Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

The most common symptoms are pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, the soft fibrous tissues of the body. Although the muscles hurt everywhere, they are not the only cause of the pain. The whole body is affected and symptoms are greatly magnified by malfunctions in the way the nervous system processes pain. Chronic pain, for some people can be very debilitating and they cannot work or leave the home, disturbed sleep, insomnia, too much sleep, fatigue, lack of focus and concentration, headaches and /or migraines, jaw pain, IBS- irritable bowel syndrome are also commonly experienced. Symptoms can wax and wane from to day to day and throughout the day. There are many support sights on the internet that can give you more detailed information. My focus will be Aromatherapy as a treatment.

How Aromatherapy can benefit those that have fibromyalgia

I would like to share with you my experiences and the essential oils that I have personally used to reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as they can go hand in hand.

These recommendations are for those that have been correctly diagnosed by their GP or specialist through the appropriate methods.

Here I will give symptoms and then recommendations for essential oils and methods of application. It is important to understand that whilst I give you this information that we are individuals and what works for one person may not necessarily work for all. This does not mean don’t try,  more that it would be preferable for you to seek out a fully qualified Aromatherapist, who then may be able to personalise your treatments as that is one of the amazing gifts of Aromatherapy.

Many essential oils are analgesics, therefore they can reduce pain. Following are ones that I have used. These oils are also very good for reducing inflammation.

Basil, rosemary, ginger, lavender, chamomile, black pepper, clary sage, peppermint, cypress, juniper, sweet marjoram.

These essential oils can be used for Muscular aches, pain, stiffness and hypersensitivity. I highly recommend that you use Aromatherapy and essential oils as a preventative treatment rather than waiting until you are in pain. Using them on a daily basis, and intermittently changing the oils will result in a more positive outcome, as I believe your body then does not have the opportunity to build a resistance to the chosen essential oils.

Fatigue-

Oils that are known to be energising and invigorating

Grapefruit, juniper, cypress, petitgrain, black pepper, peppermint, basil, lemon tea tree, lemon Eucalyptus

Insomnia or disturbed sleep-

Vetiver, lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, bergamot, lime, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, neroli, ylang ylang, cedarwood , clary sage, rosewood, patchouli, spikenard, rhu khus, lavender.

Memory and concentration-

Basil, peppermint, rosemary, lemon, spearmint, black pepper, ginger, cypress.

Depression, anxiety, stress and tension-

Most essentials oils are excellent for these symptoms, once again I recommend the aromas you are attracted to and prefer the smell as this kind of response will immediately uplift your emotions.

I f you do experience these symptoms is essential that you seek professional advice!

Treatments

Aromatherapy massage is a very nurturing massage which promotes lymph and blood circulation, boosts the immune system, is balancing to the nervous system, promotes relaxation; reduce muscle tension, pain, stress and anxiety.

Usually recommended as a gentle massage however I personally prefer a very firm massage as do many people, it really is a personal choice and essential that you discuss this with your therapist before the treatment has commenced.

Depending on how chronic and severe your symptoms are will play a role in the initial results, like many orthodox treatments Aromatherapy is not a quick fix. Every person is an individual the results will vary from person to person. The choice of essentials oils can vary quite dramatically. Because of this Aromatherapy and essential oils can be tailored to suit your specific needs and this is truly a wonderful thing to be able to have these options.

If it is possible initially it would be advisable to have weekly treatments, then fortnightly and then monthly. This may not always be possible for a number of reasons. Do what you can and try some different methods of application at home between massages.

 Some ways that you can self treat-

Bathing a luxury for many of us and you may not even have a bath, so ask a friend or family if you can use theirs. Bathing is a wonderful way of treating many different conditions and many different conditions have the same or similar symptoms.

Muscular aches and pains, aching joints, stiffness, stress, tension, depression, insomnia.

When choosing to use a bathing method, you do not need any more than 10 drops of essential oil in total draw your bath, add the chosen essential oils and agitate before you hop in. A 10 -15 min soak is all you need. I love t have either essential oils in the burner or incense burning with soft relaxing music in the background. Be sure to use an alarm clock if you have a tendency to fall as sleep!

Foot baths are another wonderful, easy alternative and only take 10 minutes. If you need to give yourself a kick start in the morning or really anytime I love using grapefruit. Try this when having a shower another easy application for example: before hoping into the shower grab a face cloth wet it down and add a few drops of grapefruit essential oil. When you get into the shower place your face clothe down on the floor of the shower and start to stomp on it, you will have absorbtion occurring through the souls of your feet and also by breathing as the molecules are taken up by the steam from the hot water. It leaves me feeling quite invigorated; grape fruit is excellent for strengthening the immune system!

Bath blends for relaxation-

4 drops neroli, 4 drops bergamot, 2 drops geranium

3 drops vetiver, 4 drops rosewood, 2 drops sweet orange

Bath blend for aching body, also relaxing

3 drops clary sage, 3 drops lavender, 4 drops chamomile, 3 drops sweet marjoram

3 drops Cypress, 2 drops basil, 2 drops rosemary

Topical application of your favourite essential oils will uplift your emotions and from another perspective will nourish and moisturise your skin! Depending on your personal preference you can use a vegetable oil, coconut oil, cream or lotion. To blend you can use 50 ml of your chosen carrier/base and 25 drops in total of your chosen essential oils.

Below are 2 day time blends and 2 night time blends-

Daytime:

10 drops grapefruit, 5 drops petitgrain, 5 drops geranium and 5 drops lemon

10 drops neroli, 5 drops rosewood, 5 drops patchouli or sandalwood

Night time:

5 drops vetiver, 7 drops rosewood, 3 drops mandarin

5 drops rose, 5 drops jasmine, 5 drops frankincense

Using a burner or diffuser I recommend using the same oils for the specific conditions.

e.g. sleepy time blend- vetiver, rosewood and geranium.

Focus and concentration- spearmint, rosemary and basil.

Chronic Fatigue

Here is a small article I posted on my blog, just a few weeks ago. Although I know some of you have read it I thought it worthwhile adding to this article.

Aromatherapy is considered to be one of the most consistently successful therapies for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Other holistic treatments to consider are nutrition, vitamins and herbs recommended by a qualified Naturopath, and daily exercise for example walking.

Here are some essential oils that I have used to help reduce some symptoms of chronic fatigue

These can be used safely with a variety of applications which I will give a bit later on. If you are unsure seek the advice of a practising Aromatherapist and research the essential oils and their contra-indications.

To reduce stress – Lemon, sweet orange, geranium, neroli, jasmine, mandarin, bergamot, ylang ylang, I recommend any aroma that you like as it will uplift your emotions and aid in de-stressing.

Muscular aches and pains – Rosemary, peppermint, clary sage, german chamomile, lavender, cypress, juniper, basil, and marjoram.

To help to increase your energy levels – Grapefruit, juniper, cypress, peppermint, rosemary, basil.

Depression – I always recommend that you inhale your preferred aromas, it is also important not to overuse essential oils that are strong sedatives like sweet Marjoram, clary sage, sandalwood, valerian and vetiver.

Most essential oils are very good for depression and boosting the immune System. All citrus, geranium, neroli, rose, chamomile, patchouli, frankincense, ylang ylang, basil, peppermint, lemon myrtle.

Insomnia can be a cause of chronic fatigue, oils that can aid in relaxation and sleep – Vetiver, sandalwood, clary sage, lavender, lemon, bergamot, rose, neroli, jasmine, rhu khus, cedarwood, and chamomile.

Suggested Blends-

Raising energy levels – grapefruit, basil, peppermint or rosemary, juniper, spearmint, use as an inhalation.

Immuno-stimulent – rosemary, peppermint, cypress, lemon myrtle or lemon, juniper, lavender, lemon tea tree, daily application as a dressing oil or friction rub (once a week) on your back focusing on the spinal cord.

Insomnia – vetiver, rosewood, sweet orange or rose, geranium, lemon via inhalation, full body or foot bath, diffuser or anoint the souls of your feet.

Muscle pain – clary sage, basil, peppermint or rosemary, sweet marjoram, lavender topical application.

Other Natural therapy treatments to consider are Acupuncture, gentle exercise on a daily basis e.g. walking, therapeutic massage, relaxation techniques, gentle stretching, good nutrition, herbs and vitamins.

Find out how you can ease your pain emotionally and physically through the use of essential oils ~ 

In ‘Your Scents’ webinar series Julie Nelson teaches you why, when and how to use Aromatherapy to improve your health and wellbeing on all levels emotionally, physiologically and spiritually. You learn the therapeutic properties of 26 essential oils, worksheets plus you receive  3 demonstration videos on how to blend, do a compress and foot bath. There is over 13 hours of training in this series. 

Do you want to feel energised when you wake, enjoy a peaceful sleep, reduce your pain, reduce anxiety, stress and tension or improve the integrity of your  skin, slow down the onset of wrinkles with out applying any harmful or cancer promoting  ingredients? 

Then this webinar series is for you ~ I am giving the first five people that buy this series a 15 minute consultation valued at $130 to identify what essential oils would be the most suitable for them to treat a condition that is concerning them ~  Buy Now  

You can contact Julie with any questions you have on julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection 

~Buddha

Jasmine ~ Ylang Ylang ~ Bergamot ~ Geranium

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)

Looking for that special gift to give at Christmas ?

‘Your Scents’ Webinar series is a special price of $47 until the 16th of December! 
Usually $97 this is incredible value! There is over 13 hours of Aromatherapy training with me in this series.

I take you through, in detail 26 essential oils, how to use them, when to use them and share a myriad of recipes for you to use. Plus 3 videos of me demonstrating the classic method of blending, compressing and foot baths. With worksheets to download. A valuable resource for Aromatherapy lovers and post grad students at your finger tips that you can add to your library and access when ever you choose.
When you buy ‘Your Scents’ Webinar series up until the 16th of December, 2011 you will receive a gift of ‘Alassia’ (10ml) anointing oil from my new range ‘Ethereal’ 

Buy Now ~$47.00

Remember…

~ Smell is the potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived ~

Helen Keller

Melaleuca alternafolia ~Aboriginies burned the twigs and leaves as a fumigant and drank it as a tea

Tea tree is a strong anti-septic, bactericidal, anti-viral, sudorific, anti-microbial, anti-infectious and immunostimulant.

This powerful essential oil has been used for preventing contagious conditions such as flus and colds. Combine with other strong anti-infectious, anti-septic, bactericidal and anti-viral essential oils such as Pine, Citrus, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Manuka.

Discover the power of Aromatherapy with Julie Nelson~

These webinars have been designed for people interested in learning how to use Aromatherapy safely and with confidence for home use and the workplace environment . A valuable reference that can be a part of your library for as long as you want. 

Buy now $97.00 

Alternatively each session is available to purchase individually for $12.00 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/

This has to be one of the most beautiful essential oils available!

I simply adore Neroli’s beautiful aroma and use it as a perfume, if you have an orange tree in your garden you will know exactly what I am saying. In Spring and Summer the perfume of the orange blossoms permeates the air and surrounds you in a veil of fragrance like no other.

Neroli is a very valuable essential oil to have for it is known as, ‘The Rescue Remedy’ to our nervous system. It will offer protection when you are feeling emotionally and energetically vulnerable, I refer to it as an oil of the Angels. Neroli essential oil has a high vibration and emanates pure love. 

Use Neroli to uplift your sorrows and give a lightness of being. Anoint your heart and Solar Plexus chakras and also on the back of your neck, level with your shoulders ~ C7

This is an essential oil I use in a lot of skin care remedies as it is nourishing and very healing. Excellent combined with carrot CO2 essential oil for mature and aging skin.

Do you want to learn the properties of 24 essential oils including recipes and methods of application? Buy  Your Scents webinar series 1 now $97.00 

or you can buy individual sessions $12.00

These webinars have been designed for people interested in learning how to use Aromatherapy safely and with confidence for home use and the workplace environment . A valuable reference that can be a part of your library for as long as you want. 

What will they involve?

This series covers 24 essential oils, an in depth look at their properties, what conditions they benefit, how to apply them and a myriad of recipes to treat specific conditions on all levels emotionally, physically and spiritually. They are the foundation to more advanced webinars to follow. 

In Julie’s advanced Aromatherapy series you will discover which essential oils to use and how to use them for natural beauty and skin care, general first aid, pet care and a special series on specific conditions such as PMS, Menopause, Skin conditions, respiratory conditions, arthritis, pain management and more.

Post graduate students will also find these webinars a very valuable reference to have at hand for clinical situations.

A very popular culinary herb, this essential oil is just as popular in Aromatherapy for using in the diffuser and essential oil burner.

It is an invigorating essential oil, uplifting to the emotions and has a calming affect. Known as a Nervine this essential oil can benefit those who to worry a lot.

Combines beautifully with citrus, cardamom, sandalwood, frankincense and more…

Aromatherapy training webinars  24 essential oils are covered in Your Scents series 1 

purchase this series now for $95.95 or you can purchase each webinar session for $12.95

Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils for the mind, moods and emotions is now being accepted more and more. I have been working with these beautiful Aromatique gifts from nature for 18 years which is when I first discovered them.

I knew at that moment that I truly wanted to learn about them and that this was my calling. Aromatherapy and Essential oils have played and very important role in mine and my daughters life.

My Daughter was born a TOF child (Tracheoesophageal fistula), she was the youngest and smallest TOF baby born in Australia in 1988. She was 8 weeks premature and weighed 1190 gms. At 6 months young she began her journey with an associated condition ~ chronic lung disease, the cause has never been clarified, however specialists suspected that the chronic lung condition most likely was due to severe reflux, which at 22 months young my daughter also had a fundoplication. Because of the original surgical procedure where they cut through her right rib cage to repair the TOF site, as she came into pubity her right rib cage did not develop like her left side which in turn caused curvature of the spine. Within the time frame of 12 months her spinal curve went from 22 degrees to 40 degrees and has also had Posterior spinal fusion to straighten her spine. Today keyhole surgery is used.

My Beautiful daughter is 23 and an exceptional young woman, my greatest teacher in life~ my Earth Angel ~

To cut a long story short my point is that we have for at least 15 years been using Aromatherapy, essentials oils to give her emotional, physiological and spiritual support.

How do I know they supported her? because even from a very young age she was aware of her body and how she was feeling. There were many times that she would say to me ~ mummy can I have some German chamomile and mandarin. These were 2 essential oils I used on her especially when she was in hospital, which was frequently.

She associated these essential oils along with touch to feeling better, feeling nurtured and comforted. They assisted in supporting her immune system, respiratory system and nervous system. Sweet Myrtle was one of the most wonderful essential oils to use for her chronic wet lung condition, along with Frankincense, Thyme, Peppermint, Eucalyptus smithii, Melaleuca alternafolia (not all at the same time). 

The essential oils I chose to use depended on the stage and acuteness of her condition and I also took into account age, medications and the environment.

Applications~Whilst we were in hospital and out of intensive care I would give hand and foot massages and if possible chest and back rubs.

At home once again depending on the stage of her illness ~ bathing, massage, room diffusing, friction rubs and inhalations were all used.

Surgical Scars ~ I have also used essential oils for scar and tissue repair with excellent results.

Aromatherapy is an extremely valuable tool that we can have at hand to support and treat many common conditions.

Your Scents webinar series1 covers 24 essential oils with recipes and methods of application and some demonstration videos on blending, compressing and foot baths.

Your Scents series is jam packed with over 13 hours of me discussing 24 common essential oils, and is available now for $97.95. I will also be available to answer any questions you may have on Aromatique Essentials facebook page.

This is such a delightful essential oil, it is emotionally uplifting giving you the gift of happiness and bringing sunshine in to your day. Lemon essential oil is fresh and invigorating to the mind which assists in gaining clarity! 

In Japan several years ago research was done by using Lemon essential oil in the air conditioning during office hours and what they found was that there were less typing errors made by typists. They would also use essential oils to assist in winding down at the end of each day.

I love using Aromatherapy room sprays and find them to be very effective in shifting energy, creating and enhancing a calm and peaceful environment and of course surrounding yourself with beautiful aroma’s!

Buy Aromatique Essentials room sprays here ~ http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/category&id=sprays

Want to know more about Essential oils and Aromatherapy?

Buy the complete Your Scents series one for $97’95 now.

Alternatively, you can purchase Your Scents session 7 ~ Lavender and Lemon for $12.95

Aromatherapy is becoming more and more recognised for the benefits essential oils provide in supporting our health and wellbeing. This week I am featuring Your Scents Aromatherapy webinar session for both Lavender and Lemon essential oils with tips and recipes for you to try.

Buy the complete Your Scents series one for $97.95 now.

Alternitively, you can purchase Your Scents session 7 for $12.95.

Every object, every being,
is a jar full of delight.

~Rumi

Essentials oils ~ Pure plant extracts ~ Beautiful scents in a bottle ~ One of my truest delights indeed …

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)