The healing power of foot reflexology with essential oils: relaxation, support for chronic complaints and more!

The healing power of foot reflexology with essential oils: relaxation, support for chronic complaints and more!

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What are essential oils and how are they made?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are obtained through distillation or cold extraction. Using different parts of plants such as flowers, leaves, bark or roots, essential oils contain the plant's characteristic aromas and active ingredients.

Essential oil production occurs through a complex process that heats the plant materials with water or steam. The rising vapors are then cooled and condense, separating the essential oil from the plant matrix. The resulting product is highly concentrated and can provide a variety of health benefits.

3 reasons to apply essential oils to your feet

When you apply essential oils to the soles of your feet, several things happen:

#1 No hair

Unlike other areas of the body, there are no hair follicles on the soles of the feet that could slow down the application or absorption of the oils. The skin on the soles of the feet is also thinner than on other areas of the body, consisting of only 5 layers compared to 7 to 10 layers elsewhere. Studies have shown that after applying essential oils to the feet, traces of the oils can be detected throughout the body in less than 20 minutes.

#2 No sebum

The palms of the hands and soles of the feet do not have sebaceous glands that produce sebum, an oily substance that acts as a protective shield and can inhibit the absorption of foreign material into the skin. Without this barrier, essential oils can easily penetrate the skin of your feet and enter your bloodstream.

#3 Variety of nerve endings

Your feet are full of nerve endings - about 72,000 per foot. Therefore, they are among the most sensitive areas of the body. This is why traditional East Asian medicine has long used the feet for healing purposes, through a practice called reflexology. Reflexologists believe that the nerve endings in your feet are connected to various organs and systems in your body and that applying essential oils to your feet can provide support to these areas.

Reflexology – What is it and how can essential oils be integrated?

Reflexology is an ancient healing practice based on the belief that our feet and hands have reflex points that correspond to different organs and systems in our bodies. By precisely pressing these specific points, practitioners believe they can promote the health of the corresponding body parts and improve overall well-being.

The origins of reflexology can be traced back to ancient Egypt, China and India. For example, Egyptian burial chambers contain depictions of people receiving foot and hand massages, which historians believe may be forms of reflexology. Likewise, traditional Chinese medicine has long believed that our feet are miniature maps of our bodies and that energy, known as “Qi” or “Chi,” flows through meridians, or “energy pathways,” connecting different parts of the body. By unblocking these energy pathways, one can restore balance to the body and promote natural healing.

A session of reflexology usually involves a trained practitioner applying pressure with their hands to specific points on the feet and sometimes the hands or ears. The experience is often described as deeply relaxing, although there may occasionally be discomfort when a particular reflex point is pressed. The benefits of reflexology are many. While many people use it as a way to relax and relieve stress, others turn to reflexology to treat specific problems such as headaches, digestive problems and chronic pain.

According to a reflexology map, different areas of your feet are connected to different areas of your body. By applying essential oils to specific areas of your feet, you can potentially have a direct impact on those corresponding areas in your body.

We found a great video that explains common problems and how to treat them with essential oils below!

Feet Benefits: Sensitivity

While it is typically recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil when applied topically to other parts of the body to reduce the risk of skin irritation, the skin on the sole of the foot is one of the least sensitive areas. This means that oils of all strengths can be applied safely and directly without dilution.

The best way to apply oils to feet

One of the easiest ways to apply essential oils to your feet is to use roll-on bottles. These bottles allow for precise application and minimize consumption. doTERRA offers a variety of individual essential oils and oil blends in convenient roll-on bottles, or you can create your own by following these steps:

1. Füllen Sie das ätherische Öl in eine leere Roll-on-Flasche. Für Erwachsene beträgt das typische Mischungsverhältnis etwa 1/2 bis 3/4 der Flasche mit ätherischem Öl gefüllt.
2. Füllen Sie den Rest der Flasche mit einem Trägeröl wie fractionated coconut oil.
3. Befestigen Sie den Roll-On-Verschluss und versehen Sie die Flasche mit einem Etikett, um den Inhalt der Flasche zu kennzeichnen.

DIY roll-on bottle recipes

If you're looking for some recipe ideas for your roll-on bottles, you can start with these simple mixes:

• „Get Up & Get Going“ (Energizing Blend)
  • 1 Tropfen Römische Kamille
  • 2 Tropfen Zitrone
  • 3 Tropfen Zedernholz
  • 5 Tropfen Lavendel
• „Muscle and Cramp Support“ (Massage Blend)
  • 10 Tropfen Deep Blue
  • 10 Tropfen Schwarzer Pfeffer
• „Nighty Night“ (Sleep Blend)
  • 6 Tropfen Lavendel
  • 4 Tropfen Römische Kamille
  • 2 Tropfen Vetiver

Benefits of Applying Essential Oils to Your Feet

In addition to the previously mentioned reasons, there are other benefits of applying essential oils to your feet:

1. Beruhigung und Entspannung

– Many essential oils have calming and relaxing properties that can reduce stress and promote a feeling of relaxation. Lavender oil, for example, is known for its calming effects and can be applied to the feet before bed to promote restful sleep.

1. Unterstützung des Immunsystems

– Applying essential oils to the feet can also support the immune system. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, have antimicrobial properties that can help ward off harmful bacteria and viruses. By applying these oils to the soles of your feet, you can boost your immune system and protect yourself from diseases.

1. Energieboost

– Certain essential oils have stimulating properties that can increase energy. Peppermint oil, for example, has a refreshing scent and, when applied to the feet, can provide a natural boost of energy. By stimulating the nerve endings in your feet, essential oils can help increase alertness and promote a feeling of vitality.

1. Verbesserter Schlaf

– In addition to promoting relaxation, essential oils can also improve sleep quality. For example, cedarwood oil has calming properties that calm the mind and promote deeper, more restful sleep