FOR ALL ADDICTIONS
While they are giving up their addiction there are seveal essential oils which can support them emotionally and physically. Some of the essential oils listed, such as rosemary, can be hazardous in pregnancy.
To counter depression, bergamot, chamomile, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang are all effective.
To raise spirits, clary sage and jasmine are benficial.
Nervous tension can be eased with basil, marjoram, neroli, rose and tangerine.
Chamomile, cypress, lavender and thyme will ease irritabilty.
Insomnia will respond to chamomile, marjoram, rose and ylang ylang.
Ginger and jasmine raise confidence levels, while benzoin is said to ease loneliness.
If indecision is a problem, a tyupical side-effect of coming off tranquillisers or the hard drugs, basil and patchouli are beneficial.
The immune system can be boosted with chamomile, lemon and thyme.
FOR ALCOHOL PROBLEMS
Fennel is beneficial for alcoholism. It smells like aniseed and is quite pungent. It detoxifies, eliminates fluids and soothes a troubled digestive system. It can be used in a bath, a massage or a compress.
Ylang ylang will also help to steady an irregular heartneat, and can be inhaled, bathed in or used as a compress, diffuser or in a massage.
Tangerine, chamomile, geranium, lemon, peppermint, rose and rosemary are all effective tonics for the liver.
Loss of appetite is improved with bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, fennel, ginger and juniper.
ACUPUNCTURE is extremely successful in helping alcoholics to kick their habit, although it cannot cure alcoholism on its own. Counselling and psychotherapy will also be necessary. To minimise withdrawal symptoms, however, acupuncture can help - a daily treatment for the first 5 to 7 days, according to the withdrawal symptoms, is beneficial. Acupuncture points are likely to target the stomach, bladder, lung, spleen, kidney, circulation and the heart. Other points will be used to ease withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, loss of apetite, profuse sweating, extreme agitation, vomiting, exhaustion and headache.
ACUPRESSURE would typically targetthe potent points of Joing the Valley (to relieve general pain), Heavenly Pillar (to relieve stress, exhaustion), Gates of Consciousness (to ease aches and pains, irritability), Abdominal Sorrow (for the digestive system), Bigger Rushing (for boosting morale), Wind Mansion (to ease head congestion, mental stress), Facial Beauty (for bloodshot or swollen eyes, head congestion) and Drilling Bamboo (relief of sinus pain, painful eyes).
REFLEXOLOGY would concentrate on the zones which relate to the liver, bladder, kidneys and head.
COLOUR THERAPY would employ blue for the liver, to ease tension for headaches and insomnia, and turquoise for the bladder.
FOR CAFFEINE ADDICTION
In addition to the general oils beneficial to all addictions, the stomach pains which excess caffeine often produces can be eased with chamomile, ginger, marjoram, peppermint and rosemary.
Mental fatigue and inability to concentrate, the reasons why most of us turn to caffeine, will dissipate with basil, peppermint and rosemary.
ACUPUNCTURE would ease caffeine withdrawal by using the points relating to vomiting and nausea, exhaustion, headache, irritability and agitation.
ACUPRESSURE would concentrate on stress reduction, frustration and irritability. Potent points include Shoulder well, Centre of Power, Letting Go, Sea of Tranquillity and Jumping Circle.
REFLEXOLOGY would work on the areas associated with the stomach, fatigue and kidney problems and general stress reduction.
COLOUR THERAPY would prescribe blue for tension and stress.
FOR HEROIN ADDICTION
In addition to the generally beneficial oils for addictions, lavender, lemongrass and rosemary will improve wasted muscle tone.
Exhaustion responds well to benzoin, juniper, lavender and thyme.
Jasmine and juniper diminish pessimism: basil, ginger and thyme improve poor memory.
Coldness and shivers are improved with benzoin, black pepper, cypress and rose.
Stomach pains need the beneficial effects of chamomile, fennel, ginger, lavender, marjoram, peppermint and rosemary.
Nausea and vomiting ease with basil, chamomile, fennel, lavender and peppermint.
ACUPUNCTURE can treat the withdrawal symptoms of nausea, headache, exhaustion, vomiting diaroea, chills, photosensitivity, insomnia, palpitations, night sweats and sore throats by targetting the gall bladder, stomach, kidney, spleen, circulation, governor vessel, lung, heart, intestines and triple warmer.
