It is estimated that 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders. While medication can be effective for some people, others may not want to take medication or may not be able to tolerate the side effects.
Some want to try a more natural approach, and essential oils may just be the solution.
Essential oils have become a popular natural treatment for anxiety, with people using them for both immediate relief and long-term management.
Different studies have shown that different essential oils can have positive effects on anxiety, but some of the most commonly used oils for anxiety are lavender, chamomile, and jasmine.
So how do you use it? Where exactly do you apply it? And how do essential oils help calm anxiety? There are a few different ways to use essential oils for anxiety.
This article will try to answer the above questions and also explore different places where to apply essential oils for anxiety.
What are Essential Oils: Overview
Essential oils are natural oils that are extracted from plants. They have been used for centuries in different cultures for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.
The use of essential oils has become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for more natural ways to treat various conditions, including anxiety.
Most of these oils have unique compounds that can help calm the mind and body, providing relief from anxiety.
When used correctly, essential oils can be a natural and effective way to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Essential oils are usually concentrated and potent, so they should be used cautiously. You don’t want to create more problems than you already have!
Where To Apply Essential Oils For Anxiety
There are several ways to use essential oils for anxiety. The most common way is to inhale them, either directly from the bottle or by using a diffuser.
You can also apply them topically on your skin or massage the oil on your body.
For this article, we will focus on the second and third ways – applying essential oils topically on your skin or using it for massage.
When using essential oils for anxiety, it is important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another.
You may need to experiment with a few different oils and methods before finding what works best for you.
So, where do you apply these essential oils? Here are some of the most common places:
1: Behind Your Ears
This is one of the most common places to apply essential oils. The skin behind your ears is very thin and absorbent, making it a great place to apply oils.
Applying essential oils behind your ears is also convenient because you don’t have to worry about them getting on your clothes or your eyes.
Health experts also recommend this method because it allows the oil to reach the limbic system – the part of the brain that controls emotions.
This makes it a great way to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
To use, simply put a few drops of oil on your fingers and massage it into the skin behind your ears. You can also put a drop or two on a cotton ball and apply it to the same area.
Read: Where to apply essential oils on the body
2: On Your Temples
Another common place to apply essential oils is on your temples. This is because the temples are a pressure point, and applying pressure can help relieve tension headaches – a common symptom of anxiety.
The essential oils will also be absorbed into your bloodstream through the temples, which can help calm the nervous system.
The temple area is also close to the limbic system, making it a good choice for reducing anxiety.
Simply massage your temple area with a few drops of oil. You can also use a piece of cloth or a cotton ball soaked in oil. Be sure to massage in a circular motion for maximum benefit.
3: On Your wrists
This is a common method because it’s easy to do, and the essential oils will be absorbed into your bloodstream through your wrists. This can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
Applying essential oils to your wrists is also a good way to get aromatherapy benefits. You can even inhale the oil from your wrists when you feel anxious or stressed.
Simply inhaling the scent of the oil can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
To apply, simply put a few drops of oil on your wrists and massage it in.
Read: How to use essential oils on skin
4: On Your Neck
The neck is another pressure point, and massaging it can help relieve tension headaches and promote relaxation.
It’s also a good place to apply essential oils because the skin is thinner, and the oils will be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Most scientists believe the neck is the best place to apply essential oils for anxiety because it’s close to the limbic system.
This means the oils can directly affect the part of the brain that controls emotions.
To use, simply rub a few drops of oil on your neck. You can also put a drop or two on a cotton ball and apply it to the same area.
Read: Benefits of inhaling essential oils
Frequently Asked Questions on Applying Essential Oils
How often should I apply essential oils?
How often you apply essential oils will depend on the oil you’re using and your personal preference. Some people like to apply oils several times a day, while others only use them when they feel anxious or stressed.
What is the best essential oil for anxiety?
There is no single “best” essential oil for anxiety. Different oils can have different effects, so you’ll need to experiment to find the one that works best for you. Some of the most popular choices include lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang.
Are there any side effects of using essential oils for anxiety?
Generally, essential oils are safe to use. However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you’re concerned about a possible reaction, it’s best to do a patch test before applying the oil to a larger area.
Essential oils can be a helpful natural remedy for anxiety. There are many different ways to apply them, and the best method will depend on your personal preference.
Experiment with different oils and application methods to find the one that works best for you. So, where to apply essential oils for anxiety will depend on what works best for you.