Indulging in a deep and soothing massage is a luxurious treat that can be enhanced by the use of high-quality massage oil. While massage brings relaxation through the professional techniques of the masseur, the oil used during the session plays a key role in providing complete relaxation.
Massage oils not only reduce friction between your skin and the masseuse’s hands, but also provide hydration by preserving the skin’s moisture and protective barrier. The best massage oils offer long-lasting skin care benefits, leaving skin nourished, soft and smelling good.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing the perfect massage oil, this guide will explain everything you need to know.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants, they contain their different smells and tastes, also known as “essences”. Each essential oil is characterized by its unique aromatic compounds.
Essential oils are extracted by distillation methods using water or steam, or by mechanical techniques such as cold pressing. After obtaining the aromatic components, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a usable product.
It is worth noting that the production process is critical because essential oils obtained by chemical methods do not qualify as authentic.
Application of essential oils for massage
We mentioned carrier oils, let’s explain them. Due to their powerful nature, potency and concentration, essential oils can cause skin irritation, hence the need for dilution. It is achieved by mixing with carrier, base oils. This process also allows the skin to better absorb the healing properties of the essential oils.
During a full body massage, there should never be more than 5% essential oil in the base and essential oil mixture.
Cold pressed jojoba oil is one of the most common carrier oils used as a base. It is odorless and mixes well with essential oils. In addition, it is great for skin care, provides hydration and is a great choice for massages. Other base oil options include:
- Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Hazelnut oil
While some of the most popular essential oils are:
- Lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary oil
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon oil
- Cinnamon oil
Let’s clarify their specifics and benefits.
Lavender essential oil
One of the most popular essential oils is lavender oil. The reason for that is the extremely pleasant smell it has, as well as the benefits it brings with it. If you suffer from insomnia, massage with lavender essential oil can help you. Mix 10 drops of lavender essential oil with 10 ml of base oil and use it in a relaxing massage. Focus on the solar plexus area and the feet.
In addition to insomnia, lavender essential oil also helps with:
- Anxieties
- Fungal infections
- Allergy
- Depression
- Eczema
- Nausea
- Menstrual cramps
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil has long been known for its many benefits. One of the main ones is muscle relaxation, which makes it ideal for massages. The fresh notes of this essential oil create a relaxing atmosphere.
In addition, peppermint oil has been shown to be very good at reducing pain, especially headaches and migraines, as well as stimulating hair growth.
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil, extracted from an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a woody aroma, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. Although most commonly used as a spice, rosemary is also a popular medicinal herb around the world. The essential oil, which is fat-free despite its name, contains the essential components of this plant.
The traditional use of this oil is for pain relief. Rosemary oil, in combination with acupressure or massage, reduces pain and reduces body tension.
Cinnamon essential oil
The warm aroma of cinnamon is often associated with happy memories of delicious food and pleasant days. In addition to its rich aroma, cinnamon oil is also valued for its potential health and beauty benefits. Cinnamon has various properties, some of the main ones are:
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antidiabetic
- Antioxidant
As a result, cinnamon oil is commonly used in home aromatherapy treatments to promote relaxation and well-being. Aromatherapy involves diffusing or spraying essential oils into the air, allowing them to be inhaled or absorbed into the skin.
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil, obtained from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia, has numerous uses in promoting healthy skin, hair and nails. Aboriginal people have used it for centuries as a traditional remedy for coughs, colds and skin healing.
In addition, applying tea tree oil can help relieve the symptoms of contact dermatitis, reducing the inflammation and redness of rosacea. Diluted forms of tea tree oil are available for use on the skin.
To use tea tree oil for inflamed skin, mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 10 milliliters of carrier oil.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon essential oil is a natural ingredient that can be used as a home remedy. It is extracted from the peel of fresh lemons by steam extraction or cold pressing methods. Like the other essential oils we’ve listed, this can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin or diffused into the air and inhaled.
Lemon essential oil is believed to have many benefits such as:
- Reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Alleviation of symptoms of morning sickness
- It acts as a pain reliever
- It helps to breathe easier
- It helps you feel alert and focused
- It has a preventive effect on acne breakouts
- Promotes wound healing
However, it should not be ingested, and like most citrus oils, it can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun.
Benefits of using essential oils during massage
The use of essential oils during massage is called aromatherapy. Essential oils are not only applied to the body, but also inhaled to provide healing properties. Aromatherapy is believed to promote:
- Emotional healing
- Relaxation
- Stress reduction
- Alleviating anxiety
- Reduction of muscle tension
It can also relieve pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, arthritis and many others.
Our recommendation
Before using essential oils to massage an area or the whole body, test them. There is always a risk of an allergic reaction, and to avoid it, it is important to check whether you are allergic to a particular essential oil. Make a blend of carrier/carrier oil and essential oil of your choice. Apply a drop of the mixture to the inside of the wrist and rub it in.
In this way, you will check whether the smell of the oil suits you, and whether you have any reaction. If the area where you applied the oil starts to redden or itch, wash it off immediately with lukewarm water. If everything is in order, it’s time to start enjoying the massage with essential oils.
If you want enjoyment to grow into an explosion of pleasure, you should try a sensual massage instead of a standard one. Our recommendation is Basic, Soul, and for couples, there is also a couple’s massage.