Osteopath Uses Essential Oils - An Interview

With so many practitioners are incorporating essential oils into their practice, it is time to introduce you to some of the wonderful women over the next few posts, who love essential oils, proving that you don't need to be an aromatherapist to use essential oils as a professional.

This week, Michelle Wells, an Osteopath with her own practice on the northside of Brisbane, shares some insights into her work. Thanks, Michelle for taking the time to answer my questions.

Tell me what you do and what is unique about your practice?

Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine--the osteopath primarily uses their hands to both diagnose and treat the patient.

The individual’s condition is identified with both allopathic (conventual) medicine methods (e.g. a stethoscope to hear the heart beat) and osteopathic methods (e.g. palpation where the osteopath places her/his hand on the skin surface to determine the condition of the underlying tissues).

Treatments are specifically designed for each individual depending on the condition of the tissues and the tissue changes required for the return of health. The osteopath applies osteopathic principles to determine how, when, why, and what treatment is applied.

My service is unique because I believe patients can, rightly expect to have their health and well being made the greatest priority because people matter the most. I expect a reduction in the individuals symptoms will be obtained within a limited time.

Because I am the director of my practice, each patient receives individual care and I am available most days. I also run a child-friendly practice with lots of toys and lots of space to play. I have developed a passion for treating babies and children.

How do you use essential oils in your practice?
I apply the essential oils topically during treatment. I also offer a drop of either lemon, tangerine or orange for oral ingestion in the patient's drinking water.

Sometimes I will offer the essential oil bottle to be inhaled and I always have my diffuse operating. This supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of the client.

I may also give patient small amount in a left over bottle to take home after a treatment.

What is your most interesting story about using essential oils with clients?
I regularly use Gentle Baby (Young Living Essential Oil Blend)for pregnant women, babies and those needing a calming effect. Pregnancy is a time when application of oils is limited however, Gentle Baby is safe, relaxing and appreciated by the woman. In addition when using the oil through pregnancy women feel comforted that there is an oil which can help settle an irritable baby.

If you were going on a trip and you could only take one essential oil, what would it be and why?
I would definitely take lavender because it has such a wide range of essential uses in every day life and suits most every person. It can also be applied undiluted to the skin.

Finish this sentence: I love Young Living Essential Oils because... the quality, the quality, the quality! The quality is reflected in the fact that they can be applied topically undiluted.

Thanks Michelle, for sharing your thoughts and passion with us. If you are interested in an Osteopathic treatment with Michelle at her Brisbane clinic, please call her on 0405 061908.