My Essential Oil Top Ten

Here is a list of my top ten essential oils. They are my “essential” essential oils and I wouldn’t be without them in my collection.

1. Lavender
2. Eucalyptus
3. Mandarin
4. Roman Chamomile
5. Ylang ylang
6. Frankincense
7. Clary sage
8. Geranium
9. Peppermint
10. Rosemary

I do have many other favourites and ones which I use very regularly including sandalwood, cypress, rose, tea tree, juniper, and neroli.

Thermo-Auricular Therapy and Me

When I first heard about Hopi ear candles I thought that it would only help with ear problems. I wasn’t aware that it could help with a much wider range of ailments as it does. I became interested in the therapy because as a child I suffered with hearing problems, recurrent infections, compacted wax and various other ENT problems. Although I became interested in it due to the affects it could have on me, I hadn’t actually had a treatment on myself prior to the training course.

Although beneficial to people, I didn’t think that it could be very relaxing having a lit candle placed in your ear nor did I think that it would appeal to people who do not suffer with ENT problems. My opinion of this changed very rapidly as I experienced the treatment firsthand on the course and delivered the treatments to my case studies. The ear candling combined with a face massage was extremely relaxing. Once you get past the initial part of the candle being lit and put in place, the soothing sound of the herbs infusing with the flame produces a feeling of deep relaxation and calmness. It allows you to empty your mind completely.

After experiencing the treatment for myself and having realised how relaxing it was I thought that thermo-auricular therapy would be a very popular treatment with clients and that it worked on both a physical and a mental level. At this point I couldn’t see how it would help on a spiritual level nor did I expect it too. Again, my initial opinions were proved wrong when my clients started to experience tingling sensations in various parts of the body, feel energy flowing around the body, and see colours and in one case a presence in the room. It was then that I realised that thermo-auricular therapy was a truly all encompassing and powerful holistic treatment which affected the mind, body and spirit.

One of the things I love about the treatment is that it is so flexible and can be combined with any other holistic treatment depending on the clients needs at the time, be it a face massage, a back massage, reflexology or even some reiki.

From my point of view as a therapist, it is a very relaxing treatment to give and it doesn’t put any pressure on the hands, wrists, elbows and back like normal massage does.

I would like to develop my skills further by learning how to use an otoscope as I feel this would enhance the treatment and allow me to give more detailed feedback to my clients.

I much prefer thermo-auricular therapy as a method of ear wax removal over orthodox treatments i.e. syringing and I hope more and more people will start to realise this and experience this truly amazing treatment for themselves.

I trained in Thermo-Auricular Therapy (the theurapeutic use of Hopi Ear Candles) in February 2007 with Linda Stokes from The Thermo-Auricular Therapy Association . The above article formed part of an assignment that I wrote which was required for the course in Thermo-Auricular Therapy.

More information on Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Ear Candling) can be found on the Balance Holistics website.

Bunions from a Reflexology Point of View

According to the TheFreeDictionary's Medical dictionary, “a bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTPJ) at the base of the great or big toe (hallux). It is caused by inflammation and usually results from chronic irritation and pressure from poorly fitting footwear.”

Bunions also run in the family but it is important to note that it is not the bunion which is hereditary but the foot type. People who are flat footed are more likely to develop a bunion than those with high arches. I think this is why I developed one on my right foot at the age of 16 despite always wearing well fitted shoes – I have flat (ish) feet and my grandmother has bunions too. Other causes include leg length discrepancies, trauma to the joint, and bone displacement (hallux valgus). There is also more chance of developing a bunion as you get older.

From a Reflexology point of view, Bunions are an indication of congestion along the spleen/pancreas meridian which starts on the outer edge of both big toes. From the big toe, it runs up the leg, up through the pelvis and abdomen, and ends at the shoulder. Congestion in this meridian can also cause fungus, stiffness, and ingrowing toenails especially on the big toe; shinbone, knee, and thigh pain; varicose veins, psoriasis and eczema particularly on the legs along the meridian; groin pain and hernias; menstrual problems and other gynaecological problems such as infections, fibroids, and cysts; abdominal pain; problems in the underarm area such as eczema and lymph node swelling; and breast problems such as tenderness and lumps.

The reflex points at which a bunion occurs are the thyroid and thoracic spine. The internal branch of the spleen/pancreas meridian runs through the throat and thyroid reinforcing the bunions connection to the thyroid gland.

