While it’s important to keep on top of the latest ingredients, there’s something to be said for “tried and true.” That’s where Arnica comes in. It’s one of those ingredients you can depend on for relieving client pain. Arnica has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine and homeopathic remedy to alleviate pain, stimulate the immune system and increase circulation, to name just a few of its healing properties.
There are a number of species of Arnica, but the one called Arnica Montana is most commonly used for the production of the Arnica compound that generally is found in cream or gel form today. It’s produced from the blossoms of a flowering plant that is a member of the daisy family that grows in the mountains of Europe and North America. The flowers and root are used to prepare topical remedies for pain relief.
The active ingredient of Arnica is sesquiterpene lactone helenalin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, Arnica helps to reduce swelling and so is believed to be useful for treating pains, aches and bruises when applied topically.
One study indicated the effectiveness of Arnica in speeding up the healing of bruises. Specifically, the study found topical 20 percent Arnica ointment sped up healing of bruises comparable to the effectiveness of a topical five percent Vitamin K formula. [1] Another study indicated that topical application of Arnica Montana gel for six weeks was a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.[2]
Arnica is a key ingredient in one of our original BIOTONE products, the popular Dual-Purpose Massage Creme. You’ll also find Arnica in Controlled-Glide Massage Creme, developed specifically for instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization, fascia and deep-tissue therapies; Muscle and Joint Relief Therapeutic Creme and Gel, which is great for sports massage and injuries; and Herbal Select Body Therapy Massage Oil. You’ll also find Arnica is Lab+Blends CBD Massage Cream.
Fight Back Pain with “Precise Back Pain”
Here's a menu treatment using Arnica plus Lab+Blends CBD Massage Cream to fight back pain. Lab Blends Professional CBD Massage Cream allows for the ultimate massage with precise pain relief.
Ingredients
Lab Blends 408mg CBD Massage Cream ..................................................1/3 oz
Instructions:
- Position client on the massage table in a supine position.
- Perform a gentle rocking compression from the shoulder to the hip.
- Starting at the head of the table, apply a 5 second compression to the front of the chest. Slowly increase the pressure of the compression. Repeat movement down each arm and along the lateral rib cage.
- Squeeze a dime size amount of Lab Blends 408mg CBD Massage Cream into the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and then apply cream to client’s right arm from the wrist to the occipital ridge.
- Perform 4 slow effleurage stokes from the wrist to the occipital ridge. Start with the hand palm down and rotate the arm with each successive stroke.
- Perform 4 slow push/pull movements starting at the client’s wrist and moving to the shoulder.
- Repeat 4 & 5 on the left side.
- Perform 4 slow push/pull movements to the client’s abdominal area from the hip to just under the breast line. Jump over the breast tissue and continue movement on the upper chest.
- Move to the head of the table. Apply long effleurage strokes from the shoulder to the occipital ridge. Repeat 6 times.
- From a seated position, perform head rotations and push/ pull from the base of the neck to the occipital ridge.
- Have client turn to a prone position.
- Repeat 3 & 4 on the back.
- Perform 4 slow push/pull movements from the client’s hip to upper back.
- Move to the head of the table, perform 4 slow, deep effleurage strokes from the occipital ridge to the sacrum.
- Move to the right side. Perform 4 slow, deep effleurage strokes from the hip to the shoulder. Repeat on left side.
- Perform slow rocking compressions with finger tips from sacrum to occipital ridge along the spine.
17. Finish with long slow connecting strokes from the occipital ridge to the sacrum.