Psyche VP Paths & Oils Flashcards
ANXIETY
What is it?
What advice would you give a client?
What EOs would be appropriate?
What would you prepare and how would you advise them to use EOs?
A ‘normal process’ but 5-10% can become a disorder.
ANS overactivity - ^ BP, HR, RR, perspiration
So can physicalise immediately in heart, respiratory rhythms & digestive processes & have delayed effects elsewhere.
CALMING, SEDATIVE, GROUNDING -
Vetiver, Mandarin, Lavender,
Also EOs that have desired effects where the emotion is embodied - eg hypotensives for palpitations, antispasmodics where digestion gets disrupted in stress
PANIC ATTACKS
What is it?
What advice would you give a client?
What EOs would be appropriate?
What would you prepare and how would you advise them to use EOs?
Extreme & external outcome of building anxiety - leads to hyperventilation & inability to talk or breathe properly, may also feel faint.
Similar approach to treating anxiety BUT FIRST:
Oils which deepen breathing & slow cardiac rhythms eg
Frankincense, Cedarwood Atlas, Lavender
Encourage client to build positive, relaxed associations with oils eg meditation or relaxation when vapourising, Bathing with oil blend.
DEPRESSION
What is it?
What advice would you give a client?
What EOs would be appropriate?
What would you prepare and how would you advise them to use EOs?
An umbrella term for a number of mood disorders resulting in feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness.
A CNS disorder, genetic predisposition, chemical changes & often a triggering event can all result in a loss of ability to enjoy life.
Can often accompany chronic illness.
How does it affect client? Is physical integrity, sleep, appetite & vitality affected?
EOs client reacts positively to!
EUPHORIC, PSYCHOLOGICAL STIMULANTS/UPLIFTING - Florals & Citrus oils good starting point.
Some more abrasive, dynamic & cleansing oils can be v. useful eg Rosemary, Juniper, Pine
Frankincense - Anti D
Jasmine - Anti D, Euphoric, Tonic
Lime - Anti D, Tonic, Restorative
INSOMNIA / SLEEPING PROBLEMS
What is it?
What advice would you give a client?
What EOs would be appropriate?
What would you prepare and how would you advise them to use EOs?
Sleep onset or sleep maintenance.
Lifestyle may impact - Food, exercise or lack of, behaviour patterns around bedtime - Decrease stimulants & screen time, Increase - Melatonin (cherries) & Tryptophan (bananas)
Hormones may also play a part - peri & post menopause.
SEDATIVE, CALMING oils vapourised before bed, in a bath or body lotion applied before bed, or in a room spray.
Mandarin - Calmative, tonic
Vetiver - Sedative, Tonic
Lavender - Sedative, Tonic, Nervine
EATING DISORDERS
What is it?
What advice would you give a client?
What EOs would be appropriate?
What would you prepare and how would you advise them to use EOs?
3 main types - Anorexia nervose, Bulimia, Over eating or binge eating
Some people have all 3 at different times.
Listening to client most important thing! What works for them? May not want any touch at all - take home blends may be better.
NO FOOD OILS or APPETITE STIMULANTS!
Use beautiful oils, GROUNDING oils. Jasmine, Vetiver, Lavender, Rose.
Help them associate beautiful smell with a nice physical experience.
Encourage acceptance of self/physical identity. Help client feel more comfortable within themselves - may be hand or foot massage only or home blends
What symptoms do they experience? - Interruption of menstrual cycle, fragility - no deep touch or touch at all.
Circulation, Immunity & skin condition may all be poor!
Bulimics may have damage to oesophagus, burning or acid reflux.
May need to drop blend to 1% if frail or skin impaired.
Therapist may need monitoring/mentoring during times with client.
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION
What is it?
What advice would you give a client?
What EOs would be appropriate?
What would you prepare and how would you advise them to use EOs?
DO NOT MASSAGE CLIENT IF INTOXICATED!
Look at client as individual, not addiction.
How does it affect body & mind?
Substance withdrawal - feelings of panic & difficulties sleeping are common as are anxiety & depression if using for self-medication. GROUNDING oils for over reactivity.
Substance addiction - strained liver
- LIVER TONICS, GENTLE DETOXIFIERS - Rose, Carrot, Vetiver.
- LIVER EMOTION oils - Yarrow, Chamomiles
- Circulation of Liver Qi (citrus oils) - Lime, Mandarin
If on lots of meds for kidney or liver damage or frail, decrease blend to 1%
Treat client as a whole - may have a cold or MAPS!
Vetiver - Tonic for NS & Liver, Sedative for CNS
Lime - Tonic, Restorative
Mandarin - Hepatic, Calmative to NS
Petitgrain - Liver oil, Calmative & tonic for N & D systems
Yarrow - Liver tonic, Calmative, Liver oil