One of the reflexology books I own (The complete illustrated guide to reflexology by Inge Dougans) says "Most people with bunions also have problems along the spleen/pancreas meridian or pancreatic disorders, such as problems related to sugar metabolism such as a sweet tooth; cravings for stimulants such as tea, coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol; and constant hunger."

There is no specific reflex for the big toe to help relieve bunions, but massage on and around the affected area can help to relieve any pain or discomfort felt and to help reduce any inflammation in the joint. I would work on the sacral and lumbar areas of the spine reflex as these areas of the spine supply nerves to the big toe (from the lumbar and sacral nerve plexuses) and the kidney reflexes to ensure that the kidneys are functioning properly ridding the body of uric acid (this can build up in the joints especially the big toe causing gout which is a form of arthritis. Arthritis can contribute to or result from bunions). I’m sure working the leg/knee/hip reflexes would also help the condition. To help balance the spleen/pancreas meridian, I would work on the pancreas and spleen reflexes.

An interesting article on the relationship between bunions, sugar, and the spleen can be found on the Acupuncture Today website. Another interesting site about bunions is The Bunion Experiment - One woman's search for bunion cures.

Hydrolats

Photo by Raven3k.

In this months Today’s Therapist Journal there was an article about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and how Hydrolats can help the condition. It was written by Penny Price who is a world renowned Aromatherapist, as is Shirley Price.

I briefly learnt about hydrolats in my training and used them to cleanse the feet before a reflexology session and knew they could be used in making face masks but I never knew exactly how many uses they had and how beneficial they can be. They can be used as a cooling spray in the summer, to cleanse and tone the skin, as a mouth wash or gargle for a sore throat, as an eye wash, and taken as a tonic to help various ailments such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome as mentioned above.

I was aware that there were many hydrolats available – not just rose, lavender, or tea tree which are most common but I didn’t realise just how many there were. The article in the journal mentioned Peppermint, Angelica, and Fennel hydrolats to help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Penny Price recommends adding 10ml of hydrolat to a glass of warm water and drinking slowly.

Hydrolats are a by-product of the steam distillation process of producing essential oils. They consist of mainly water along with micronized droplets of essential oils (This means the particles of essential oils are reduced down so that they are only a few microns in diameter). Because of this, they are gentle and safe to use, with less contra-indications than the stronger, more concentrated essential oil. They are easily absorbed by the body both through the skin and when ingested. That’s right! Hydrolats are so safe that they can even be taken orally to help with various ailments. This is something I did not know about Hydrolats and I’m really excited that I stumbled across this fact – it has opened up a completely new side of Aromatherapy for me.

Penny Price runs an Aromatherapy Academy which holds courses nearby in Cirencester so I think I might have to book on to the Hydrolats course as I think they will be an invaluable addition to treatments – something that I can advise my clients to take in between treatments to help with their complaints.

Stress Busting Essential Oils

“Today the use of essential oils is becoming increasingly popular as people realise the benefits the oils have in helping to de-stress the mind and body.” Francesca Gould writes in her book Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists.

Stress can cause many physical and psychological health problems including: headaches, anxiety, can trigger asthma attacks, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, lowers the immune system making you more susceptible to colds and flu, nervous breakdown, indigestion, depression, menstrual problems, heart attacks, stomach aches and ulcers to name a few.

Following on from a previous post about combating stress during the economic downturn , I thought I would discuss a few essential oils you can use at home that can be very beneficial at stress busting and helping you to relax. I will also discuss in this post various ways to use these essential oils.

Top Note Essential Oils

Basil is an anti-depressant and neurotonic (helps strengthen the nervous system) and can be helpful for stress-related problems, insomnia, mental fatigue, and anxiety. It is also anti-spasmodic and digestive so can help with irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, asthma, and muscle tension. It can also help with tension headaches and migraines as it is an analgesic. It helps poor memory by improving concentration something which tends to be a problem when we have a lot on our mind.

Bergamot is a nice oil which can be both uplifting and calming. It is excellent for anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and stress-related problems. It is also a neurotonic and an anti-depressant. It is great for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis which can be triggered by stress.

Clary sage is an anti-depressant, sedative and a relaxant. It can help with depression, anxiety, shock, hysteria, stress-related illness, and can help lower blood pressure which is often higher when we are stressed. It also helps to balance the hormones. More information on Clary sage can be found in the Essential Oil of the Week: Clary Sage post.

