What is the best massage oil?
Massage can be a great way to enhance your wellness and bring natural relaxation to your body, especially when you add pure essential oils into the mix.
Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. Many ancient peoples – including the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Indians – were convinced of the therapeutic properties of massage and used it to treat a variety of ailments.
Massage therapy is becoming more widely accepted in major hospitals and in daily medical practices as a form of pain management, relief, and integrative health care.
If you go on to the Better Health Channel website that the Victorian government manages you’ll see that there are all types of benefits of massage. Some of the physical benefits of massage include:
- reduced muscle tension
- improved circulation
- stimulation of the lymphatic system
- increased joint mobility and flexibility
- improved skin tone
- improved recovery of soft tissue injuries
Massage is great for mental health
Not only is it used for physical pain, it is also used for boosting mental health. If you have ever received a massage you know that one of the most immediate benefits of this form of therapy is relaxation and calm. The world just seems to fade away and you can focus on that inner peace we all seek so earnestly. Why does this happen?
Well, the pressure that comes from the massage releases endorphins (the brain chemicals) that produce feelings of wellbeing. Stress hormones – such as adrenalin, cortisol, and norepinephrine – are also reduced. What a great benefit! Studies show that increased stress levels can impair our immune systems. Therefore, many health practitioners are turning to massage therapy as a way to lower that level of stress and relieve things like anxiety and depression.
And one final piece of good news – you do NOT have to receive a professional massage to experience some of these benefits! Of course, if you have the opportunity to see a specialist in this area, go ahead. It’s just important to note that massage therapy can be practiced on yourself and with your loved ones at home.
I can’t always get a massage when I need one so I decided to create my very own DIY Blissful Massage Bar. These are even great to give as gifts to clients, friends and family.
What makes a good massage oil?
The best massage oil:
- should not be too drying – Instead of being hydrating, some oils can have the opposite effect and dry out your skin. Research has shown that almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and others are best for dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like eczema.
- should get absorbed in reasonable time – no one wants to hop off the massage table and slip back on their clothes to find their clothes slip straight off from all the massage oil still on their skin right? Sunflower Oil is great for quick absorption.
- should be either odourless or have a pleasant odour – The less aroma the carrier oil has the more of the essential oils you will be able to smell. Or if a person has issues with essential oils or smells in general you want to choose a massage oil that has very little aroma.
- and should seal moisture into the skin well – hydration is really a function of water balance, so oils help hold moisture in.
Which are the best massage oils?
As an aromatherapist who also has a background in massage I like to use massage oils with pure essential oils mixed into them. Ones that are going to help someone on a physical, emotional and spiritual level during my treatment. Ones that are so concentrated I can even dilute them further and still see amazing benefits. Here are 7 of my favs:
Relaxation Massage Oil
The first ready-made massage oil I am going to introduce you to is for Relaxation. Young Living Relaxation Massage Oil combines specifically selected vegetable oils with several soothing essential oils for maximum relaxation. What oils are included? Let’s take a look…
- Tangerine: promotes happiness and a contented mindset
- Lavender: calming, relaxing, balancing
- Spearmint: increases feelings of balance and lasting wellbeing
- Ylang Ylang: creates a calm environment & moisturises skin
- Peppermint: cools fatigued muscles after physical activity
- Coriander: soothing & calming
- Bergamot: uplifting; contains skin-cleansing properties
- Geranium: elevates the mind & cleanses the skin
Sensation Massage Oil
Next up – let’s chat about the Sensation Massage Oil. Sensation Massage Oil inspires and encourages feelings of romance and youthfulness with the beautifully blended fragrances of Geranium, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, and other essential oils. This special blend will leave your senses satisfied and your skin feeling smooth and soft. Oh boy – doesn’t that sound delightful? Let’s take a look at the essential oils a little more closely.
- Ylang Ylang: induces romance with its warm, floral scent
- Coriander: soothing & calming
- Bergamot: mood-lifting with its citrus, floral aroma
- Jasmine: alluring, rich, & sultry aroma
- Geranium: encourages a peaceful atmosphere
Dragon Time Massage Oil
This one is recommended for both young and mature women. It contains a special blend of calming and relaxing essential oils like Jasmine, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang.