ACUPRESSURE is successful in easing nausea, pain (potent points: Joining the Valley, Third Eye Point), stomach aches (potent points: Sea of Vitality, Sea of Energy, Centre of Power) and boosting the immune system (potent points: Sea of Energy, Sea of Vitality, Elegant Mansion, Three Mile Point, Joining the Valley, Bigger Stram, Bigger Rushing).
REFLEXOLOGY would be helpful to the heroin addict by working on the areas of the digestive system, lungs, circulation, muscular tension and stress.
COLOUR THERAPY: blue for muscular tension and stress, and to reduce pain; turquoise for general treatment of the lymphatic system.
FOR COCAINE ADDICTION
The main efects of cocaine withdrawal being pessimism, loneliness, lack os self-confidence, fearfullness, hysteria and panic, the general oils listed above for addictions form the main treatment for cocaine withdrawal.
High Blood pressure can be treated with chamomile, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli and ylang ylang.
Sinusitis responds to cajeput, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, tea tree and thyme.
ACUPUNCTURE can treat withdrawal symptoms of nausea, headache, exhaustion, vomiting diarrhoea, chills, photosensitivity, insomnia, palpitations, night sweats and sore throats by targeting the gall bladder, stomach, kidney, spleen, circulation, governor vessel, lung, heart, intestines and triple warmer.
ACUPUNCTURE is successful in easing nausea, pain (potent points: Joining the Valley, Third Eye Point), stomach aches (potent points: Sea of Vitality, Sea of Energy, Centre of Power), relieving sinus problems (potent points: Drilling Bamboo, Heavenly Pillar, Penetrate Heaven, Welcoming Perfume, Facial Beauty, One Hundred Meeting Point, Middle of a Person, Joing the Valley) and boosting the immune system (potent points: Sea of Energy, Sea of Vitality, Elegant Mansion, Three Mile Point, Joining the Valley, Bigger Stream, Bigger Rushing).
REFLEXOLOGY: targeting the pituitary gland (to boost hormone production, metabolism, etc.,), digestive system, lungs, circulation, muscular tension and stress.
COLOUR THERAPY: blue to reduce pain and palpitations, and ease stress; green for the pituitary gland.
FOR NICOTINE ADDICTION
As well as the general list of essential oils for addictions, nicotine withdrawal will be easier with specific oils aimed at calming the nervous system. Such oils are basil, cypress, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and tangerine.
Oversensitivity will respond to chamomile, cypress, geranium and lavender.
Mood swings will benefit from chamomile, geranium and lavender.
Lack of concentration will improve with basil, peppermint and rosemary.
Anger is eased by chamomile and ylang ylang, while panic and hysteria are calmed by chamomile, clary sage, neroli and lavender.
Shortness of breath will respond to fennel, frankincense and lavender.
Poor circulation benefits from benzoin, black pepper, cypress, ginger, lemon, tangerine and thyme.
ACUPUNCTURE has helped many people to give up smoking. Up to ten treatments over 3 or 4 weeks are usual. Body points are chosen to target symptoms of dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, indigestion, nausea, cough and a tight chest.
ACUPRESSURE would focus on the potent points of Letting Go, Shoulder Well, Sea of Vitality, Bigger Rushing and Sea of Energy to combat fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea and headaches.
REFLEXOLOGY would target the lungs to eliminate toxins and give general stress relief.
COLOUR THERAPY: blue for relaxation and relief from irritability.
FOR SUGAR ADDICTION
In addition to the general oils listed for all addictions, sugar withdrawal will benefit from chamomile, geranium and lavender for mood swings.
Diabetes responds to eucalyptus, geranium and juniper.
For women, thrush (caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans) is improved with bergamot, lemon, myrrh and tea tree.
ACUPUNCTURE can help improve overall circulation to improve the skin and reduce nervous exhaustion.
