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Unlock the Power of Pulse Points for Essential Oils

February 22, 2024 by Shirlene Leave a Comment

As part of my health journey and removing toxins from my life. I have rediscovered the power of essential oils.  As I am educating myself with all things regarding pure essential oils.  I have come to fully understand the power of pulse points when using essential oils and was given a light blub moment ‘oh yeah that makes sense’ that the best place to apply essential oils topically is at certain pulse points. However, where are these pulse points for essential oils, and how do you go about making the most of them?

lady in bed applying roller bottle essential oil on her wrist

What are Aromatherapy pulse points?

These aromatherapy pulse points are specific areas of the body where the blood (major arteries) is flowing close to the skin’s surface. This is a great way to apply pure natural essential oils (Doterra essential oils) to pressure points so the oils can filter into the blood stream quickly.  This speeds up the benefits you will reap. This allows the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils to be delivered directly to the body’s system, which provides a range of physical and emotional benefits. So, if you’re planning to apply essential oils topically, it’s best to do so at one of your pulse points.

Where are Aromatherapy pulse points?

Did you know that the human body has six main pulse points for aromatherapy?  They are located all around the body. The most common pulse points include the inner wrists, temples, behind the ears, the side of the neck, the inner elbow, and the collar bone. The four key pulse points that our family loves to apply essential oils are: temples, behind the ears, side of the neck and inner wrists. These points are warmer than the rest of your body, which means that anything applied to them warms up quicker and penetrates the skin better making it more effective for using essential oils topically. This is why we use pulse points to apply aromatherapy essential oils.

 Let’s take a look at each of these pulse points and how you can use essential oils on them.

lady in kitchen smelling essential oil by a shelf with Doterra essential oil

How To Apply Aromatherapy Essential Oils?

To get the most out of aromatherapy, you want to apply a drop or drops of essential oil directly to your pulse points so you can have faster absorption and quicker results around you that will continue for a long time and receive the best results.

Our body also takes in essential oils via our respiratory system too, that’s why inhaling the aroma just after you’ve applied an essential oil is such a powerful thing to do. 

Be sure to dilute the essential oils with a small amount of carrier oil before applying them topically. This minimizes the risk of skin irritation and to prolong their presence on your skin and their effects! 

The benefits of applying to pulse points? 

Essential oils applied to pulse points also exercise a powerful effect on the limbic system, which is the emotional center of the brain. When using essential oils on your pulse points, you trigger a direct response from this part of your brain, so using them at these pressure points will have a direct emotional effect on you.  To maximize the benefit of both your olfactory senses and in turn your limbic system and your pulse points, it’s best to place the essential oils where your nose can smell it.  

Best Pulse Points On The Body For Essential Oils

Neck

The neck is one of the most readily available pulse points, but it’s also one of the most powerful. You can use this pulse point to enjoy a range of benefits. Essential oils on your neck will quickly permeate your brain, and you’ll also get the added benefit of being able to smell the essential oil that you’ve applied, doubling up on the limbic benefits. The best area of the neck to apply the essential oil is the dip where your collar bone joins your sternum.  If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, applying essential oils such as  Serenity or Copaiba to your neck before bed. This could be a good way to get your body ready for sleep, so that you wake up the following morning feeling refreshed.

 Chest

The chest is another easily accessible pulse point, and applying essential oils to it can be a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. If you’re suffering from a cold or blocked sinuses, you could benefit from applying a blend of Breath or Peppermint essential oils to your chest, combined with a carrier oil. This can help unblock your sinuses and open airway airways, allowing you to breathe more freely and easily.

Inner elbow

The inner elbow is a surprisingly powerful pulse point, and you can directly target it with your essential oils. For an extra burst of energy, try applying uplifting essential oils to your inner elbow, such as peppermint, or wild orange.

Of course, wearing essential oils such as Citrus Bloom your pulse points can double up as a natural perfume, a pleasant scent profile and revitalizing smell for yourself and those around you throughout the day!

Or if you are struggle with anxious feelings or feelings of sadness? And need quick relief? A perfect way is to roll it on with a roller ball will help for a quick relief. Such as Balance and Adaptiv, which are my go to along with Copaiba or Ylang Ylang!

You may be surprised to learn that the wrist is one of the most powerful pulse points in your body. This is because the arteries and veins are so close to the surface of the skin in this area, meaning that essential oils can be easily absorbed into your bloodstream.

Wrists

 Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oils with a small amount of carrier oil and apply the mixture to your wrists. Not only will it be absorbed into your skin, but you can also smell your wrists throughout the day to help to ease anxious feelings and enable you to get the most out of your busy day. Inner wrists are my go-to spot as I bring them up to my nose and inhale the oil directly. Wherever you apply it, always take a moment to inhale the aroma. Breathing in slowly for four seconds and then out slowly out for four. Even just a few repetitions can offer the most transformative effect.

Temples

If you’re prone to head tension, applying Peppermint and Frankincense to your temples can help to combat the onset of a spell. And it’s easy to put a bottle in your bag or purse to take with you so you never have to go without.

lady applying jasmine Doterra essential oil to behind her ears

Behind the Ears

The behind-the-ears pulse point is very similar to the temples. However, you might find that this pulse point provides more of a calming effect than your temples do.
If you’re suffering from sinus issue, you might find it beneficial to apply a small amount of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil behind your ears.  I have found that this is my favorite place to calm my emotions and so Balance or Adaptiv is what i go to to apply.

You may also like

1) The center of where your stomach meets your body is another great place to apply oils.

2) The back of the neck is another great area that can be treated with essential oils. You can apply them to this area and it will relax you at the same time that it purges toxic energy.

3) Your ankles are another spot to try out aromatherapy technique. And if you are looking for natural ingredients to soothe post surgery soreness and aches this maybe a ideal spot.

4) The bottoms of our feet are highly sensitive to energy and blood flow. Which is a very effective way for the use of essential oils

Different Ways To Apply Essential Oils On Pulse Points

1) Put a drop on your wrist or behind your ears. This is a great way to calm down those who need to increase their sleep quality. These spots react more with the skin and allow your sense of smell to kick in easier.

2) Rub it on your hands or feet. You can rub the oil on your feet before bed and slip on socks to allow the oils to absorb for a better night’s sleep.

3) Put a drop on your clothing and around your neck. This will help you to feel relaxed as you walk about your home, work, or whatever else you may be doing.

FAQs

What Carrier Oil should I be using?

Carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond, grapeseed oil or jojoba oil, before applying to the skin. I prefer fractionated coconut oil since it absorbs very quickly into the skin, making it ideal for use with any essential oil.

Are there a lot of other places where you can apply essential oils?

Yes! There are many different spots to apply essential oils besides pulse points. Cover your entire hands with them, from the tips of your finger to your wrists. Apply on top of your wrists, armpits, back of neck, chest, and shoulders. You can also spray them directly onto your mouth and down your throat as well. Essential oil smells will stay there much longer than if they were applied on top of the pulse points on the body route.

Also if you have interest in reading about ways to reduce your stress in natural ways check out this post!

XO

Shirlene RN BSN

Filed Under: Essential Oils, Wellness Tagged With: aromatherapy, essential oils, holistic Living, holistic wellness, natural remedies, natural solutions, Non toxic

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Hi!  Shirlene, Mom of 5, Registered Nurse, Health enthusiast trying take care of my body and bringing you along for the ride. Read more about me HERE.

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