This massage oil was designed to be used during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Use it to massage on the lower abdomen and back during that time of the month; it can bring about a sense of calm during a particularly strenuous time. Helps manage our dragon if you get what I mean.
- Lavender: fresh, floral, clean, & calm aroma
- Fennel: can aid in PMS
- Clary Sage: this is one that I cant go past at the time of the month.
- Ylang Ylang: promotes relaxation
- Yarrow: again another oil that was chosen for its special balancing properties
- Jasmine: uplifting; PMS
Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil
The next massage oil we are going to discuss is Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil. Trust me – you’re gonna want to snag this one! It tones and nourishes the skin with pure vegetable oils, vitamin E, and premium essential oils. Let’s take a look at those specific essential oils and why they’re used.
- Grapefruit: improves the appearance of skin texture
- Cedarwood: calming & purifying
- Juniper: also purifying
- Clary Sage: soothes & calms the skin
- Cypress: this one is an oil I like to use with lymphatic massage.
Lymphatic massage is a form of massage that encourages the movement of lymph fluids around the body. Taking care of this body system can be hugely beneficial to your health. Your lymphatic system actually plays a much bigger role in your body than people realize.
Its key functions include:
- Maintains fluid levels in your body
- Absorbs fats from the digestive tract
- Protects your body against foreign invaders
- Transports and removes waste products and abnormal cells from the lymph
You can support your lymphatic system by reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals such as pesticides and cleaning products. These harsh chemicals can build up and make it more difficult for the body to filter out waste. Drink plenty of water; add oils from the culinary range for an extra boost. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet as well. Oh – and consider using the Cel-Lite Magic Massage Oil to massage your upper thighs regularly.
Ortho Ease Massage Oil
Next up in our massage oil lineup is Ortho Ease Massage Oil. This massage oil is a calming blend of vegetable oils and essential oils that soothes and cools. It’s perfect for people that work out, use their muscles daily, athletes, or those that need just a little extra muscle love. Let’s take a look at the essential oils that make it so magical; there are quite a few.
- Wintergreen: increases awareness in all levels of the sensory system
- Peppermint: creates a cool, tingling sensation on the skin
- Juniper: purifying
- Eucalyptus Globulus: contains a high percentage of eucalyptol
- Lemongrass: enhances massage after activity;
- Marjoram: for tight muscles and joints
- Thyme: key essential oil in the Raindrop Massage Technique
- Eucalyptus Radiata: invigorating & soothing; component of the Young Living signature Thieves essential oil blend
- Vetiver: creates a peaceful, comfortable environment
Ortho Sport Massage Oil
This next one is the last of the ready-made massage oils we will discuss today – Ortho Sport Massage Oil. It’s actually amazing in the bedroom as well! Wink wink. This one combines a blend of vegetable oils and essential oils and gives a cooling sensation when used with a soothing massage. It has a bit more KICK to it than Ortho Ease; but it’s still perfect for those who work out, those who use their muscles more strenuously, and for athletes of all kinds. Let’s take a look at the essential oil lineup within.
- Wintergreen: key ingredient in the Deep Relief essential oil blend
- Peppermint: soothing after hard physical activity
- Oregano: includes naturally occurring constituents carvacrol and thymol
- Eucalyptus Globulus: promotes health and wellbeing
- Elemi: traditionally used to support the appearance of the skin
- Vetiver: promotes a focused environment and a relaxing atmosphere
- Lemongrass: a great complement to a post-workout massage
- Thyme: contains the naturally occurring constituent thymol, which is used in many OTC products such as mouthwash and vapor rubs
V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex
Last, but certainly not least, is Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex. This is a mix of nourishing vegetable oils – fractionated coconut oil, sesame seed oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. These vegetable oils are moisturizing and can help heal and soothe all skin types. Note: If you have a sensitivity to gluten, this oil complex does contain wheat germ oil.
I realise this isn’t a massage oil according to the label, but it certainly makes an excellent base to create your own customised massage oil. You can learn more about Carrier Oils here.
Learn more about massage oils
If you want to learn more about some awesome massage oils check out our video with Kellie Draper. Kellie is a massage therapist who owns Cloud Break Massage. She is also a coach for other massage therapists looking to grow their massage business or bring in extra revenue streams for their business. Kellie is going to give us her top 5 products for massage and massage therapists.
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