Back to School Essential Oils

The beginning of the school year is just around the corner and children are confronted with so many things: anxiety meeting new friends, germs starting preschool, overwhelm with all the homework and more!

Essential oils are an easy, fun and effective way to support children physically, mentally and emotionally.  Applying essential oils to acupuncture points activates the qi of the points and has the added therapeutic benefit of the oil itself.

I use these products every day in my home and office and wanted to share five oils to keep kids happy, healthy and parents sane during the school year.

Top Five Essentials Oils To Recommend to Your Patients

1. Ginger

Ginger is an amazing oil to address digestive distress including nausea, stomach upset, vomiting and constipation. Nerves before a big presentation? Apply ginger to the wrists. It is also a strong oil for immune support fighting off colds, flu, congestion and cough. Ginger also encourages proactiveness in life and empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
Channels:  LU, SP, ST, KD
Points Options: LU5, PC6, Ren12, SP6   

2. Lavender

Lavender is always a go-to favorite because it has so many benefits! Rid away stress and anxiety, sleep deeper, treat burns and blisters, as well as headaches when applied to the temples. Lavender promotes emotional honesty and can be very helpful applied to you and your middle schooler when communication is in breakdown.
Channels:  HT, PC, LV, LU
Points Options: yin tang, tai yang, Ren 22, ST36

3. Lemon

Lemon is a detoxifying oil both physical and emotionally. It rids the body of toxic overload due to environmental factors keeping the immune system healthy, while also cleansing the mind of negative thoughts. Lemon increases energy and focus, while also a strong remedy for permanent marker stains, sticky goo problems and with a spoonful of honey will alleviate a sore throat.
Channels:  LV, GB, ST, SP
Points Options: LV3, GB20, GB40, LI4

4. Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile has been used for centuries to clear the mind and boost courage. It promotes restful sleep and can aid in simmering childhood tantrums. Roman Chamomile treats diaper rash as well as panic attacks. Mom can apply as a floral perfume behind the ears to promote calm during the challenging high school years.
Channels:  LV, HT, SP
Points Options: SP3, GB40, Du20, HT5

5. Tea Tree (Melaleuca)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca) is my hand sanitizer. Great for killing germs and treating cuts, wounds and skin irritations. Tea tree is also a natural remedy for strep throat and tonsillitis. For older children, apply to the heart to protect their energetic boundaries. Kids are constantly in an anxious and excitable environment. This oil will clarify what is their experience versus their peers. Mix with eucalyptus to prevent or rid a child of lice.
Channels: LU, KI, ST
Points Options: LU7, UB13, Ren17, ST9

Safety & Application

Essential oils are a very powerful healing tools and if applied incorrectly can be dangerous. Following these safety tips and application guidelines will build your confidence in applying oils.  With advanced application of essential oils, practitioners can learn oil protocols for TCM patterns.

1. Ensure the oils are pure, potent and therapeutic grade.  Most over the counter oils are adulterated and unsafe for medical use.  I chose doTerra because of the Certified Pure and Therapeutic Grade testing that is performed on all oils and oil-based products. This gives me the confidence needed to safely apply and prescribe oils to patients.
2. If ingesting oils or oil-based products, they MUST have a supplement fact label just like multivitamins. I recommend when taking oils orally, patients consult an essential oil practitioner.
   
   
   
   
3. For children age 11 and under, be sure the oils are properly diluted to protect the skin. 
   a) For newborns and infants, mix1 drop of essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and apply to feet.
   b) Age 1 through 5, mix 2 drops of essential oils with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to feet or points.
   c) Age 6 and up, 2 drops to essential oils with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to points.
   
   
4. Diffusers are another safe way to use oils with kids. Under the age of 5, add only 1-2 drops of oils and use the intermittent function.

About Devon

I am Dr. Devon Vernetti, a licensed acupuncturist who specialized in pediatrics and family medicine located in Oakland, CA.  My passion is to provide safe, natural and effective wellness options for parents to combat illness and support healthy physical and emotional development in their children. Incorporating essential oils into my practice has provided at-home tools to empower patients in their own healing process, as well as, an opportunity to work with families that do not have access to a pediatric acupuncturist.  I also assist healthcare practitioners in quickly and effectively use oils and oil-based products in their clinics.

Need More Support?

If you want to learn more about essential oils, I’d love to help. Click here to sign up for a free Essential Oils 101 introduction.

Looking for a pediatric acupuncturist or wellness mentor, set up a discovery consultation to see if working with me would be a good fit.

Let’s make this school year the happy and healthiest ever! I am here to help.