Using Essential Oils to aid Detoxification

by Guiomar Campbell TCM, Dipl Sh. RN

Essential oils not only enhance beauty and well being, they also detoxify the body, balance emotions, and carry nutrients inside the human body.

We can be seriously affected by imbalances in our lifestyle, our environment and emotional patterns. These imbalances result in an accumulation of toxins in our body, creating free radicals, which degenerate our cells and cause health crises.

Essential oils have the ability to repair cells and remove toxic waste from the body. Pure grade “A” essential oils support the natural systems of elimination in the body including liver, colon, lymph, skin, and kidneys.
Read how to create your own detox with essential oils

Getting started with essential oils

Since essential oils are highly concentrated substances, they need to always be diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, grape seed, sunflower, jojoba or wheat germ. Look for oils that are organic or cold pressed to provide extra benefits to the body. These are easy to find in any health food store.

Please avoid using essential oils if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant without consulting an aromatherapist. It is always recommended to seek medical advice or talk to your aromatherapist about choosing the most appropriate oils for your concerns.

There are several oils which are excellent for detoxifying the body in specific ways:

•    Juniper helps the body to throw off toxic wastes, improves elimination and improves skin conditions

•    Lemon is beneficial for liver detoxing and bringing clarity to the mind. It also stimulates white blood cells to defend the body against infection

•    Grapefruit aids the digestive system and skin, and helps detox from substance abuse

•    Fennel helps with nausea, flatulence and constipation and is wonderful as an afternoon tea

•    Bergamot is very relaxing and directly influences the appetite control centre in the brain by regulating cravings. It also lifts spirits

•    Rose geranium has a tonifying effect on the liver and kidneys. It helps the body to eliminate fluids more efficiently, thereby helping the lymphatic system to detox

Useful applications

To cleanse the lymphatic system of high levels of toxins and improve digestive and elimination tract, use fennel, juniper, and lemon essential oils.

Start by massaging the oils on the feet, then moving up toward the legs, belly, and chest, following the direction of the lymphatic system.

You may also apply the oils in the acupressure points located near the lymph nodes, such as below the clavicle bone, under the arm pit, the inguinal area, and behind the knees.

It is also important to drink lots of water after the massage, as it helps to flush the wastes from the body naturally.

To release emotional trauma from the body and detox the liver, combine bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rose geranium, and sandalwood, and apply the blend to the back of the neck, on the temples, and over the liver and solar plexus area. It is highly effective in calming symptoms of anger and frustration.

Detoxing with essential oils is a very simple and effective procedure and needs to be done on a regular basis for optimum results, whether you choose to use them in bath water, spritzer, compress, massage, or simply as a perfume.

For a full aromatherapy consultation or shiatsu massage, come in for an appointment with Guiomar at Lotus Arts and Wellness- 416 986-9270
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The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food. ~Hippocrates

This information is intended to educate the public on other alternative approaches to health and not to cure diseases. Please consult your Doctor if you need any help.

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