a versatile herb for a wide range of muscular and skeletal problems.  Known as a balancing herb, it can loosen or tighten tendons, ligaments, or joints, adjusting the connective tissue back to its proper elasticity.  It is used both orally and topically.  It is supportive in bone health, and can be used as a building and strengthening agent for broken or calcified bones.

Populus gileadensis (Balm of Gilead): A favorite remedy for rheumatism and arthritis, Balm of Gilead is an excellent topical balm and mucosal membrane tonic.  It is the main ingredient of our Balm of Gilead therapeutic oil, one of our few pre-formulated products.  The oil is a traditional biblical formula that combines 15 herbs and takes 4 weeks to prepare.  The oil is used for acute and chronic conditions involving joint or muscle pain, contusions, bruises, pain, and inflammation.  It acts to improve circulation, tissue healing and to reduce swelling.

Manufactured products: We carry a selection of manufactured supplements and products, including Chinese herbal formulas from Health Concerns, Ayurvedic therapeutic oils from Banyan, and Emu oil cream.  We are willing to expand this selection at the request of our customers and practitioners.