Slimming essential oil massages

Sunny days renew the spirit— but the heat and humidity can also leave you puffy from head to toe. The easy remedy? Spainspired essential oil massages that increase circulation to flush excess fluids and eliminate bloat for a slim, radiant and happy you in no time!

Puffy face?

Try a rosemary oil facial

Heat causes the blood vessels and soft tissues in the face to expand, making room for fluids to gather. But

New York City dermatologist Janet Prystowsky, M.D., says a facial massage redistributes built-up fluids while anti-inflammatory rosemary oil eases swelling instantly.

TO DO: In a spray bottle, mix 4 drops of oil (like NOW Foods Essential Oils Rosemary, $6 for 1 oz., Vitacost.com) with 1⁄4 cup of cold water (the chill constricts blood vessels). Spritz onto your face and neck, then gently rub in circular motions until it’s absorbed.

Belly bloat?

Try a mint massage

The lymph system can get sluggish on hot days—add in salty snacks and bubbly drinks and it’s a recipe for bloat. To the rescue: Daily abdominal massage is proven to ease bloat and improve GI function. And rubbing with peppermint oil helps the body flush fat-promoting toxins for fast results!

TO DO: Mix 4 drops of oil (like Aura Cacia Peppermint Essential Oil, $9 for 15 ml, AuraCacia.com) with 1 Tbs. of olive oil. Use your fingertips to massage it around your belly in a small circle, widening the circle as you go. Do for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.

Swollen feet?

Try a chamomile oil rub

Sitting or standing for long periods in scorching temperatures can cause fluid to flow to, and pool in, the feet and ankles. The good news: Massage increases circulation to get blood and fluids moving—and using chamomile oil speeds results, thanks to its coumarin (which increases the lymph system’s ability to flush fluids) and azulene (an anti-inflammatory that tightens blood vessels and thwarts swelling). The result, says Dr. Prystowsky: Feet will be back to normal in minutes. “Plus, the oil’s vitamin A content regenerates skin cells for soft, sandal-ready feet.”

TO DO: Mix 2 drops of oil (we like Vitamin World Chamomile Essential Oil, $8 for 10 ml, VitaminWorld.com) with 1 tsp. of grapeseed oil and smooth it onto your feet from ankles to toes. Next, use your thumbs to knead each foot, starting at your ankle and moving along the top of your foot to your toes, then knead the soles of your feet from heels to toes. Do for 5 minutes per foot.