Applying essential oils topically is a very effective way to use them; however, new essential oilers are often confused about where to apply them. Hopefully, I can share some simple guidelines that make applying your oils topically easier.
Topical Application Works Quickly
First, does applying oils topically really benefit your health, or just help you smell good? Topical application of essential oils is actually very effective, especially when you want localized support. Your skin readily absorbs anything you put on it (think about how a nicotine patch works). This is one of the reasons we are so careful about our personal care products — our skin absorbs everything we put on it whether good or bad. When you apply oils topically, they can be found in your bloodstream in under two minutes. After 20 minutes every cell in your body will have been affected!
Where To Apply Essential Oils
Knowing where to apply your oils for the best results can seem overwhelming for new oilers; however, it is actually quite simple. If you have an area of your body you want to support, it’s best to apply the oil there. For example, if you have back discomfort, you will apply Deep Blue Rub directly on the area that hurts. If you have a blemish, you will apply tea tree directly on the blemish.
You do want to avoid putting oils in sensitive areas of your body (like in your nose, eyes or ears). Instead, you can apply oils around that area. For example, if my son complains of ear soreness, I place a few drops of lavender and tea tree diluted with FCO and apply it in front of and behind his ear (never in his ear canal).
Citrus oils are photosensitive, so you want to be careful about exposing your skin to the son after applying citrus oils for at least 12 hours. I typically apply to areas that I cover with clothing, or make sure to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. One of my most-used blends is Peppermint and Wild Orange to the back of my neck for energy and focus. My hair covers this area, but if I apply this same blend to my son I make sure to also apply sunscreen.
Topical Application For Physical Health
Topical Application on Feet
For overall physical support I typically apply essential oils to the bottoms of my feet. It can be very helpful to use a reflexology chart and apply to the area of the foot that corresponds with the part of the body you want to support. I typically dilute oils when I am applying the topically; however, you do not need to dilute when applying to your feet. The skin on the bottoms of your feet is not sensitive, so dilution is not required (but still advised for children, pets and the elderly). We apply OnGuard Essential oil to the bottoms of our feet at the breakfast table each morning to support our immune health.
Some oils should always be diluted, because they can feel warm on the skin (even the bottoms of your feet) such as Oregano and Cassia. Fractionated coconut oil is my carrier oil of choice. Other options for physical support include your hands and along your spine.
A few oils are known to be able to cross your blood-brain barrier. Frankincense and Sandalwood are the two that come to mind. I like to apply these two to the back of my neck, or at my brain stem when I need to concentrate.
Topical Application For Emotional Health
For emotional support I apply oils to my pulse points. My favorite areas are my inner elbows, inner wrists, on my neck and over my heart. I usually breathe the scent in after applying topically for emotional support by smelling my wrists. If you want to relax for example, I like to apply Balance, Lavender or Adaptiv to my pulse points, and then inhale from my wrists several times. Looking to uplift your mood? Try Elevation, Citrus Bliss or Cheer topically and then inhale. You will typically notice the effect in less than a minute!