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 73 We can observe animals, both domestic and wild, choosing specific plants and flowers to self-medicate or relieve physical or emotional discomfort. As practitioners, we can tap into this innate ability to seek and select specific plant medicines by offering and sequencing plant-based chemical signals in the form of essential oils, hydrosols (aqueous suspensions), dried or macerated herbs, and flower signatures. While the use of essential oils in massage for people is common, one major advantage is the person's ability to provide verbal feedback and consent. With animals, the self-selection method improves accuracy and outcomes. METHOD OF EXPOSURE Another difference in using aromatics with animals is the method of exposure. Essential oils are often mixed with carrier oils and applied directly to the skin during human massage, with caution regarding allergies or sensitivities. With animals, surface dirt and fur can present a risk for topical application, and certain oils can be caustic or photosensitive for animal skin. Knowing the chemistry of the oils is key in choosing compounds that might help with a given set of symptoms or behaviors and choosing the proper mode of delivery. Essential oil application in animals is largely done through inhalation, with profound effect. With proper training, many oils can also be offered topically in a diluted or hydrosol form or given in food or water as a tincture. Knowing each oil's chemical nature, physiological effects, preparation, and energetic signature is key. Oils that have one effect in humans can sometimes create a different physiological response in animals. For instance, lavender is commonly the first oil people think of when they want to relax. However, in some animals, particularly intact males (such as stallions), it can act as a reproductive stimulant in certain environments. Cats can be particularly sensitive to many essential oils and require careful application due to their unique metabolism. Hydrosols (diluted aqueous sprays) are recommended for cats and animals under the age of one year. Certain oils, like oregano, should be used with extreme caution. Even using essential oils in your home in a diffuser or in common household products can have a negative impact on cats and other pets. Your pets may be passively exposed to unsafe levels through common household products such as soaps, candles, and cleansers. Below is a list of six essential oils and hydrosols commonly used with animals, along with some of their physiological and psychological properties. • Angelica root (Angelica archangelic): Calming on both physical and emotional levels; used for skin disorders, such as sarcoids; emotionally, it is encouraging for animals that are shut down or appear stoic in the face of stress or trauma • Rose (Rosa damascena): Addresses anger, hormone balancing, trauma, holding onto aggressive memories; emotionally comforts the heart • Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis): Excellent for digestive issues, teething, skin disorders, and insect bites; emotionally uplifting • Vanilla absolute (Vanilla planifolia): Can relieve anger and nervous tension that leads to biting, aggression, or self- mutilation; emotionally nurturing, supports animals in season (during breeding cycles) • Violet leaf (Viola odorata): Reduces fear or anticipation of pain, nervousness; decreases anxiety, can aid in anxiety relating to new home placement • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Used in cases of inflammation, urinary and kidney concerns, and for wound healing and skin damage QUASI THE COATAMUNDI The trio of angelica root, rose, and sweet orange played a particularly transformative role in the life of one of my patients. Quasi was a coatamundi (similar to a skinnier, larger raccoon) who lived with a troop of family members at a zoological park in Florida. Coatamundi or coatis are South American mammals that live in small family groups and forage together for fruits and small invertebrates. Their social structure includes lots of mutual grooming and feeding one another. They even rub oils and sap from plants into each other's coats to fend off bugs and parasites. Poor Quasi was born with a skin condition that left him hairless and covered in bumps and lesions. His sister attended to him lovingly, but other members of the troop refused to eat with him or engage in grooming Including essential oils and other aromatics as part of a health and wellness practice for animals is a wise move but one that requires special consideration.