How to Use Essential Oils with Acupressure Massage

By Marisa Lampert

Many find that acupressure, a therapy technique using the same meridians and acupoints as acupuncture, is an easy way to give yourself some self-care at home when you can’t get to the acupuncturist. Adding essential oils to your acupressure massage routine is a great way to promote a calm and restful environment. You can either diffuse essential oils during your acupressure session, or you can use a diluted oil to massage into the area where you’re trying to ease symptoms.

Several studies have shown success using acupressure for pain, insomnia, stress or anxiety. For specific recommendations, it is helpful to consult with a licensed acupuncturist to see which pressure points may work best for you.

We were told by acupuncturists that the following recommendations are a good starting point if you want to try acupressure with essential oils at home:

Acupressure massage for pain
Clinical trials have shown positive results using acupressure for pain. The LI4 (Hegu) pressure point — the fleshy web connecting the thumb and forefinger — is used to relieve minor upper body pain or for headaches. (Please note, this pressure point is contraindicated for pregnancy.) You can also use a diluted amount of e3’s essential oil blends — Muscle Soothe or Joint Relief — on the specific area that is in pain before applying pressure to the LI4 point.

Acupressure massage for stress or anxiety
Pressure point Extra-1 (Yin Tang) is used by many acupuncturists to help with stress or anxiety. Sitting comfortably, apply mild and even pressure to the point midway between your eyebrows. For additional support in relieving anxiety, rub upwards to the hairline. The Du 24 point is located just inside the hairline straight above your nose. Gently rub in small circles in that location. You can diffuse Stress Relief or Nerve Calming Blend during the acupressure, or apply a diluted amount to the DU 24 pressure point, temples, neck, or chest before applying acupressure.

Acupressure massage for insomnia
The Anmian pressure point is behind your ear near the earlobe near the small rounded bone which points downwards. Place your finger on the protruding part of the bone and then let it slip back into the depression. Place your finger or thumb on this Anmian point and apply circular pressure slightly upward around 100 times. This is an easy way to promote better sleep and well-being. Diffusing Sleeptime or Relax Blend, or spritzing these essential oil blends on your pillow, can also help set a relaxing tone to bedtime to help you sleep.

Have you incorporated essential oils with acupressure massage before? We’d love to hear about your experiences, either on our Facebook page or via our Feedback page. Remember, you can receive DIY essential oil tips in your inbox once a month. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter and click on the DIY recipe box. (Psst… New subscribers get a 20% off coupon for their next online order.)