June 21, 2012 Mikki Melinda Anderson Licensed Massage Therapist, California License #33 Aromatherapy Student Case

Study #1: Prior to our session, client filled out a Client Health Questionnaire, Confidential Client Sheet (to look at nutrition and exercise), and Consent form. I had explained during our phone interview there would be considerable paperwork prior to the session so she would not be overwhelmed when she saw all the paperwork. History and Chief concern: Client is a 29 year old new mother of American-Mexican descent with post partum depression and anxiety diagnosis. She volunteered for my case study from a hospital group for post partum depressed mothers. She was also taking a pharmaceutical antidepression drug Zoloft and is being seen by a psychotherapist. Client gave birth in January and started experiencing high levels of anxiety in mid March. She told me her new family had moved to a new very small residence and then moved back to where they had lived prior to the move some 16 weeks after birth. It was at this time that the anxiety became overwhelming and she was admitted to Laguna Beach Psychiatric unit for three days. Client has a history of stress related ulcers and Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). After a three day stay in the psych unit of St. Josephs hospital she was released and began attending the post partum depression group at Mission Hospital (I provide massage to St. Josephs Hospital). Assessment and Impressions: Client is an attractive, 29 year old white female. While discussing her history, her eyes welled with tears as she explained how she has learned she is controlling and experiencing anxiety when life does not happen as she has pictured. She said she is grateful to have the opportunity to learn from her therapist how to deal with life in a healthier manner. She believes in an organic and natural lifestyle, loves to cook and loves a myriad of smells from the smell of her baby, to meals she cooked prior to giving birth. Application: One or two drops of oil was put on cotton pads and inhaled by client while I massaged with unscented lotion. I also applied 4% lavender (24 drops) diluted in 1 oz. fractionated coconut oil to arch of feet and neck. She was aware she had the freedom to discuss any feeling changes or thoughts that came up at any time during the session. I followed the lead of the client during the session and it was clear to me which oils to use based on things she shared. (i.e.: the word lemon came up after she had been

inhaling and experiencing lavender so I simply followed her lead). I have previous experience of the power of rose in shifting post partum women therefore used the rose with her as well. Client asked me what oil was my favorite and I answered honestly with sandalwood and cedarwood atlas (latter I didnt have on hand) and shared the sandalwood with her. She seemed to shift into feeling joy right before my eyes. I am amazed how using the oils shift the client off depression/sadness into joy and happiness. Feedback after session: From Client: (written feedback after session) When I arrive, my anxiety level was a 5 of a 1-10 scale. As the lemon, lavender, frankincense, rose and sandalwood entered my nose, euphoria took over. Memories of my childhood, first job, loving husband, beloved dog, cat and my angel baby girl Syndey flooded my mind. The shift from anxiety to euphoria is attainable and packaged in tiny black bottles. The oils truly made me realize that I can shift my anxious thoughts to thoughts of happiness and still function as a mom! This was a wonderful experience for me and ultimately for my family Support Plan: This is my question. Do I sell the client a couple of oils that I think would assist her? I didnt have any on hand yet to retail sell but I think that is my next step especially since she remarked that she would have liked to purchase some rose and lavender if we had it. I also decided after working with her this one time that I wanted to have this case study be a two week study even though it is not in my module to do so. I just felt wrong to leave this at one single session. Therefore, she will be coming in to me sometime next week for a follow-up aromatherapy/massage session. Outcome: Here is what she emailed me this morning:
Mikki, When I left SB, I phoned my husband and was informed that our daughter cried for thirty minutes wanting to nurse. If I had not had the aromatherapy and massage, my anxiety would've been a 9 on a 1-10 scale because I knew my husband would be upset because he couldn't console her mixed with my guilt that she cried for so long. Instead, I was calm and ready to proceed with our nightly routine as if nothing happened. The first thing I noticed last night was the power of the rose oil. The memory it left was intoxicating. I had put the cotton pads under my pillow than went about my evening routine with my daughter. While nursing her on our couch, I could still smell the rose oil yet I was nowhere near the cotton pads and had already showered. The memories of my childhood dog and rose garden mixed with the beautiful bouquets my husband would give me weekly when he

worked at the florist were powerful. The anxiety practically disappeared. I was a 1 on the ten scale. Unfortunately, my sleep was interrupted because my daughter is teething and soothes her gums while pacifying. The sleep I did have was restful and I woke up feeling happy and tired instead of just plain tired. At my therapist appointment this morning, I advised him about your study and he recommended I have my daughter smell the same scent before eating, bathing, or nighttime nursing to create the same type of memories I have associated with scents. I am excited to try this with her and my husband. I feel as though everyone I know can appreciate the effects of a great memory and the power it has to lift your spirits. E-mailing is best because my little monkey loves to hit my phone. I can only make calls while I drive or stroll! I would love another session! Thank you again for this experience!

References:
Conrad, Pam (2011) Aromatherapy for Midwives and OB Nurses class, Community Hospital South Indianapolis, Indiana Conrad, Pam (2011) Clinical Research Study: Using Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Depression in High risk post partum Mothers, International Aromatherapy Conference, Sept 29-Oct. 3, 2011, Minetonka, Mn. Tiran, Denise, Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2000, London, England Tisserand, Balacs (1995). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals, London, Churchill Livingstone