Have you heard people say to apply essential oils to your pulse points? What does that mean? How and where do you apply them? Here you will learn everything you need to know about pulse points for essential oils.
Pulse Points for Essential Oils
Essential oils are good for so many different things. And there are so many different ways to use essential oils. Applying essential oils to pulse points is a great way to use essential oils depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.
What are Pulse Points?
Pulse points are specific areas on the human body where you can feel your pulse because the blood vessels are closer to the skin’s surface. These points are often used in aromatherapy and natural wellness practices to apply essential oils, as the warmth and circulation in these areas help diffuse the aroma of the oils so that you can smell them better, plus it’s a great way to get essential oils into the blood stream quickly.
Applying a small amount of oil to pulse points can enhance their therapeutic effects and provide a pleasant sensory experience.
Best Pulse Points
Here are some common pulse points where you can apply essential oils for topical applications:
1. Wrists: The wrist is a popular pulse point when applying essential oils to the surface of the skin. This is where the radial artery is located. Apply a drop or two of essential oil to your inner wrists. Rub them together and then bring your wrists close to your nose to inhale the aroma.
2. Neck: Apply the essential oil to the either side of the neck or back of the neck. This can be particularly soothing and help with relaxation.
3. Temples: Gently apply essential oils to your temples over the temporal artery, avoiding contact with your eyes. This can be helpful for stress relief and is a great area for headache reduction.
4. Behind Ears: Apply essential oil behind your ears where the skin is thin and warm. This area can help the aroma diffuse effectively as well as help to decrease inflammation in the ears.
5. Inner Elbows: The crease of your inner elbow is another pulse point where you can apply essential oils.
6. Knees: Some people also apply essential oils to the back of the knees. This is a less common pulse point but can still be effective.
7. Ankles: Applying essential oils to the ankles allows for the aroma to rise as you move throughout the day. This is also a great hormonal spot, making it one of the main pulse points when working with hormones.
8. Chest: You can apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to your chest, being cautious not to use too much or apply to broken skin. This is great when working with respiratory concerns or even for helping to strengthen the immune system.
Safety Precautions When Applying Essential Oils to Pulse Points
When applying essential oils to pulse points, it’s important to consider the following:
Dilution: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if applied directly. Certain essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil) before applying to the skin.
Skin Sensitivity: Different people have varying levels of skin sensitivity. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse or allergic reactions to the oil.
Quality of Oils: Use high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable brands. Synthetic or low-quality oils may not provide the desired therapeutic benefits.
Personal Preferences: The choice of essential oils depends on your personal preferences and the desired effects. For relaxation, lavender or chamomile might be suitable, while for an energy boost, citrus oils like orange or lemon could work well.
Photosensitive Oils: Be sure to read Essential Oils and Photosensitivity to avoid injuries when using photosensitive essential oils.
Always follow recommended guidelines for essential oil use and consult a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional if you have any concerns, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have underlying health conditions.
Benefits of Aromatherapy on Pulse Points
Applying essential oils to pulse points is a popular practice in aromatherapy and natural wellness for several reasons:
1. Enhanced Aroma Diffusion: Pulse points are areas where blood vessels are closer to the skin’s surface. This means that they emit heat, this body heat helps to diffuse the aroma of the essential oils more effectively. The warmth of these areas encourages the oils to evaporate and be released into the air, allowing you to enjoy the therapeutic aroma throughout the day.
2. Direct Absorption: The skin on pulse points is relatively thin and has a good blood supply, making it easier for the body to absorb the beneficial compounds in essential oils. When applied to pulse points, the oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly. This swift absorption can potentially lead to faster effects.
3. Therapeutic Benefits: Different essential oils have various therapeutic properties, such as relaxation, stress relief, improved focus, and mood enhancement. By applying oils to pulse points, you can harness these benefits more directly and efficiently.
4. Emotional and Mental Effects: Aromas can have a direct impact on emotions and mental well-being through the olfactory system. Applying essential oils to pulse points allows you to inhale the aroma throughout the day, influencing your mood, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
5. Convenience: Pulse points are easily accessible areas of the body, making application of essential oils simple and convenient. You can reapply the oils as needed without much effort.
6. Sensory Experience: Aromatherapy is not only about the therapeutic properties of the oils but also about the sensory experience they provide. Applying oils to pulse points creates a personal and intimate connection with the aroma, enhancing your overall well-being.
7. Customization: Different pulse points are associated with various energetic pathways in practices like traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. You can tailor your oil application to address specific needs or imbalances in these systems by applying oils to specific locations.
8. Mindful Practice: Applying essential oils to pulse points can be part of a mindfulness routine. Taking a moment to apply the oil and inhale deeply can help you become more present and focused.
It’s important to note that essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be used with care. Always dilute sensitive essential oils properly with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation or adverse reactions. Additionally, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s recommended to perform a patch test before applying any new essential oil to a larger area of skin. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified aromatherapist before incorporating essential oils into your routine.
Best Esssential Oils for Pulse Points
The choice of essential oils to apply to pulse points depends on your desired effects and personal preferences.
Here are some popular essential oils and their associated benefits that you can consider applying to pulse points:
1. Lavender: Known for its calming effect and relaxing properties, lavender oil is excellent for reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting better sleep.
2. Peppermint: Peppermint oil can provide a refreshing and invigorating sensation. It’s often used for boosting energy, reducing headaches such as a tension headache, and improving focus.
3. Frankincense: This oil has a grounding and centering effect. It’s often used for meditation, relaxation, and promoting a sense of inner peace.
4. Chamomile: Both Roman and German chamomile oils are known for their soothing properties. They can help ease tension, promote relaxation, and support better sleep.
5. Bergamot: Bergamot oil has a citrusy and uplifting aroma. It’s commonly used to alleviate mood swings, reduce stress, relieve brain fog, and promote a positive outlook.
6. Ylang Ylang: Ylang ylang oil has a sweet and floral scent. It’s believed to have aphrodisiac qualities and can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Rosemary: Rosemary oil is invigorating and can help improve mental clarity, concentration, and focus.
8. Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing and clearing aroma. It’s often used to support respiratory health and provide a sense of revitalization.
9. Orange: Orange oil has a cheerful and uplifting scent. It can help boost mood, alleviate stress, and promote relaxation.
10. Patchouli: Patchouli oil has an earthy and grounding aroma. It’s often used for promoting emotional balance and relaxation.
11. Geranium: Geranium oil has a balancing and floral scent. It’s known for its ability to alleviate stress, promote emotional stability, and improve overall well-being.
12. Sandalwood: Sandalwood oil has a warm and woody aroma. It’s often used for meditation, relaxation, and promoting a sense of tranquility.
Remember, individual preferences and responses to aromas can vary. It’s a good idea to start with a small amount of diluted oil and see how your body and mind react to it.
A great way to utilize natural aromatherapy pulse oils is through the use of a roller ball bottle. Essential oil rollerballs are easy to make and easy to carry with you on the go.
If you’re new to using essential oils, you might consider experimenting with a few different oils to find the ones that resonate with you the most.
You can also experiment by combining different essential oils together to create an essential oil blend.
Always ensure that you’re using high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources, and dilute essential oils properly with a carrier oil before applying them to your pulse points. If you have any health concerns or are pregnant or nursing, it’s wise to consult a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before using essential oils.
Best Essential Oil Resources
To learn more about how to use essential oils and to access amazing essential oil recipes be sure to get a copy of the following:
Essential Oil Medicine Cabinet Binder
Beauty & Body Care Essential Oil Binder
These resources will help you to use essential oils safely and to gain the best results possible from your essential oils!
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