Skin problems can be improved with ACUPRESSURE (potent points: Sea of Vitality, Three Mile Point, Heavenly Pillar, Four Whites, Facial Beauty, Wind Screen, Heavenly Appearance, Third Eye Point); as can anxiety (potent points: Sea of Vitality, Womb and Vitals, Heavenly Pillar, Sea of tranquillity, Inner Gate, Third Eye Point, Rushing Door, Mansion Cottage).
REFLEXOLOGY: focusing on the circulatory system, kidneys and, for women, the female reproductive organs.
COLOUR THERAPY: green for the pituitary gland and turquoise for the kidneys.
FOR TRANQUILLISER ADDICTION
In addition to the general oils listed for all addictions, and depending on the type of tranquilliser from which they are withdrawing, the following may be useful:
For constipation, black pepper, fennel, marjoram, rose and rosemary.
For diarrhoea, black pepper, cajeput, chamomile, cypress, eucalptus, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, myrrh, neroli, peppermint, rosemary and sandalwood.
A generally sluggish digestion will improve with black pepper, fennel and peppermint.
Stomach ulcers can be relieved with chamomile, fennel, ginger, lavender, marjoram, peppermint and rosemary.
Hysteria and panic benefit from chamomile, clary sage, lavender, neroli and marjoram.
Headaches and migraines improve with basil, chamomile, lavender, marjoram, peppermint and rosemary.
Hyperventilation responds to fennel, frankincense and lavender.
ACUPUNCTURE for nausea, headache, exhaustion, vomiting, diarrhoea, chills, photosensitivity, insomnia, palpitations, night sweats and sore throats by tagerting the gall bladder, stomach, kidney, spleen, circulation, governor vessel, lung, heart, intestines and triple warmer.
ACUPRESSURE is successful in easing nausea, pain(potent points: Sea of Vitality, Third Eye Point), stomach aches (potent points: Sea of Vitality, Sea of Energy, Centre of Power) and boosting the immune system (potent points: Sea of Energy, Sea of Vitality, Elegant Mansion, Three Mile Point, Joining the Valley, Bigger Stream, Bigger Rushing).
Muscular tension and stress can be eased by REFLEXOLOGY.
COLOUR THERAPY: blue to relax.
FOOD ADDICTIONS
ACUPUNCTURE: body points to ease irregular bowels, constipation, vomiting, irregular menstruation, fluid retention or frequency, agitation, abdominal distension.
ACUPRESSURE: potent points might include Penetrate Heaven (relief of headaches), Joining the Valley (depression, constipation, balances the gastrointestinal system), Severe Mouth (clears the stomach).
REFLEXOLOGY: targeting the stomach and digestive system.
COLOUR THERAPY: blue for relaxation, relief from tension and irritability.
CARMINATIVE HERBS - for the digestion
Carminative herbal remedies are rich in oils which act on the wall of the gut. They ease flatulence and gastric pains by stimulating a sluggish digestive system back into action.
Some specific carminative herbs: fennel seeds, ginger root and caraway seeds.
Other herbs with carminative action: there are many, many herbs which stimulate the digestive system as well as performing other functions. Peppermint, aniseed, wild yam, golden seal, dandelion, meadowsweet, artichoke and balmony are some of the mopre common remedies.
NERVINE HERBS - for the nervous system
The nervous system can be overactive or underactive, and there are herbal remedies for both conditions.The nervine relaxants calm the system, the nervine stimulants stimulate it, and the nervine tonics genberally tone up the nervous system and keep it in good working order. People who are coming off an addiction must avoid the nervine stimulants, which exacerbate feelings of edginess and irritability. On the other hand, addicts will find the calming effects of the nervine relaxants most beneficial.
Nervine Relaxants
These are the closest natural alternative to tranquillisers, so care should be taken not to dose yourself to a permanently tranquillised state!
Some nervine relaxant herbs include black cohosh, black haw, chamomile, lavender, passion flower, rosemary and skullcap.
In addition, there are herbs which act on other parts of the body to promote relaxation, for axample the muscles, and as we all know from a long hot bath, a relaxed body encourages a relaxed mind. A nervine herb which works both on the nervous system and the muscle tissue is valerian.
