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Arlene Anisman, B.A., M.Ed. Toronto, Ontario, Canada 416-766-8261 arlene@web.net http://arlenesessentialoils.younglivingworld.com |
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The Use of Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils combined with Psychotherapy in relation to Panic Attacks Arlene Anisman |
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What is an essential oil?
Essential oils are aromatic, volatile liquids that are pressed from the bark, stems, leaves, rinds, flowers and seeds of plants. Essential oils, like our blood, contain thousands of chemical constituents that are used to fight infection, seal wounds, oxygenate and nourish cells, and destroy microbe and pathogen invaders. Essential oils are very different from vegetable/fatty oils such as corn oil, olive oil and flax seed oil. Most are not greasy and they do not clog pores. Vegetable oils can become rancid over time; essential oils, on the other hand, do not go rancid, and some have been shown to act as powerful antimicrobials. Studies at Weber State University in Utah in 1998 demonstrated that a blend called "Thieves," patented by Young Living Essential Oils (containing the essential oils of cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary) has a 99.96% kill rate of streptococcus bacteria. Other studies have shown that oregano oil is highly effective against pneumonia. The most powerful link to the subconscious is through the sense of smell (Dr. D. Gary Young, training, 2001). The comforting aroma of a favourite food can bring back childhood memories or other moments in which the smell was present. Science supports the observation of a vital connection between scents and the emotions. Precise olfactory receptors inside the nose receive sensory stimuli whether or not we are consciously aware of them, and these stimuli trigger electrochemical signals via neurons to the brain's limbic system and the amygdala, our emotional memory center. According to Candace Pert (1997), the amygdala acts as the storehouse of traumas and contains the densest concentration of neuropeptides - the neurotransmitters that act in emotional signals. This high concentration of neuropeptides can affect cellular memory: The amygdala receives incoming scent information before the higher brain centers, and activates the autonomic nervous system in response to either pleasant or traumatic memories before any information reaches the decision-making cortex. Clearly smell, not sound, is the primary sense that unconsciously activates and affects traumatic memories stored in the amygdala. Smell can be used to heal traumatic memories stored in the brain center as well. Essential oils, also called volatile oils are, by their nature, beautiful tools for working with the amygdala. Like any volatile chemical, they readily "flash off" to vapor at normal room temperatures, bringing the oil to a form which is readily taken up by the olfactory receptors. Although any essential oil can be inhaled into the olfactory channels, only therapeutic-grade essential oils will achieve the desired therapeutic results (the following page explains why). All of the oils and blends that I use are from a company called Young Living Essential Oils, whose oils are grown and distilled under all the stringent conditions described in my talk today. Young Living is the only company in North America whose oils are chemically tested and certified as therapeutic-grade by the French AFNOR group, which sets the standard worldwide for therapeutic-grade oils So how does this relate to psychotherapy and panic attacks? I have observed with my clients since I've begun to add these essential oils to psychotherapy, the shifts that individuals and couples have made have consistently been easier and faster. Clients have been able to reach their goals and to maintain the changes in a shorter period of time. I have found these essential oils to be a very important and exciting addition in the treatment of panic attacks. There are 3 different ways to use the oils: 1st, by inhalation, usually done by putting a drop into the palm, rubbing both hands together until the oil is absorbed, and cupping your hands over your nose, 2nd by applying topically on various points on the body, and 3rd orally which can only be done with therapeutic-grade essential oils because of the safety issues. I have found that when clients inhale and/or apply a particular essential oil or a Young Living blend of essential oils, trauma may be released, fear and panic eased and core beliefs changed, sometimes in a session or two, and often with the addition of homework. I find that in addition to speeding and easing the healing process, there is something reassuring to clients about the tactile and physical sense and nature of applying oils during the treatments -- which is not to downplay the scientific, physiological basis for using these oils in therapy. I find these oils so amazing precisely because they operate on both a level of qualified scientific fact and also on a very profound comforting, intuitive physical level.
