Heavy legs, poor venous circulation, varicose veins… Discover how essential oil blends can help support healthy circulation naturally.
Cold feet, tingling legs, sensitivity to the cold, swollen limbs… the signs of poor circulation can take many forms. One of the most effective natural ways to encourage healthy blood flow is through aromatic massage. The massage itself helps stimulate the body's natural circulatory processes, while the active compounds found in essential oils may support healthy blood flow, help strengthen and tone blood vessels, and reduce the appearance of small superficial veins visible beneath the skin.
The most beneficial areas to massage for supporting circulation are generally the feet, hands and legs. Lymphatic drainage massage can also be highly effective, although for the best results it is advisable to seek treatment from a qualified physiotherapist or trained therapist. Facial massage also has its place, helping to improve the complexion and minimise the appearance of small visible blood vessels, such as thread veins or facial redness. Consistency is key, with regular, ideally daily, massage delivering the greatest benefits.
LYMPHATIC CIRCULATION
The lymphatic system carries a clear fluid called lymph through a network of tiny vessels. Unlike blood circulation, the lymphatic system relies largely on muscle movement to keep the fluid flowing, which means circulation is naturally quite slow.
Regular physical activity, combined with gentle lymphatic massage using essential oils such as rosewood, cypress, helichrysum, bay laurel, palmarosa and camphor rosemary, may help support the body's natural lymphatic function.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Blend
- 5 drops Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil
- 5 drops Spike Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Palmarosa essential oil
- 20 ml Hazelnut carrier oil
Massage a few drops into the affected areas once daily for a ten-day course, always working from the extremities towards the heart.
VEINOUS CIRCULATION
Venous circulation refers to the return of blood from the body's tissues back to the heart. This is a low-pressure system and is responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back to the lungs and heart.
Poor venous circulation affects both men and women and most commonly occurs in the legs. When veins become enlarged and weakened, blood can begin to pool, leading to visible blue veins, varicose veins, aching, swelling and the familiar sensation of heavy, tired legs.
Thanks to their decongestant and toning properties, certain essential oils may help support microcirculation, strengthen fragile capillaries and improve skin tone. Their excellent skin absorption makes them a popular choice for massage as part of a circulation-supporting routine. Five essential oils are particularly valued for their tonic, lymphatic-draining, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties:
- Cypress
- Juniper
- Helichrysum
- Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)
- Vetiver
Others, including Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary, are also commonly used to help relieve the discomfort associated with heavy legs.
Massage Blend for Poor Circulation
For adults only. Mix together:
- 5 drops Cypress essential oil
- 5 drops Calophyllum (Tamanu) carrier oil
- 10 drops Macadamia carrier oil
Massage gently into the legs, using upward strokes from the ankles towards the knees.
VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can cause a feeling of heavy legs, swollen feet and ankles, discomfort and itching.
Massage Blend for Varicose Veins
Mix:
- 35 drops Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), Mediterranean Cypress or Sandalwood essential oil
- 10 ml Calophyllum (Tamanu) carrier oil
Massage gently into the affected areas, always working in the direction of venous return, from the ankles towards the knees.
SKIN-TONING TREATMENT
Mix together:
- 2 drops Helichrysum essential oil
- 20 drops St John's Wort or Wheat Germ carrier oil
Blend the essential oil into the carrier oil and massage regularly into the affected areas.
Important: These recipes are intended as complementary wellness measures only. They should be used alongside, and never as a substitute for, treatment prescribed by a doctor or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
[Extracts from Isabelle Pacchioni's books "Aromatherapia", Editions Aroma Thera, and "Automassages aux huiles essentielles, guide visuel" Editions Leduc.s]
