Used by such famed individuals as Cleopatra, Ivan the Terrible and Ulysses S. Grant, massage possesses multiple health benefits, from working as a pain reliever to relaxing tense muscles, according to Gordon Inkeles, author of "Super Massage." Massage oil plays an essential role in the art of massage, so make sure you equip yourself with a thorough understanding of common massage oils before you dive head first into the world of massage.
The Basics
Massage oils serve to lubricate the surface of the skin, which eases the ability of the hands to work the muscles during a massage. These oils provide a pure alternative to lotions and creams, which often contain multiple ingredients, some of which are synthetic and could cause allergic reactions. Massage oils vary widely in price, texture and appearance. As a general rule of thumb, look for organic, cold-pressed massage oils; although they tend to be more expensive, they're typically higher quality than their less-expensive hot-pressed counterparts.
Types
Shirley Price, co-author of "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," groups massage oils according to their versatility and physical description. Basic oils include such common choices as sweet almond oil, peach kernel oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil and grape seed oil. As a general rule of thumb, these oils are pale and thin and possess little or no odor. Those that Price calls special oils are generally heavier and oilier, and they come at a higher price per ounce. Commonly used special oils include avocado oil, jojoba oil and wheat germ oil.
Features
Each massage oil has its strengths and weaknesses. Sweet almond oil works with all skin types and generally costs the least, but you'll want to avoid it if you have nut allergies. If you're interested in a face massage, you might consider utilizing peach kernel oil, an emollient that comes with a higher price tag, but that can soothe dry, sensitive and aging skin, according to Price. Jojoba oil--which is technically a wax, not an oil--works well for acne-prone skin because it's very similar in structure to sebum, the oil your skin naturally produces.
Considerations
Consider your massage goals to determine the most appropriate oil. Cost generally plays an important factor, especially if you're just entering the world of massage oils. If you're unfamiliar with the various massage oils, think about purchasing just a few ounces of several different types so you can experiment with them to determine which ones you prefer. As a general rule of thumb, you'll need approximately 4 oz. of oil to complete a single, full-body massage.
Ingredients
Although you may choose to stick with a single massage oil for simplicity's sake, mixing the various oils together or infusing them with essential oils provides a key way to personalize a massage. When using special oils, Price suggests that you combine them with one or more basic oils, making the special oil no more than about ¼ of the volume. To boost the soothing capacity of your massage oils, infuse them with your favorite scented essential oil, such as lavender, jasmine, rose or chamomile. Plan on using about three to four drops of essential oil for each ounce of massage oil, or base oil, as it is commonly called when used in combination with essential oils.
References
- "Super Massage"; Gordon Inkeles; 2001
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price and Len Price; 2007
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