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I find aromatherapy to
work wonders for my fibromyalgia, here is my little guide to the
best essential oils and how to use them.
However it is important to remember that aromatherapy is a
complementary treatment and should not be used as a replacement
for treatment by a qualified medical doctor. Do not use any of the
following techniques on a child or if you are pregnant without consultation with a
qualified aromatherapist. Ways
of delivering a treatment: The
most effective ways of delivering essential oils for fibromyalgic
complaints are:
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Massage
A massage is the most effective as well as the most common
way of delivering an aromatherapy treatment. Mix a maximum of
5 drops of your chosen essential oil with 10ml of a carrier
oil such as grape seed oil.
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Bathing
Bathing is the second most effective way of delivering a
treatment. Add up to 5 drops of essential oil or 5ml blended
oil to warm, not hot (as this will cause the oil to evaporate
quickly), bath water. Be careful as not all oils are suitable
to be delivered in this way.
-
Oil Burner
Put a table spoon full of water in the top of your oil burner
and light the candle underneath. Add a few drops of the chosen
oil to the water. Great for use with Lavender oil to help with
sleep and relaxation.
The Essential Oils
The following is a
list of oils and their use in the treatment of FM:
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Black Pepper
Can be used for muscle aches and also coldness as it causes
blood vessels to dilate. Also good for the 'brain-fog' caused
by FM.
Make sure to use a very diluted form of the oil as it can
irritate the skin.
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Clary Sage
A good muscle relaxant (good for aching and stiffness), this
oil is also good for depression, insomnia, listlessness and to
aid relaxation.
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Juniper
Good for arthritic & rheumatic conditions such as FM,
cramps and lethargy.
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Lavender
Probably the most useful essential oil there is, it is great
for painful areas, exhaustion, migraine, stiffness, insomnia,
aids relaxation and and stabilises moods. Also a natural
antiseptic that can be placed on the skin neat to aid
healing of cuts etc.
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Lemon Grass
Really good for muscle aches and pains it also provides a good
wake-me-up.
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Marjoram
Acts as a muscle relaxant (good for aching and stiffness) as
well as having a warming effect.
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Niaoli
Warming and stimulating this oil is good for widespread
aching and stiffness. Can also be used to strengthen the
immune system.
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Orange
A warm cheering oil, great for lack of energy.
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Rosemary
Has a stimulating effect on both mental and physical levels,
good for chilliness, circulation, constipation, migraine,
muscle aches and pains, tiredness, lethargy and sluggishness.
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Roman Chamomile
Useful for arthritic pain and swollen joints as well as
restlessness.
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Geranium
Useful for lifting the mood and can be used to help with
period pain or IBS symptoms.
Aromatherapy Books:
| Title
and Author |
Summary |
Aromatherapy:
A guide for home use
By Christine Westwood
|
Of
all the books on aromatherapy this has to be one of the best
as well as the cheapest.
Covers where the oils come from, ways of using them and has
an alphabetised list of oils and their properties as well as
an index of problems/illnesses. |
Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
by Julia Lawless |
Contains A-Z listing of an
enormous, internationally relevant, range of 193 aromatic
plants. Chapters also cover; the history of aromatherapy and
herbalism; how aromatic plants work on your body and mind;
how to make your own blends; and uses for oils in the home. |
Or
use Amazon.co.uk!
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