Moving on! Now that you know what an essential oil is and how to use them aromatically, let’s talk about how to use oils topically!
Topical use of essential oils basically means you’re putting the oils on your skin for localized relief. What does that mean exactly? Well, it means if you have a sore muscle, rubbing some Deep Blue Rub right on the area you’re feeling the discomfort would be a really great way to feel some relief!
Let’s talk about a couple of my favorite areas to use oils topically – the feet and the spine! Waaaaay back when, Chinese medicine developed reflexology, which is basically points on your hands, feet and ears that have the nerve endings to all the organ systems in the body. Here’s what I mean:
The basic idea is that if you apply oils to the proper reflex point on your foot, the oils will service that organ system first. For example, if you’re using Breathe Respiratory Blend to help with sinus issues, you’d want to apply it to the bottom of your little toes because that’s where the sinuses are located on the reflexology chart! Pretty cool huh? What’s even cooler is not only are you servicing that organ system first, but you’re also allowing the oils to distribute to every cell in your body through the bottoms of your feet because they have the largest pores and speediest absorption! Using a light massage will increase the blood flow to the area of application, in turn improving distribution throughout the body too! Helllooooo foot rubs for everyone!
The other area I really love for topical application is the spinal area! All your nerve endings are in and around your spine, so it makes total sense that topical application on the back, neck and spine are amazing ways to service your whole body. It’s such an amazing way in fact, that there are a couple really amazing essential oil application techniques that are based on spinal application! Absolutely check out The AromaTouch Technique and Symphony of the Cells, prepare for your mind to be blown!
Let’s talk about one big thing – skin sensitivity. Skin sensitivity to oils is when you apply oils topically and have redness or a warming sensation. To decrease the likelihood of developing a skin sensitivity, especially on young or sensitive skin, you can use a carrier oil (such as doTERRA’s Fractionated Coconut Oil) to dilute more potent oils and when trying an oil for the first time. The recommend dilution ratio is typically one drop of essential oil to three drops of carrier oil. There are definitely some milder oils that you don’t necessarily have to dilute (though diluting will never hurt!), there are certain oils like those of the spice family (oregano, clove, thyme, etc.) that you’ll absolutely want to make sure you dilute – and if you don’t, don’t say I didn’t warn you! =)
Now, I know what you’re asking – but how much do I use?! How often?! Start with the lowest possible dose (1–2 drops). A topical dose can be repeated every 4–6 hours as needed. Because everyone is different, the dose will vary for each individual based on size, age, and overall health status. For example, for babies the residue from the bottle cap is sufficient (yes, I’m serious – remember how concentrated the oils are! Don’t forget to dilute for the littles!). For younger kids, a drop is great. For adults, maybe 2-3 drops. Just think – as the human grows, so does the amount of oil drops to service the body!
Lastly, be sure to keep the oils out of your eyes, nose and ears! Those are super sensitive areas that don’t love the oils as much as we do. If by chance you have any skin sensitivity or you get the oils into these sensitive areas (or… other sensitive areas… hey, it’s happened before! lol) be sure to dilute the area with a carrier oil like doTERRA’s Fractionated Coconut Oil. Basically douse the area in coconut oil until the sensitivity goes away. DON’T USE WATER! Water will actually drive the oils deeper into the tissues, which makes water and oils awesome in a bath (think lavender or Serenity in a bath before your kids go to sleep!), but not awesome for diluting sensitive areas.
Just to recap a bit:
Beneficial Areas You Can Apply Essential Oils
- Neck
- Forehead and temples
- Chest and abdomen
- Arms, legs, bottom of feet
Other Effective Methods of Topical Application
- Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath
- Make a hot or cold compress by soaking a towel or cloth in water, adding essential oils, and then applying to the desired area
- Add oil to a lotion or moisturizer and then apply to skin
Sensitive Areas to be Avoided:
- Some facial areas, such as the skin around the eyes
- Eyes and inner ears
- Broken, damaged, or otherwise injured skin
I would love to know how you’re using your essential oils! Absolutely leave some comment love and let us know how you’re rocking out using your oils!
xoxo
