Many people know that a good massage starts with the right
type of oil. Of course, there are different types of massage oils. It is
important to choose the oil that is best for the massage technique you will be
using, as well as the individual’s skin type. The two common oils used for
massage are known as carrier oils and essential oils. The carrier oil will be
used as the primary oil in the blend used for massage purposes. To the carrier
oil, essential oils are often added. These essential oils can be used to serve
a variety of purposes.
Types of Carrier Massage Oils:
Carrier oils are typically made from the oil extracted from
nuts and seeds. The particular carrier oil you choose can also have its own
therapeutic benefits.
• Jojoba oil — jojoba oil is suitable for all skin types. It
is not only easily absorbed, but it acts as an excellent moisturizer.
• Almond oil — this oil is frequently used as a massage oil
as well as in aromatherapy applications.
• Avocado oil — this type of oil is frequently used for skin
that is excessively dry, especially in the elderly. Its ease of absorption and
soothing properties make it good for people with skin conditions such as eczema
or psoriasis. Typically avocado oil is blended with another type of carrier oil
for massage purposes.
• Grapeseed oil — grapeseed oil is high in linoleic acid,
providing wonderful regenerative properties. It is also an excellent
moisturizer as well.
Types of Essential Oils:
Adding essential oils to a carrier oil can be an excellent
way to customize your own blend. You can choose from a light oil such as
grapeseed oil or a heaver almond oil and add eucalyptus, peppermint.
• Peppermint — peppermint essential oil helps improve circulation
and provide relief for eczema and other skin problems. This essential oil also
has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Eucalyptus — Eucalyptus oil provides cooling for the body
in the summer and warmth during the winter months. Additionally, it provides
antiseptic properties. It can reduce the inflammation associated with a muscle
strain.
• Rosemary — this essential oil is excellent for muscular
conditions, such as general muscle aches and pains. It can also be mixed with a
carrier oil and used as an effective cellulite therapy as well as relief for
fatigue, migraines and depression.
• Lavender — lavender offers relaxing benefits and the
essential oil has been attributed to helping wounds heal faster and the
prevention of scarring.
Types of Massage Oils based on Massage Techniques:
The type of massage oil you choose will ultimately depend on
the particular type of massage you will be using. As well, as you will develop
a personal preference. For example, low-friction massage techniques, such as
Swedish massage, will typically require a heavier oil like olive oil. These
heavier oils are not absorbed as quickly and will provide a slipperier barrier
for a more effective massage.
Lighter oils, such as grapeseed oil offer a great option for
high-friction massages. Deep tissue massage and sports massage are excellent
examples of high-friction massages. These lighter oils provide enough
lubrication to allow easy gliding to prevent irritation. While they absorb
quickly which prevents too much slipping when pressure is applied.
Infusing a carrier oil with essential oils can provide a
healing, restorative or relaxing benefit. Aromatherapy combined with massage
requires knowing the best types of massage oils for your particular needs.
It is important to know which massage oil one must go for.
Some massage oils might leave the person feeling greasy whereas other ones
might be gone and easily absorbed by the body. There are some Best Massage Oil
which smell very unpleasant or some oils which might give you allergic reactions
on the skin.
Best types of massage oils:
1. Sweet Almond
Massage Oil: this massage oil is the most popular massage oil which is
extensively used by massage parlours and massage therapists. Extracted from
almond, this oil has a pale yellowish colour. It is slightly oily, thus
allowing hands to glide easily over the skin.
It doesn’t take much time for the body to absorb the oil but that
doesn’t mean that one needs to keep applying the oil. Sweet almond massage oil
does not irritate the skin but people with allergies to nut oil should not use
the oil.
2. Apricot Kernel
Oil: Apricot Kernel oil is similar in colour and texture to the almond oil, but
it is slightly more costly. The oil is rich in vitamin E which gives it a
longer shelf life than the typical oil. This oil is also absorbed by the body
easily, and does not keep the greasiness on the skin. It is a good oil to be
used for aromatherapy massage. People with nut allergies who do not wish to use
the sweet almond massage oils can use this oil.
3. Jojoba Oil: This
oil is actually a wax extract from the seed of the jojoba plant. It is a good
option for most people who are prone to back acne. This is because the oil has
antibacterial property. This oil has a very long shelf life and one should buy
it if he or she uses it occasionally and not regularly. It can be absorbed by the skin easily and is
not irritating
4. Fractionated
coconut Oil: One might think coconut oil to be thick, white solid oil,
fractionated coconut oil is actually a type of light, non-greasy oil. It is
called fractionated coconut oil because it has only a fraction of the whole
oil. This oil is less pricey than many other kinds of oil and has a very long
shelf life. The interesting thing and advantage of using this oil is that it
does not stain the sheets which most of the oils do.
5. Sunflower Oil:
Sunflower oil is very common. It is light, non-greasy and does not leave the
skin feeling greasy. The oil extracted from the seeds is rich in essential
fatty acids as well as palmitic acid. This oil should be purchased in small
quantities.
How to choose right massage oil?