There is a huge difference between oils that merely "smell good" and therapeutic-grade essential oils. The quality and purity of Young Living's essential oils has been thoroughly established by scientists and medical professionals who continue to research and validate the effectiveness of these natural wonders. I can't reinforce this to you often enough: Only therapeutic-grade, 100% organic essential oils will achieve the desired results in therapy. If you do not experience the results you seek from an essential oil, this is most likely due to adulterations in the oil, or a synthetically created chemical substitute (which many unscrupulous companies will add into the fine balance of chemical constituents naturally inherent in an essential oil). Warning: Fillers or adulterants, such as pesticides, solvents, and deformed molecules from speedy extraction of an oil can create side effects or negate the inherent benefit of the pure essential oil. |
| Therapeutic-Grade Oils... | Perfume Grade Oils... |
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...Are pressed from the roots, leaves, stems or flowers of
wild-gathered or organically grown plants |
...May be contaminated with pesticides or synthetic
fertilizers, or contain additives to increase the volume or
fragrance of the oil |
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...Exhibit powerful soothing, healing or cathartic effects on
the body and the mind |
...May cause allergic-type reactions, headaches or anxiety |
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...Are distilled in stainless steel using low temperatures and
steam inplace of pressure in order to preserve all plant
properties and constituents |
...Go through distillation at high pressure and/or high heat in
metal distilleries which may react chemically with the oils
and damage beneficial constituents |
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...Are distilled using only pure mountain water, keeping the
oils free of additives |
...Are distilled with water treated with chlorine, fluorine, or
other chemicals |
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...Require a long distillation time to capture the essence of the
plant, preserving all medicinal constituents of the oil |
...Are often formed by quick distillation processes which
damage the oils and decrease the quality and efficacy of the
oil |
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...Are pure oils obtained from correctly identified plant
species, offering naturally occurring, therapeutic properties! |
...Are oils modified with synthetic chemical components to
attain the desired aroma but which do not possess
therapeutic constituents or the qualities of a real essential oil. |
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**All oils listed can be obtained individually as well as in the following kits** Oils from the "Feelings" Kit:
Valor: Helps balance the body's energies, promotes courage and self-esteem The Essential 7 Kit:
Lavender: Calming, relaxing and balancing. The most versatile of all essential oils Also recommended:
Trauma Life: May neutralize difficult past experiences and present traumas and shock
"Valor", one drop over the wrist and hold the wrists together for a minute, or on the bottom of the feet "Harmony", one drop over the thymus or solar plexus "Joy", one drop over the heart "White Angelica", one drop in one hand, rub both hands together and brush your head, face, shoulders, chest, down the legs, right over your clothes as though brushing on an angelic shield
1. Essential Science Publishing (1-800-336-6308) (compiled by), Essential Oils Desk Reference, Third Edition, 2004. 2. Gallo, Fred (ed), Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy: A Comprehensive Source Book, W.W. Norton and Company, 2002. 3. Mein, Carolyn L., Releasing Emotional Patterns with Essential Oils, 3rd Edition, VisionWare Press, 2000. 4. Pert, Candace B., Molecules of Emotion: The Science behind Mind-Body Medicine, Simon & Schuster, 1997. 5. Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, 1995. 6. Schnaubelt, Kurt, Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils, Frog, Ltd., 1999. 7. Stewart, David, Healing Oils of the Bible, CARE (Centre for Aromatherapy Research & Education), 2002. 8. Stewart, David, The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple, CARE, 2005. 9. Young, D. Gary, Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, Essential Science Publishing, 2003.
For any additional information, please contact me at any time:
Arlene Anisman, B.A., M.Ed.
Or:
In Canada and the United States, 1-800-371-2928 Please refer to my Member #22056. Thank you for being here! Arlene Anisman Arlene Anisman is a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist (Clinical Member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists (OSP)) and a certified Level 2 instructor in Energy Diagnostic & Treatment Methods (EDxTM) with an extensive background in Redecision Therapy. She is a pioneer in the field of combining psychotherapy, energy treatment methods and therapeutic-grade essential oils. She brings the experience of 27 years in private practice and over 300 hours of practical training in the use of essential oils to her Conference workshop. |