Micromassage with essential oils for psychosomatic disorders

Micromassage is a technique performed on Chinese acupuncture meridians. It involves stimulating specific points, which can be done with a simple thumb pressure, a circular pressure, or by stretching the skin with two thumb pads. Stimulation should last approximately five seconds and can be repeated. Learning about the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) obviously requires years of study, but it is possible to learn some simple points for a beneficial micromassage on ourselves that can act on the energy flow lines. Aromamassage with essential oils amplifies the action of our treatment: the massage promotes the absorption of active ingredients, allowing you to fully enjoy the benefits and properties of the plants used. N.B.: when essential oils are used in contact with the skin, we always refer to dilution in vegetable oil, except in specific cases. Many of the points typically treated are found on the soles of the feet and in the auricle. According to TCM, the foot, like the ear, is a true map of our body: here are the correspondences with all organs and systems. Massaging particular areas can therefore serve to restore and rebalance some altered functions. #1 Courage and security The area marked by the point corresponds to the solar plexus and adrenal glands, which produce hormones that allow an individual to tolerate stress and accept environmental changes. Self-massaging this area with Cypress, Rosemary, Jasmine or Pine helps instill greater confidence in the face of challenges. #2 Restorative sleep

Before falling asleep, to encourage deep and peaceful rest, massage the malleoli in a circular motion. Afterwards, massage and rub the tip of the big toe with essential oil of Mandarin, Chamomile, Orange or Ylang Ylang. This part of the foot interacts with several brain areas, including the pituitary gland. The relaxation induced by the massage promotes sleep and rest during periods of intense mental fatigue.

#3 Energetic Tonification

A fundamental point in cases of exhaustion, worries, irritability, and energy drop: perform a circular massage. How to find the exact point? Place your hand on your kneecap so that your index finger rests on your tibia; the tip of your middle finger, extended sideways downwards, will indicate your energetic tonification point. Use: Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme.

#4 Joy from the heart

By applying pressure to the indicated points, one acts on the feeling of joy. This area is connected to the heart, and treating it allows energy to flow to it: it is advisable to pour a few drops of Myrtle, Rose or Orange on the wrists and rub them together, holding them close to the nose. This will provide both transcutaneous and olfactory stimulation, a small maneuver for good humor.

#5 Ward off fear

Below the sternum, diaphragm tensions are released, bringing tranquility and confidence. In this case, the point corresponding to the center of the forefoot, shown in the first figure, is massaged directly. It is recommended to use essential oil of Orange, Rosemary, Frankincense or Rose.

#6 Letting go

The point is located between the first vertebra and the occipital bone: chronic tensions in this area indicate difficulty in surrendering to pleasant situations and a propensity for mental activity rather than sensory. Massage with Lavender, Vetiver, Bergamot or Mandarin, to reconnect with the senses and rediscover contact with one's instinct.

#7 Fight anxiety

The point is located right behind the joint you feel when opening and closing your mouth. Massage in a circular motion or apply pressure with essential oil of Chamomile, Neroli or Ylang Ylang to soothe anxieties and recurring thoughts.

Micromassage is a wellness ritual that can be easily applied anywhere, a secret to cherish, a habit to consolidate.

Warm regards,

Barbara Pozzi and Olfattiva staff*

The images and references were taken from Il Grande Libro degli Oli Essenziali by Francesco Padrini and Maria Teresa Lucheroni, which we recommend to anyone who wishes to delve deeper into this subject.