Aromatherapy and … Chiropractic?

I’ve been diagnosed with a “frozen” right shoulder. At first I thought it was the bursitis acting up but eventually, range-of-motion became an issue so I finally broke down last week and went to the doctor to find out just what the hell was going on. I’m hopelessly right-handed and it’s really inconvenient – not to mention painful – not to be able to use my right arm much at all.

So, I got the diagnosis & she wants me to see a chiropractor and acupuncturist. Who’d a thunk it? A CAM*-oriented doctor here in the boonies!

Saw the chiropractor today (acupuncturist tomorrow) and during the usual evaluation period, she had me close my eyes & stand straight. She told me I was listing a little to the left. I noticed it myself but seemed helpless to correct it. She had me inhale the fumes of Clary Sage essential oil three times into my left nostril, close my eyes and repeat the posture. We both noticed a distinct difference! I’m to repeat this at home three times a day and she says by the time she sees me on Monday, I’ll probably be standing perfectly straight.

(And just so’s you know, she adjusted my neck to get better blood flow to my shoulder, did a little deep-tissue massage, gave me an ultrasound treatment and urged me to see the acupuncturist ASAP. I can also use Rosemary essential oil in place of Clary Sage. Seeing as Rosemary is my favorite herb, I’m all in favor of that.)

This is one of the reasons I want to eventually go back to school to get my Master Aromatherapist diploma. There’s a lot more to aromatherapy than calming smells or adding some essential oils to massage therapy. I’m very intrigued.

* Complementary & Alternative Medicine