Middle Note Essential Oils

Lavender is a relaxant, sedative, and anti-depressant. It helps to lower blood pressure which can often be high when stressed. More information on lavender can be found in the Essential Oil of the Week: Lavender post.

Chamomile is sedative in nature and can be useful for insomnia, anxiety, stress and tension. It is also an anti-depressant. All forms of Chamomile can be beneficial for stress-related conditions. I personally prefer Roman Chamomile but it tends to be more expensive.

Geranium is a very balancing oil, especially for women. It is an anti-depressant and relaxant and stimulates the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands helping to relieve stress, anxiety, fatigue, shock, depression, pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms and other stress related conditions.

Base Note Essential Oils

Ylang-ylang is beneficial for over rapid breathing (hyperventilation) which can occur during anxiety/panic attacks or just from an increased level of stress. It also helps palpitations, insomnia, over rapid heart rate, and other stress related conditions. It is one of my favourite oils.

Frankincense is good for emotional problems, tiredness, anxiety, confidence problems, depression, headaches, irritability, hyperventilation, and stress-related conditions. More information on frankincense can be found in the posts Essential Oil in focus : Frankincense and the Frankincense – The New Antidepressant.

Patchouli is an anti-depressant and neuro-tonic

Ways of using the oils

Bath: Dilute the chosen essential oils (4-6 drops) first in a teaspoon of milk and then add to the bath just before you get in.

Oil Burners: Further information on how to use an oil burner can be found in a previous post. If you can’t find a suitable burner or don’t want to pay out for one, you could just add a couple drops of your chosen essential oil on to a piece of cotton wool or tissue and place on a radiator. The heat will cause the oil to evaporate and the relaxing aroma will be released into the room.

Massage: Add 5 drops of your chosen essential oils to 10ml (2 tsp) of carrier oil (grape seed oil or sweet almond oil are good choices). There are many self-massage techniques which you can use or you could get someone else to do it for you.

If you are not sure whether the oils are suitable for you or not, especially if you have any medical conditions, it is best to consult a qualified Aromatherapist first. Also, before using any essential oils on the skin, it is advisable to perform a patch test first.

How to Perform a Patch Test

Photo by eggybird.

Allergies to essential oils are unusual. However, some essential oils can irritate sensitive skin which is why it is important to perform a patch test prior to using essential oils on a large area of the body. Everyone is different so one oil which irritates the skin of one person may not affect another.

To perform a patch test, mix one drop of the essential oil that you wish to use in a teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil (grape seed or sweet almond oil). Rub a small amount of the blend on the inside of your forearm and leave on over night. If you are sensitive to the oil, redness, inflammation, or itching may occur. If any of these occur, discontinue use of the essential oil. If no reaction occurs, it is safe to use the oil.

If you are going to make a blend of essential oils for use, it is best to test each individual essential oil as above so that you can work out which oil if any is causing a problem and then you can amend your blend accordingly.

Essential oils must never be applied undiluted to the skin except tea tree and lavender.

Skills Update

It has been quite a while since I've written anything on here. I have been very busy seeing clients, going on training courses and moving house.

Two weeks ago, I attended a one day course in Holistic Aromatherapy Facials which built on the knowledge I already have on Aromatherapy and facial massage. The course took place in Newport and was run by TEACH Therapy.

The course covered all aspects of a facial – cleansing, toning, exfoliating, moisturising, face masks, and facial massage. It was a very enjoyable day and I got to have 3 facials in one day! My skin felt great after.

I especially enjoyed learning about and using natural face masks. Some of the ones available to us were avocado, egg white, egg yolk, cucumber, strawberries and oatmeal. They were quite messy to apply but they were very good for the skin. Some of them were quite runny once they had been liquidised especially the cucumber. On the BBC2 Grow Your Own Drugs programme , James Wong showed how to make a natural face mask from papaya and kiwi. He used vegetable gelatine (agar agar) to thicken the mask up to stop it running everywhere and I can see why it’s needed. I’m not sure whether I will use this type of face mask in my facial routine yet (although I do like the oatmeal). I think I might use the natural clays such as fuller’s earth, kaolin, calamine, and magnesium sulphate adding essential oils to them to help with specific skin types and conditions.

I am hoping to start offering Holistic Aromatherapy Facials sometime in April. I will keep you posted.