Essential Oils For Massages

Massage therapy using essential oils can provide a particularly effective treatment for many conditions, including physical problems such as muscle aches and pains or mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress and tension. Using essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus or peppermint can promote specific moods and atmospheres when used in massage oil.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most widely used, versatile essential oils in aromatherapy and massage therapy. Lavender has been valued for centuries for its healing properties. It can alleviate symptoms of depression and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it can even help reduce anxiety and stress. Lavender can be blended with other essential oils, such as cedar wood or clary sage, to produce a stress- and tension-relieving massage oil. To make a homemade relaxing massage oil, simply add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil, such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is prized for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is commonly used in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies because it acts as an expectorant to break up mucous and soothe irritation from sore throats and coughs. When used in a massage oil, eucalyptus oil can help to relax tense or sore muscles and joints. The Mayo Clinic points out that products that contain eucalyptus oil can provide relief from arthritis pain, because the oil creates a cold or warm sensation on the skin, which can help to distract people from pain. Add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil to produce a homemade pain-relieving massage oil.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is noted for its energizing, mood-lifting qualities; it has the ability to enhance concentration during times of stress or fatigue. In "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox points out that peppermint is particularly useful for increasing energy. Peppermint can provide stress relief during times of physical or mental exhaustion and is therefore a natural choice for massage therapy using essential oils when suffering from tension, stress or fatigue. Peppermint oil blends well with lavender oil. Create an energizing, stress relieving massage oil by adding a few drops of each of these oils to 1/2 cup of carrier oil.