You’ve decided to try essential oils to help with your migraines. Then you do your research to find out what oil to buy. You’re at home looking at the bottle, but have no idea what to do with it now. Never fear, it’s easier than you think.
Assuming you’re brand new to essential oils, you may or may not know they can be used in multiple ways.
You can choose to use them aromatically (through a diffuser, for example) or internally if they are food grade.
However, that is not the point of this particular post.
There are a number of spots to apply essential oils, This list looks specifically at 15 spots to on your body to use essential oils to ease migraines.
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When Essential Oils Meet Skin
Believe it or not, there have been countless scientific studies about the effectiveness of essential oils.
Some of these studies go back a number of decades.
In other words…
The Essential oil ‘fad’ may be new, but essential oils themselves have been used for decades in western medicine and millennia in eastern medicine.
Some studies have shown that essential oils help relieve muscle tension and stress which results in lessening the severity of migraines (source).
Another pretty impressive study showed that peppermint essential oil cools skin, inhibits pain signal chemicals, and increases blood flow to the head (source). Each of these things, individually, can reduce or eliminate headaches. Combined they are quite powerful.
These are just two studies amongst dozens that show the actual clinical value of topical essential oils.
Why am I telling you all this?
To let you know that essential oils, although looked at by many as useless witch medicine are based in scientific fact. They can and do impact actual physical processes in our bodies that result in decrease of migraine intensity and frequency.
I’m no doctor, but I can personally attest to the usefulness of essential oils for migraines. I swear by Rocky Mountain Oils. Specifically their migraine support blend, which has stopped or lessened more migraines than I can possibly count.
You can click below to see the product on the Rocky Mountain Oil website. To be honest, I’ve had better luck with this than the more expensive products, I don’t have to go through a multi-level-marketer, and they have free shipping on any order over $25.
Migraine Support
from: Rocky Mountain Oils
You may also be interested in reading about how I almost completely eliminated my migraines with changes in my diet.
Where Essential Oils Can Be Used Topically
Ok, so on to the reason you’re reading this post.
Essential oils can be used in several places topically. On top of the aromatherapy effect of the oil, you also have it directly touching your skin. From here, you get the local benefits of where it was applied as well as the oil sinking into your blood stream.
Things to keep in mind:
You do not need a lot. A dime-sized layer on your fingertip will go much further than you think.
If the scent is too strong, it can be diluted with a carrier oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Try a 1:1 mix or even 1:2 if it’s way too strong.
Upper Body
- Crown of head
- Behind each ear
- Temples
- Between eyebrows
- Back/side of neck
- Jaw joint in front of ear
- Roof of mouth – ONLY IF EDIBLE! (Some peppermint oils, for example)
Mid Body
- Supraclavicular fossa – aka the indintation above the clavicle
- Chest
- Skin above stomach – esspecially useful if you get nauseous from migraines
- Armpits
- Underside of wrists
Lower Body
- Base of spine – really helpful with tension migraines, I’ve found
- Behind knees
- Feet
How To Apply Essential Oils To Your Skin
This is the fun part!
It’s especially fun if you can find someone to do it for you.
Essentially (excuse the pun) you want to massage the oils into your skin. As I said previously, don’t use too much oil.
The best method is to place your finger on the top of the bottle. Shake the bottle or turn it upside down a few times with your finger tightly on top.
When you remove your finger, a dab of oil will be on the tip. That is enough for 1 or 2 temple-sized spots. It may also be enough for the back of your neck or bottom of your wrist.
You may need to repeat once or twice for larger areas like your chest.
Don’t go crazy at first.
I would recommend finding one or two areas that are particularly affected by your migraines. I commonly use the back of my ears and my temples.
Try those spots first then move on to other spots once you’ve established how well 1 or 2 spots work for you.
When To Stop Using Essential Oils Topically
As with anything impacting your health, there are times when you don’t want to use it.
If you notice any rash, irritation, or continued burning at the application site, stop using it!
Also, don’t use if your headaches become worse or you notice dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
Not to sound too much like an infomercial, but I’d also recommend checking with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. I’ve never been either of those things and I can’t speak to any impact essential oils may have on you or your baby.
Bringing it all together
Essential oils are absolutely an effective method for treating migraine pain.
If you are willing to give them a shot, you will likely find they help reduce the immediate pain, stop a migraine all together, and perhaps even reduce the frequency you have them.
Pick one or two spots on the list above and rub the essential oil into your skin. If you find you need more/different locations you can always add or change later.
I hope you find this information useful. I love being able to share my experiences with you and essential oils have been a life saver.
Don’t forget to check out the migraine support oil at Rocky Mountain Oils! In case you missed it, click below.
Migraine Support
from: Rocky Mountain Oils
If you’re looking for essential oils for your migraines because of Fibromyalgia, check out my Complete Beginner’s Survival Guide for Fibromyalgia.
Have you tried essential oils for your migraines?
If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below!
Don’t forget it. Pin it!
I’m not new to EO’s but I am so grateful more info is making its way into the mainstream of things. Because for so long western medicine trumped EO’s true effectiveness. We use EO’s for almost everything. Body issues, colds, mental clarity, sleep quality, and so much more. You list some very efficient and quality info here. Thanks for being an advocate for holistic therapy, it’s so much better on the body.
Definitely true! Some of my best health improvements have come from ‘alternative’ treatments. Not that I discount traditional medicine at all…it also plays a part. But more people could find better relief if they were hearing about something other than pharmaceuticals.
I get migraines so bad. I really need this essential oil here 🙈 Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely! I hope you find some relief!