One thing most folks can’t say no to is a good foot massage. Considering that there is a rough average of 15,000 nerve endings in each foot, it’s no wonder we turn into butter and melt. This can be used to your advantage, in all seasons and for any particular reason, other than just wanting to relax and “take a load off”. The use of Essential Oils and Reflexology is a great example of this.
In Reflexology the feet and hands are used as maps to the rest of the body, each place and space responding to another part or organ. When pairing your area of massage with certain essential oils, you can have a profound effect as your whole body responds. I have also found this to be the best way to get any “grumpies” under control when tending to the sick. (Can you tell I’ve recently been caring for sick children? 🙂 )
Here is a great reflexology map for the feet. We had a seasonal cold sweep through our home which included runny noses, coughing and sore throats. My favorite essential oil for these symptoms is Eucalyptus. *Always properly dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as Grapeseed, Almond or Jojoba. Unscented lotion will do very well here also. You can mix them in your hand or better yet (for proportions sake) mix the oils in a small glass bowl or jar that can be sealed and used again later. For a tablespoon of carrier oil you can add 2-4 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil. Starting out with fewer drops makes it easier to add as you need to without over doing it right off the bat. A little goes a long way!
Finding the middle of the upper sole, right amongst the meta-tarsals (those long bones extending from your toes towards your ankles) is where you’ll locate the Reflexology Point for lungs. Focusing on these points while massaging the feet will help direct the Eucalyptus to where it can help the most.
By nature, Eucalyptus is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. It is a perfect oil for the symptoms of seasonal cold and flu. You can also massage this oil into the back of the neck or on the chest for added relief from congestion and sinus pressure. *Smaller children (6 and younger) should never have essential oils applied directly to the skin. They should be ALWAYS diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed only into the feet. If there is any concern of a skin reaction, apply only a small amount first and keep watch for any redness or other reactions.
If any of you question how quickly essential oils may work; penetrating the skin and affecting the body, I suggest cutting a garlic clove in half and rubbing it on the bottom of your foot. (Garlic is also a great raw remedy for the symptoms of cold and flu!) Within the next 15 minutes you will find that your breath will smell like garlic (and not from licking your fingers)! Just as your body responds to massage, your body responds to everything it comes into contact with. Your skin is a living organ! Using essential oils in your daily life is a great way to help boost your own strengths and get over that cold or flu faster.
Here is a great link for more Eucalyptus essential oil information! You can also check out my links to find the best essential oils for your needs! Happy massaging!
Shawn Marie Jones LMT 