Compulsive behaviour is often caused by unhappiness, for which there may be a number of different causes but the result is the same. Eating disorders often arise from compulsive behaviour, either to punish yourself or others around you. Compulsive behaviour is a control mechanism as well as a form of self-punishment, and often must be addressed with therapy.
A Different Approach
Aromatherapy provides alternative strategies and simple rituals that help you feel better. If you show compulsive behaviour, you should ensure you always have an appropriate blend to hand, carrying a small bottle on you and using it liberally at home to ensure you constantly receive the beneficial effects of the oils.
How to Blend Oils for Compulsive Behaviour
All of these blends should be added to 35ml of the carrier oil of your choice.
Top Note
Middle Note
Base Note
Easing compulsive eating patterns
2 drops clary sage
2 drops eucalyptus
4 drops chamomile
2 drops benzoin
Easing compulsive social behaviour
2 drops lemon
2 drops geranium
2 drops cedarwood
3 drops sandalwood
Improving self esteem
3 drops orange
3 drops melissa
4 drops vetivert
Eradicating self blame
2 drops orange
4 drops chamomile
4 drops sandalwood
Remedies for Compulsive Behaviour
Whether it's you or a loved one displaying the signs of compulsive behaviour, there are many ways to use aromatherapy oils to prevent it spiralling out of control.
Easing Compulsive Eating
Compulsive eating patterns such as anorexia and bulimia are serious conditions where a person needs professional medical help and should not be treated with essential oils in isolation.
Support from your immediate circle of loved ones is important at such times. Using the blend in all non-work environments will help the feelings of self-blame to be largely removed, and you till not feel stigmatised for using it.
The person should be encouraged to use the blend in the bath, an on their pillow, as well as in an inhaler when they are out and about.
Improving Self-esteem
Somebody experiencing compulsive behaviour will usually suffer from low self-esteem.
Love ones and family should do all that they can to try and help the person feel better about themselves. For example, encourage them to partake in activities they enjoy to promote a positive self-image.
Wearing the blend as a perfume and using it around the home in an oil burner or vaporiser dispels melancholy and brings fortitude. The blend should also be used in the bath, and for massage if possible, as this is a very good way to help somebody start to feel confident in their own skin.
Eradicating Self-blame
People experiencing compulsive behaviour have a tendency to blame themselves for anything that goes wrong. This means they shoulder other people's responsibilities as well as their own and are easily crushed by small setbacks.
It is important to help somebody in this situation to accept that they are not responsible for all the world's troubles, and encourage them to see the good in their actions.
Encourage use of the blend on a pillow, so its influence will be absorbed into the body when asleep, subtly influencing the unconscious.
When the person is away from home, they should use the blend on their pulse points.
Helping Social Behaviour
Compulsive social behaviour can be the result of addiction such as gambling or internet surfing. However, it can prove very destructive in the lives of others, not just the individual concerned, and must be handled as lovingly as possible.
Again, professional help is likely to be needed, but providing alternatives is an option. Encourage the person to change their daily ritual and use fragrance to make other choices more appealing.
Use dramatic methods, such as alternating hot and cold compresses or foot massage, that bring a marked perception shift through forcing the individual to stop dead in their tracks and reassess the direction they are taking.
A foot massage will curb erratic social behaviour.