Nervine Tonics
These natural herbs can be used after recovery from an addiction to maintain the well-being of your nervous system, safeguarding against gradual ill-health and degeneration of the nervous system. Their gentle effects means that they can safely be taken on a long-term basis. Oats are a primary nervine tonic which are also, of course, highly nutritious. Eat up your porridge every day and your body will notice the beneficial effects not only in the nervous system, but also in the circulatory suystem. Oats take a long time to be digested by the body which is why they make an excellent breakfast; the body takes 4 to 5 hours to digest oats which means that you benefit from a slow, continuous release of energy. Add fruit and nuts for extra energy and vitaminbs.
St John's Wort is a nervine tonic which is taken as an infusion or tincture. It is also used externally for rapid healing and easing muscle tissue pain, such as sciatica and fibrositis.
Nervine Stimulants
The nervine stimulants should be used with care by anyone, but particularly by people trying to kick a dependency who are in a very fragile state and who need to be calmed rather than stimulated. It is better to use nervine tonics for their general health-giving properties on the nervous system than to hype yourself up with a nervine stimulant.
Nervine herbs include the kola nut, the coffee bean, the tea leaf and maté. All these herbs contain caffeine and so should be avoided.
DIURETIC HERBS - to increase urine production
Diuretics encourage the production of urine. The idea of this is to expel accumulated toxins: the heavy drinker experiences this effect as the more he or she drinks the more he or she needs to urinate in order to expel the toxins in alcohol.
Dandelion leaf, artichoke, bittersweet, apple, broom, corn silk, grapes, juniper, onions and parsley are all diuretics which can be eaten or prepared as teas or infusions.
HEPATIC HERBS
The hepatic herbs work on th liver and there are many different herbs which are combined for various liver ailments. In common, though, hepatics stimulate the production of bile. A sluggish liver produces less bile ans this obviously affects the entire body's function.
Some hepatic herbs:
Centaury is an appetite stimulant which may be necessary when the liver is damaged.
Black root combines well with dandelion to ease liver problems and jaundice.
Bittersweet is a powerful herb which should bot be used without a practitioner's direction. It is effective in a variety of ailments including reducing liver inflammation and as a diuretic.
Milk thistle regenerates the liver's cells.
Artichoke is a gentle hepatic tonic which promotes the digestive system, stimulates liver cell regeneration and is also a diuretic.
Balmony stimulates the digestive system.
Dandelion root, with its high natural potassium content, is a gentle hepatic and diuretic.
Thanks to Headway Healthwise - A Self Help Guide to Quitting Dependency by H Walji & Dr a Kingston
Anyone who is trying to come off drugs will benefits from a regular massage. Drug addicts often suffer from a tremendous sense of shame; they know that they have disappointed everyone, they feel ostracised and untouchable. The fact that someone is prepared to give them some attention and to touch them helps them regain both their self-esteem and their desire to get well. For once their bodies which they have so abused, are receiving attention and realise that there are other ways of feeling good apart from taking drugs. As one girl said "I didn’t think it was possible to feel high without drugs." By relaxing and experiencing a new form of pleasure, drug addicts are able to remember their pre-drug days, and regain respect for their bodies. The mother of one addict said that having a massage was the turning point in her daughter’s recovery.
Drug addicts tend to lead unhealthy lives. Their circulation is bad and they suffer from cold extremities. Massage improves the circulation and makes the body feel more alive.
Heroin is a total muscle relaxant and nerve sedative. When an addict withdraws he loses the ability to relax, and so becomes extremely tense. One ex-addict said "I felt terrible when I was withdrawing, and didn’t think anything apart from heroin would help. I was delighted to find that after having a full body massage my body felt totally at ease. The shivering stopped and I felt warmer. My muscles stopped cramping and my nerves weren’t jumping around so much. I also felt much less depressed ands for a few minutes the world didn’t seem so awful." She found massages so beneficial that she decided to learn how to massage, so that she could help other people in the same situation. She went to courses and found that being able to help someone else greatly improved her self-esteem.
Thanks to Claire Maxwell-Hudson’s COMPLETE BOOK OF MASSAGE.
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ADDICTIONS & Dietary Requirements
The Effects of ADDICTIONS
Drugs, Nutrients, Exercise & Relaxation in the TREATMENT of ADDICTIONS - Drug Classifications
RARER OILS
THALASSOTHERAPY 
