AROMATHERAPY

A-Z of Dance and Sports Injuries - 6

Leg Sprain (Lower Leg)

Dance-Jogging-Running-jumping-Skiing-Most Sports

Over stretching the ligamnets in the legs. Use an ice pack four times a day for twenty minutes at a time.

Afterwards massage with the following:

Rosemary	10 drops
Eucalyptus	10 drops
Peppermint	10 drops
Diluted in 30mls vegetable oil

After forty-eight hours change to hot compresses, on which you have placed 2 drops each of rosemary and lavender.

Between treatments keep the leg wrapped with an elastic bandage and periodically massage the whole of the leg from the ankle to the thigh.

Leg Strain (Lower Calf Muscle)

Dance-Running-Jogging-Aerobics-Most Sports

Injury to the muscles and tendons in the calf.

Follow treatment as for sprain by using this oil:

Ginger	10 drops
Clove	5 drops
Nutmeg	5 drops
Chamomile Roman	10 drops
Diluted in 30ml vegetable oil

Neck Sprain

Contact sports-Diving-Gymnastics-Motor racing

Violent over-stretching of ligaments in the neck region. A collar is usually prescribed and should be worn at all times.

Use an ice pack around the neck area, for at least fifteen minutes at a time.

Massage the neck and shoulders three times a day using the following.

Ginger	10 drops
Rosemary	10 drops
Black Pepper	5 drops
Peppermint	5 drops
Diluted in 30mls vegetable oil

The ice-cup method can be used to relieve pain.

If you have headaches as a result, use 5 drops of peppermint oil in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and massage around the back of the neck, up to the hairline.

Nose Injury

Apply an ice pack immediately. Gauze can be placed in the nostrils to stop bleeding: 1 drop lavender oil on the gauze before cutting it into two pieces.

See a doctor. If the nose is broken, smooth the following oil gently over the forehead and cheekbones:

Chamomile	10 drops
Lavender	10 drops
Geranium	5 drops
Rosemary	5 drops
Diluted in 30ml vegetable oil

If the nose is not broken, apply ice three times a day and massage the nose area, as well as the forehead and cheekbones with the above oil.

The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood