Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1417136
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 59 Euphorics Euphorics are agents that promote positive feelings of expansion, connection, and consciousness. In general terms, euphorics work by increasing the activity of the prefrontal cortex. They also act directly on some types of serotonin receptors. Euphorics sedate the amygdala and the thalamus. We already know the amygdala is part of the limbic system and associated with fear responses and pleasure. The thalamus is a small structure within the brain located just above the brain stem that works to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. It regulates sleep, alertness, and wakefulness. Euphorics typically contain small amounts of psychedelic substances—but don't be confused. When used in standard concentrations, euphorics in aromatherapy are not remotely as strong as psychedelic mushrooms or peyote. For example, we use ground nutmeg for coffee and baking. Nutmeg contains a psychoactive chemical called myristicin, which has a chemical structure similar to mescaline, amphetamine, and ecstasy. 27 If you were to swallow a bottle of nutmeg essential oil, you would get very sick and could potentially die. However, when nutmeg essential oil is applied topically or inhaled using standard aromatherapy methods, it's generally safe. Nutmeg creates a pronounced feeling of connection and a sense of expansion. Nutmeg is a profoundly connecting ingredient for your massage lubricants. It's also a great essential oil to diffuse for meditation and yoga classes. Euphorics typically have deep ties to ritual use in ancient cultures because of their psychoactive components. For example, the ritual use of frankincense in the ancient world was widespread. Its psychoactive effects were well known and documented by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and pre-Islamic Arabs. 28 People believed frankincense smoke was purifying, and stood over the smoke to spiritually cleanse themselves. Frankincense was used in ceremonies to bring people into "one mind" and to help them lift their thoughts from earthly concerns to the glory of sun gods and goddesses. 29 In ancient Egypt, they burned frankincense at sunrise to welcome Ra—the sun god—into the sky each morning. 30 Modern scientists confi rm that burning frankincense causes euphoria because two components in the resin (olivetol and verbenol) react when burned to form tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. 31 THC is not present in frankincense essential oil. However, it is still considered euphoric because of the presence of incensole acetate, widely researched as an antianxiety and antidepressant agent. Along with frankincense and nutmeg, several other essential oils contain gentle euphoric properties that give us a sense of ease and well-being. These essential oils include bergamot, blue lotus, cardamom, clary sage, clove bud, cypress, ginger, grapefruit, helichrysum, jasmine, neroli, and rosemary. SYNERGIES FOR MASSAGE You can bring essential oils and their benefi cial psychological effects to your session room by using an aromatherapy massage lubricant and an aroma mist. I suggest using the neurostimulant synergy in an aroma mist to help the client return to alert consciousness after the session. Use the other formulations for your massage lubricants. Try these synergies to get started: • Amygdala synergy: fi ve drops lavender, one drop valerian, eight drops bergamot • Antidepressant synergy: eight drops sweet orange, two drops clary sage, four drops frankincense • Neurosedative synergy: nine drops Atlas cedarwood, seven drops bitter orange, two drops neroli, one drop sweet marjoram • Neurostimulant synergy: four drops rosemary, nine drops grapefruit, one drop jasmine • Dopamine synergy: eight drops lemon, four drops lavender, two drops clary sage • Serotonin synergy: ten drops sandalwood, one drop rose, eight drops sweet orange • Euphoric synergy: four drops cardamom, two drops nutmeg, eight drops bergamot, two drops cypress • Brain balance synergy: eight drops bergamot, four drops frankincense, four drops lavender, two drops nutmeg SEROTONIN STIMULANTS: Serotonin stimulants are agents that increase or balance levels of serotonin in the body. Inhalations of Atlas cedarwood, bergamot, clary sage, lavender, lemon, Roman chamomile (above), rose, sandalwood, and sweet orange demonstrate this effect.