The Deep Lymphatics and Glands of the Neck and Thorax

The Superficial Lymphatics and Glands of the Head, Face and Neck

The pathway of the essential oil into the body is partly through inhalation but mostly through skin absorption.

Skin Absorption

Absorption starts when the essential oils are diluted in vegetable oils and massaged onto the skin. The skin is lubricated with sebum which allows further penetration. Blood capillaries allow penetration of the oils into the bloodstream, allowing the oils to then be transported through the circulatory system to all the cells in the body. Finally the cells have a membrane which is composed of a lipid bilayer which permits the final penetration of the essential oils into the deepest possible structures of the body.

Inhalation

Inhalation of essential oils is the second method of penetration and works in two ways.

Firstly the oil forms a gaseous vapour when released into the air. This is inhaled through the nose where it is absorbed by the olfactory nerves and transmitted to the limbic system in the brain where it is interpreted by the nervous system.

Secondly as the aroma of the oils is inhaled, the tiny vaporized molecules are drawn into the lungs from which they are transported through the respiratory system into the circulatory system, which then transports the substances to every cell in the body.