AboutJudy Frayne Expertise I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied.
I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems.
Feel free to ask about:
Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot
Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension.
Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache.
Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation.
Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration.
Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns.
Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems.
And many more !
Experience I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress.
I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves.
Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying
I am Sai and I am from India. I would be thankful if you could help me with the following problem.
About two and half years back I hurt my lower back spine a bit. I consulted a doctor who asked me to take a little bit of rest and then go about my daily life as he felt that there was no major problem with my spine. In the hope that resting my back would heal my back completely, I gave it a lot of rest and restricted my activities. Somehow the back felt weaker as days went by and it wasn't until about an year ago when a doctor told me I was doing the wrong thing by resting my back too much. He said my back muscles had become very weak because I hadn't used them for a long time (he told me that there wasn't any major problem with the spine as such but that my muscles and nerves were weak). He put me on exercises and for the past one year I have been doing my exercises regularly. My back muscles feel much stronger than they did then, but they are still not as strong as they used to be. So after sitting for a couple of hours (with breaks and stretches in between) my back starts giving me discomfort and a little bit of pain here and there in the back.
I wanted to know if you could suggest a blend of essential oils that I can use in a carrier oil (preferably sweet almond oil) for massage that could accelerate my healing and aid me with the following:
1) Healing and strengthening my back muscles (also removing occasional cramps and stiffness if possible)
2) Healing/strengthening my nerves
3) Constipation and IBS
I did a bit of research and arrived at Rosemary. But I wasn't sure what other oils to use and the quantity of the various essential oils and carrier oil to be used. Also, I would like to know how often I can take a self-massage with these oils.
There are no aromatherapists in the place I live, so there was no one I could turn to for proper advice. I really appreciate your help a lot and thank you for the time and effort you take to help out. Thanks once again.
Kind regards,
Sai
ANSWER: Hello Sai - thank you for your question. I can certainly recommend some very effective oils for you. I will make you a list first ...
The first group are all fabulous for pain and discomfort as they sooth and calm not just the physical body, but the spiritual side as well.
The next batch are excellent for discomfort and are more powerful and ruthless at getting in and shifting the pain.Don't use more than 2 drops until you know how you react to them.
Clary Sage - fantastic for the spine, painkilling, stimulates circulation.
Peppermint - acts like an anaesthetic on the spine - cooling in small quantities - heating in larger quantities.
Rosemary - pain killer, quite ruthless and powerful, stimulates circulation.
So you can decide the appropriate mix for your requirements. If you want to relax at the end of the day you should use most of the oils in the first group, maybe with one from the second group. Or, if you want a mix to use for when you get up in the morning - use oils from the second group, maybe with one from the first group.
I would recommend up to four oils at a time to start with - say two drops of each in 10 - 15ml of your sweet almond oil.You can add another drop as you get to know how they affect you.
I was always told that you should treat oils like people. They have their own personalities and you can get to know them and how they behave. Lavender and Rosemary are good starter oils as they are inexpensive and both very different from each other.
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For healing and strengthening your nerves I will recommend oils that calm and soothe, but strengthen at the same time.These will be good in a vapouriser as well as in a massage.
Frankincense - centres and calms your energy without being sedative.This will cheer you.
Geranium - restores emotional balance. Good for flushing the system of toxins.
Any citrus oils, especially grapefruit - good for refreshing and help letting go of things.
Ylang ylang - helps with frustration or anger. This is beautiful.
Yarrow - I love this oil. it is very nurturing and protective.
Clary sage - this is more powerful and could be mixed well with some more calm oils. It is a euphoric - very uplifting.
Patchouli - antidepressant.
Lavender - relaxing and soothing, slightly sedative.
Vanilla - I am using this oil a lot at the moment. It has a lovely calming and relaxing effect.
Jasmine - more expensive, but you can buy it in a blend. This is warming and assertive. A good masculine oil.only use 1 or 2 drops max.
Back or tummy rubs of the following oils will help with constipation:
Sweet Marjoram
Black Pepper
Yarrow
Fennel ( 1 or 2 drops max)
Galbanum
For general soothing of the digestive tract :
Roman Chamomile
Sweet Marjoram
Yarrow
Galbanum
Lavender
Peppermint ( 1 drop only)
Lemon (1 or 2 drops)
Fennel (1 or 2 drops)
With any mix, try two or three or four together and then you can chage them round or add in another oil as you feel. Go with your intuition. If you really like the smell of an oil, it is generally that it is an oil that will do you good. Use them as often as you like but don'r underestimate them. Start off using a little.
Just some tips - they will make you thirsty. Drink plenty of fluids.
They may make your body temperature drop if you relax deeply.
They may make you feel quite 'spaced out' . This is good and you should use this time to allow the body to relax and heal itself.
I am certain that the more you use the oils, you will find things will start to change.
( if there are no therapists near you, maybe there is a need for one in your area .... only a suggestion !) Good luck Sai
Judy
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QUESTION: Hello Judy.
Thank you very much for the detailed answer. I was surprised by the length and clarity of the answer as well as the quickness with which you replied. I have a few follow-up minor questions to ask. Here they are:
Do the oils in the same horizontal line form a blend? Or is it the vertical line?
2) For the tummy rub (IBS, constipation) can I use the oil drops in a carrier oil (10-15 ml) or should I use them in lesser/more amount of carrier oil?
3) Some of the oils were said to be estrogen-like and enhancing feminity. I am a guy. Is it safe for guys to use these oils as well?
4) I plan to use two self-massages (one muscle blend, one nerve blend) and one tummy rub every week. Is this frequency safe for a period of six months?
I hope I did not ask too many questions :-) And just for information, India (and not just my place) as such has very few aromatherapists and they are mainly cosmetic aromatherapists... so its also difficult to get hold of the oils, but thankfully I've talked to an oil exporter and he lets me buy small quantities of oils from him.
Thank you once again for your time and effort. You are really appreciated!
Kind regards, Sai
Answer Hello Sai
1) I put the formulae in vertical lists, but having looked at them horizontally they look really interesting so I would try both !! there really are no right answers here. Just try them and see.
2) It doesn't matter how much carrier oil you use. it is merely to dilute the 'dose' of essential oils. Use as much or as little as you need at one time. If you have dry skin you will need more carrier oil.
3)I guessed you were male and I have recommended oils that will suit you fine. Jasmine for instance is a masculine oil. You will use the oils in such small quantities,they certainly won't harm your masculinity.
All the oils have yin and yang properties and they can be used for their assertive and strengthening qualities, as well as their relaxing and and more passive qualities on both men and women - all depending on what is need at the time. Just go with your intuition - don't think the flower oils are only for women - if you like the oil - then it will do you good.
If you can , get your supplier to let you smell the oils before you buy them. we all have personal tastes - I for one do not like the smell of Chamomile and I tend to use it on other people as it is a wonderful oil. But I don't use it on myself as I find it dominates the other oils in a mix.
4)Use the oils as often as you like. I believe you will probably want to use them more as you get used to them. If you have a vapouriser, use that as well. Make time for yourself to enjoy the oils and get to know them. You can put your formulae in a bath as well, or dilute them in a plain foam bath base.This is great for your back as you have the heat of the bath relaxing your muscles and your pores will absorb the oils more quickly.
5) Finally, I remarked on your lack of therapists because I have worked on at least three clients who fell in love with aromatherapy so much that they went on to train and become successful aromatherapists themselves.You never know :-)
Keep in touch and don't hesitate to ask your questions. It's a great pleasure to pass on the knowledge.
Best wishes
Judy
