Let’s talk about feet…
When topically applying essential oils, we commonly think that we should rub them on the affected part of our body. But, did you know that essential oils can also be absorbed quickly if you apply it on your feet? Here’s why
Good reasons why feet application of essential oils is effective
1. Quick absorption
Our feet’s skin is good at absorbing essential oils (2) hence, it easily enters the bloodstream. After just a few seconds of applying essential oils on the bottoms of your feet, it would reach your bloodstream. Ergo, the chemical compound that your body needs to address your health concern would be easily absorbed by the body part that you are concerned about. (1)
2. Feet reflex points
Aside from the ability of the essential oils to be easily be absorbed in your feet thus quickly penetrate your bloodstream, your feet also have reflex points. This makes them an ideal part to send the essential oil chemical compounds to certain organs of your body. The reflex points on your feet can affect your body parts and organs. (2)
Oil from feet to mouth (way up through your body.)
If you wonder if essential oil molecules can move up through your body, here are two good examples that we take from literature and documentary.
In Aromatherapy A-Z the author cited a classic experiment where garlic oil was applied to a volunteer’s feet. 10 minutes after the oil was rubbed, garlic, being a volatile oil can already be traced and measured on the volunteer’s exhaled breath. (2) It was purported by the author that the process as to how the garlic odor becomes apparent on the volunteer’s breath applies to other oils too. Though some essential oils might take longer than others. (2) Meanwhile in a documentary about essential oils, it’s mentioned that applying essential oils like peppermint on your feet can work way up through your body and reach your mouth. You can taste peppermint on your tongue even after just a few minutes of applying peppermint on the side of your feet. (3)
Feet part to apply essential oils
Notice that the above example recommended applying peppermint essential oils on the side of the feet. (3) In the same documentary, another resource speaker mentioned applying essential oils on the bottoms of the feet. (3) Applying essential oils on the soles of your feet is an effective way to get oils spread out into the body, as the skin of your feet’s sole can absorb essential oils quickly. (2) Moreover, since your feet have different reflex points, they can minister to every area of the body. (3)
Must you apply essential oils on the side or bottom of your feet? If you are very particular and want to know where you should accurately apply essential oil to ensure it gets exactly to the affected area, then you should apply essential oil on your feet and study reflex points. This post is not about reflex points hence it’s not discussed here elaborately. If you think studying reflex points is too complicated for you, then you can just simply massage every part of your feet with care (2). The essential oils will still penetrate your bloodstream anyway because your skin’s feet quickly absorb them. Ergo, we assume that regardless of where you apply it, essential oils can run and work systematically throughout the system of the body (3)
Feet application of ointments and oils in the Bible
Before Christ was crucified, Jesus was invited into the house of a Pharisee to dine with him. (Luke 7:36) Then, a city woman carrying an alabaster box of ointment approached Jesus. In the books of Matthew and Mark it was written that the ointment was poured onto Jesus’s head. Meanwhile, Luke who was a physician during his time had written in his book in the bible a more detailed and longer version of this account about Jesus. He noted that the woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, wipe them with her hair, and poured the ointment on His feet.
Because of this, there were some discussions regarding the woman’s actions. Mark and Mathew’s books’ noted that the disciples commented that the woman was wasting an expensive ointment, while in the book of Luke, it was mentioned that the Pharisees questioned why Jesus allowed himself to be touched by a sinful woman.
Jesus corrected his disciples and complimented the badly accused woman. Jesus told them that others did not anoint him with oil, but the woman did. (Luke 7:36-39). Moreover, as Jesus’ death was approaching, the woman’s action of anointing Jesus’ feet with oil was actually revealing a prophecy. Jesus said it was done for His burial (Matthew 26:6-13)
Luke 7:36-39,
From this bible account, we can see that, even during Jesus’ time, people are already applying oils or ointments on their feet and they could have probably known that it was effective to rub oils on the feet.
A refreshing way to apply oils on your feet
Oils and blends are nice to be applied on your feet to address concerns, but there are times when a different mode of oil application can work best. Of course, this depends on the condition and how you want to enjoy your essential oils. If you want to have your essential oils refreshingly, then you can have footbaths. This is also an effective way get the oils into your body faster, especially if it’s combined with reflexology treatments. (2) Since reflexologists, know your feet’s reflex point, they can easily apply the essential oils to a particular reflex point to address your health concern.
Feet test
Since your feet have a fast absorption capability, it is an ideal body part to test if you have sensitivity to a particular essential oil. You can do this by rubbing the oil on the bottom of your feet.
The Bible, documentaries and aromatherapy literature demonstrates that essential oils being applied on the feet helps you to get better.
Never neglect your feet ❤
References:
- (1) Fritz S. Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth Babies.2015. Gently Born Publications
- (2) Aromatherapy and A-Z, Patricia Davis, C.W. Daniel Company Limited (1988
- (3) Ancient Secrets of Essential Oils. 2016. Holy Moly Studios.
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