AROMATHERAPY

Repetitive Strain Syndrome - 2

Writer's Cramp
You don't have to be a writer to fet writer's cramp. Students cramming for exams, dressmakers, composers, engravers and many others who hold their hand a forearm in one position for a long time are all at risk. The main symptom is cramp in the hand which can be bad enough to bring all work to a halt and needs to be treated because, if left, it will get progressively worse.

Massage is one of the best solutions but increasing your vitamin d and calcium intake also helps. Make your own massage formula from the oils listed below, or use the formula - 1 drop essential oil per millilitre of base vegetable oil.:

Writer's Cramp Formula
Geranium 10 drops, Hyssop 5 drops, Cypress 15 drops, diluted in 30ml vegetable oil.

Writer's Cramp Essential oil
Rosemary, Geranium, Hyssop, Cypress

Tennis Elbow
Repetitive use of a screwdriver can cause so-called' tennis elbow' as easily as can a few games on the courts. The trouble is caused by straining the muscles, specifically those on the outer side of the elbow joint and below the joint. Pain, stiffness and swelling are the result.

Again, ice helps greatly, but this time place crushed ice loosely in a plastic bag and put it around the elbow, using bandages or plaster to keep it in place. Also massage essential oils into the area, then work the oil down the arm and into the hand. Make your own formula from the list below or use the formulas - 1 drop per millilitre of base vegetable oil:

Tennis Elbow Formula
Eucalyptus peppermint 10 drops, Ginger 10 drops, Rosemary 10 drops, diluted in 30ml vegetable oil.

Tennis Elbow Essential Oils
Rosemary, Ginger, Cypress Hyssop, Eucalyptus peppermint 

Bursitis
Housemaid's knee, dustman's shoulder and weaver's bottom are just some of the names used to describe bursitis. This is inflammation of a bursa, a clumpy or fibrous tissue which is encased in membrane whose job it is to reduce friction between the body's moving parts - between bone and ligaments or tendons, for example. Typists and others who use their fingers constantly are particularly at risk, although anyone who over-uses a specific bursa can expect to get complaints. Like us, bursae insist on fair working conditions!

The ice-cup massage technique is very helpful for bursitis. You should also exercise the area in any way you can, using movements you do not employ at work. For example, typists should splay their fingers and then relax them. Also massage the area using the following formula, or make your own from the list below using 1 drop per millilitre of base vegetable oil:

Bursitis Formula
Juniper 5 drops, Chamomile Roman 10 drops, Cypress 15 drops, diluted in 30ml vegetable oil.

Bursitis Essential Oils
Juniper, Cypress, Ginger, hyssop, Chamomile Roman.

Torticollis
'Wry-neck' as torticollis is sometimes called, comes from holding the neck in one position for hours on end. Watching the assemble line go by to check for errors in one job that may bring it on, especially if the head is turned to one side. If you sit in a draught you could end up with your head painfully stuck in one position.

The muscles affected are the sternomastoids, the large muscles at the side of the neck which extend on either side behind the ear down to the sternum and clavicle. apply ice packs, followed by warm towels. The cabbage leaf treatment also helps a great deal. massage with the following formula, or make your own using the 1 drop per millilitre vegetable oil basis.

Torticollis Formula
Marjoram 10 drops, Basil 5 drops, Rosemary 15 drops, diluted in 30ml vegetable oil.

Torticollis Essential Oils
Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Marjoram, Chamomile Roman

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Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood