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58 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k n ove m b e r/d e ce m b e r 2 0 2 1 Neurostimulants are a good choice when people are emotionally exhausted, dealing with burnout, experiencing brain fog, or have low mental energy. They are potent when used in an aroma mist (described later) at the end of relaxing sessions to help clients come back to waking consciousness or in spa treatments that aim to energize and revitalize. Neurostimulant essential oils include bay laurel, black pepper, coriander, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, jasmine, rosemary, sweet fennel, tarragon, and thyme. Dopamine Balancers Dopamine balances are agents that increase or balance the levels of dopamine in the body. Dopamine relates to the brain's reward system, where behaviors associated with biological advantages bring a sense of gratifi cation. For example, it is released naturally during pleasurable activities like eating and sex. Certain drugs like cocaine, nicotine, and amphetamines increase dopamine levels, which may be why they cause addictions. Dopamine plays a role in motor activity, mood, sensations of well-being, sleep patterns, allocation of attention, and learning. Dopamine disorders can cause a decline in cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and problem-solving. Low levels are related to attention defi cit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Numerous studies have shown that massage increases dopamine levels, indicating massage for depression, bulimia, anorexia, ADHD, and improved cognitive function. Increased dopamine also explains the enjoyment people experience from massage. In some cases, massage seems to balance dopamine and serotonin levels—lowering dopamine and raising serotonin. In the limited research conducted on essential oils, bergamot, clary sage, lavender, lemon, and melissa increase dopamine levels. 24 Linalool, a component of lavender, bay laurel, and basil, among others, was able to elevate suppressed dopamine levels and bring them into balance in rat studies. 25 Dopamine balancers are an excellent choice for use in massages when people report that they feel "off" and want to experience a greater sense of interconnected equilibrium. Serotonin Stimulants Serotonin stimulants are agents that increase or balance levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system related to mood, sleep, sexuality, appetite, and other body functions. Low or abnormal serotonin levels are associated with depression, angry or aggressive behavior, anxiety disorders, and obsessive- compulsive disorders. It may also be a factor in migraine headaches and fi bromyalgia. Research indicates that massage and aromatherapy massage increase or balance serotonin levels. These positive effects aid clients living with depression, past sexual abuse, eating disorders, pain syndromes, chronic fatigue, job stress, and pregnancy stress. Inhalations of Atlas cedarwood, bergamot, clary sage, lavender, lemon, Roman chamomile, rose, sandalwood, and sweet orange demonstrate serotonin-balancing effects in current research. 26 DOPAMINE BALANCERS: In the limited research conducted on essential oils, bergamot (above), clary sage, lavender, lemon, and melissa increase dopamine levels, while lavender, bay laurel, and basil balance dopamine levels. NEUROSEDATIVES: Valerian and helichrysum act directly on GABA receptors to produce sedative effects. Lavender and melissa act on excitatory neurotransmitters causing mild sedative, antianxiety, and emotional balancing effects.