The practice of using essential oils for healing purposes has been around for centuries, which over the last few hundred years has been transformed into aromatherapy. In addition to helping treat a wide variety of mental and emotional health problems, aromatherapy has been identified as useful for boosting the lymphatic system, otherwise known as the body's cleansing system.
Boost Lymphatic System with Aromatherapy Massage
In order to help boost the lymphatic system, aromatherapy massage is usually carried out in a stimulating manner. This helps to encourage lymphatic circulation which is common in those who do not take regular daily exercise. In The Aromatherapy Bible, Farrer-Halls (2005) highlights the approach to aromatherapy massage of the lymphatic system, as follows:
- begins at extremities - hands to up arms, feet to up legs
- massages in direction of collar bone
- abdomen massage (contains lymphatic glands/vessels)
- essential oils used to eliminate toxins, boost circulation
Essential Oils Eliminate Toxins
There are several essential oils used within aromatherapy massage of the lymphatic system, which are identified as having cleansing properties and known as 'depuratives.' Key oils used to eliminate toxins from the body, are recognised by Farrer-Halls (2005), to include the following:
- angelica root
- carrot seed
- cypress
- grapefruit
- fennel
- juniper berry
In The Essential Oils Handbook, Harding (2008) recommends using both grapefruit and lime essential oils, with the latter being identified to assist the body in lymphatic drainage. As always, seek medical advice from the family doctor or a qualified aromatherapist, before using essential oils whilst pregnant or on young children.
Aromatherapy Oils Stimulate Circulation
In addition to using aromatherapy massage with essential oils which have a blood-cleansing action, certain oils are useful for helping stimulate circulation. According to Farrer-Halls (2005), aromatherapy tends to primarily involve the use of spice essential oils for this purpose. Key essential oils for boosting circulation, as suggested by Harding (2008), may include as follows:
- cinnamon leaf - mixed with ginger to help boost circulation, warms legs/feet
- west Indian bay - warms cold limbs, eases stiff aching muscles
- black pepper - eases stiff muscles, speeds up sluggish digestion
- clove bud - relieves muscular pains, poor circulation, osteoarthritis pain
As highlighted above, aromatherapy has many benefits in terms of helping improve lymphatic system function. While spice oils such as cinnamon and black pepper help improve circulation, juniper berry, grapefruit, angelica root and lime aid the elimination of toxins. Aromatherapy massage with these essential oils is best sought from a qualified and experienced aromatherapist, who can also recommend healing oils to use at home.
Sources:
Farrer-Halls, G. (2005) The Aromatherapy Bible London: Godsfield Press
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Harding, J. (2008) The Essential Oils Handbook London: Duncan Baird
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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