What is Pulse Points Aromatherapy?

Your body's pulse points are the key to successful aromatherapy treatments. Once you've learned where they're placed, you can accelerate the time that it takes essential oils to enter your bloodstream, providing fast relief for chronic pain and everyday stress. Keep your favorite essential oils on hand so that you never have to wait until you get home for treatment.

What Are Pulse Points?

Pulse points are places on your body where veins are closest to the surface. Nurses often use these areas to check your heart rate. You can check your own pulse by placing your index and middle finger on one of these points, then counting the number of beats for 15 seconds.

Your pulse points are located in these regions:

• Wrists

• Temples

• Lower jaw

• Side of your neck

• Inside your biceps

• Groin

• Under your knees

• Top of your feet

Applying essential oils to these regions makes them enter your bloodstream more quickly because your veins are close to the skin. As a result, you'll feel the effects as soon as possible, making it ideal for pain and stress relief.

What is Pulse Points Aromatherapy?

Pulse points aromatherapy targets your body directly with creams and ointments instead of diffusing the oils into the air. Locate the pulse point with your index and middle fingers, then massage the topical into your skin or draw a line across the region. The scent stays on your body throughout the day like perfume so that you enjoy extra bursts of relaxation and pain relief.

Each pulse point provides different benefits. If you apply oils to your facial region, the fragrances are stronger. Rubbing oil on your legs releases the aroma when you sit or walk. Use essential oils on your feet when you practice yoga to improve circulation.

Pulse points located in areas with higher temperatures, such as the side of your neck and the back of your knees, absorb the oils even more quickly. Apply the balm or topical ointment to these places when you need faster relief. For best results, use the balm in periods when your skin is exposed, such as hot days when you're wearing short sleeves.

How Do You Apply Essential Oils?

Before you start aromatherapy, consider the following warnings:

1. Never ingest essential oils. If you do, you could experience toxicity symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of breath.

2. Never apply undiluted oils directly to the skin. This could cause irritation or skin damage.

3. Check your skin for allergies before using large amounts. Apply a small amount to a patch of skin, then wait 24 hours to see if symptoms arise.

Additionally, check with a doctor first if you have a medical condition. Essential oils can interact with certain medications.

If you can safely use essential oils, start by diluting the substance with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are safe plant extracts that "carry" essential oils to prevent toxicity, damage and dryness. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil and avocado oil.

Apply essential oils to your pulse points with a roller ball or topical balm whenever you need relief. These methods are subtle so that you can practice aromatherapy at home, in public or while you're at work or school. Try applying the oils at night before you go to bed, especially if you experience insomnia. Choose an area where you can still smell the fragrance for maximum benefits.

Benefits of Pulse Points Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy isn't a cure for diseases, but it can help you manage chronic pain and mental conditions, improving your quality of life. Aromatherapy can also be part of spiritual practices, such as prayer and meditation.

Pulse points aromatherapy can relieve pain from the following conditions:

• Menstrual cycles

• Headaches

• Chemotherapy side effects

• Muscle aches

• Arthritis

• Digestive issues

• Menopause symptoms

• Nausea

• Toothaches

• Inflammation

• Skin conditions, such as psoriasis

Other benefits may include relief from the following:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Hair loss

• Asthma

• Erectile dysfunction

• Poor circulation

The combined effects can reduce mental and physical conditions that lead to more serious issues, such as strokes, heart attacks and heart disease. Better health results in improved memory, increased strength and flexibility, sharper concentration, more energy, weight management and a more optimistic outlook.

Conclusion

Practice finding the pulse points on your body before you use essential oils. Afterward, aromatherapy will become second nature. Experiment with different scents to find the right combination of fragrances for your needs. Aromatherapy's natural health benefits can give you a renewed enthusiasm for life.