Frankincense has been used since ancient times as a key herb for invigorating blood and alleviating pain. It is pungent, bitter, and warm in nature, it enters to the heart, liver, and spleen meridians. Its functions include promoting blood circulation, moving qi, reducing swelling, generating new tissue, and unblocking collaterals to relieve pain. It is suitable for patterns such as qi stagnation and blood stasis, meridian blockage, or wind-damp obstruction, which manifest as dysmenorrhea, traumatic injuries, joint pain, and emotional constraint. Extracted through modern steam distillation, the essential oil is rich in active compounds like α-pinene and octyl acetate, offering dual benefits of aromatherapy and external TCM treatment.

• Invigorating Blood and Resolving Stasis, Unblocking Meridians
With its dispersing and warming properties, frankincense essential oil effectively promotes the movement of qi and blood. For conditions such as dysmenorrhea, neck and shoulder pain, or local swelling caused by blood stasis, 2–3 drops diluted in a carrier oil can be massaged onto acupoints like Guanyuan (CV4), Xuehai (SP10), and Geshu (BL17). This helps dissolve stasis and unblock meridians, reflecting the TCM principle that “blood is the mother of qi, and qi is the commander of blood.”

• Moving Qi and Relie Stagnation, Calming the Mind
The deep, penetrating aroma of frankincense helps regulate qi and soothe emotions. It is beneficial for anxiety, chest tightness, and restlessness caused by liver qi stagnation or heart meridian blockage. Diffusion or diluted application to Danzhong (CV17) and Neiguan (PC6) acupoints can relieve stagnation and calm the spirit, resonating with the description in the 《Compendium of Materia Medica》: “Frankincense enters the heart meridian, invigorates blood, and alleviates pain.”

• Reducing Swelling and Promoting Tissue Regeneration
Frankincense supports tissue regeneration, making it useful for skin ulcers, wounds, and inflammation. TCM believes it can “remove decay and promote regeneration.” When diluted and applied topically, it invigorates blood, clears toxins, and aids healing, aligning with the concepts that “the lung governs the skin and hair” and that ample qi and blood nourish the skin.

• Regulating the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and Resolving Dampness
Frankincense helps regulate the qi movement of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), supporting water metabolism. For symptoms such as heavy limbs, edema, or fatigue due to internal dampness and turbidity, it can be used with massage of Sanjiao meridian points (e.g., Waiguan SJ5, Zhigou SJ6) to enhance the transformative function of qi. This reflects the holistic TCM view that “the Sanjiao acts as the official of drainage and is responsible for water passages.”