Although any oil will work for massage, some oils are more effective. Oils are chosen for their glide or slip, viscosity and drag. A lighter oil generally has more slip, which means the therapist's hands slide easily with this oil. Drag is the opposite; oils with more drag provide a little lubrication, but the therapist's hands don't slide as easily. Oil with more drag is used for deeper work. Viscosity refers to the weight of the oil. Almond and grapeseed oils are medium weight and most often used for massage. Coconut oil is very light and olive oil is heavy. Heavier oils are used for deeper work and for damaged skin.
Step 1
Order massage oil samples. Most manufacturers of massage oil will provide one-ounce samples, although there may be a small charge.
Step 2
Purchase small bottles of organic cold-pressed oils from the health food store. Buy at least three oils: almond, coconut and olive.
Step 3
Test your samples. First take a little coconut oil and massage into your skin. Notice that the oil seems thin once it has melted, and is light and easy to spread. Notice the fragrance of the unscented oil. Next try the almond oil and the olive oil, which are medium and heavy respectively. Notice the texture of the oil and how easily each one slides. You'll notice differences in slide and weight in the three oils, and different fragrances.
Step 4
Read the labels on your massage oil samples. What are the base oils? Often the base oil is almond oil or grapeseed oil, both of which are medium weight and slip. Notice the additives, such as essential oils and preservatives. Smell each oil to identify fragrances you prefer. Then compare each oil to the health food store oils by rubbing a little on your skin and noticing how easily each one slides and how light or heavy each one feels.
Step 5
Make your own massage oil. Choose the oil or oil blend that seems nicest to you. Massage therapists have many different preferences depending on their own personal taste, the effect they want to produce in their clients, and the type of massage they do. Once you have chosen the oil or oil blend you like, add a few drops of essential oils in your favorite fragrance. A little goes a long way--about 10 to 20 drops of essential oil to 8 ounces of massage oil. If the fragrance is strong, it will be overbearing in a small massage room during a one-hour massage.
Tips and Warnings
- You can add avocado oil, sesame oil or other oils that are beneficial for sun-dried or aging skin to your base oil. If you like the medium weight oil, try blending a light and a heavy oil for the same effect.
- Store massage oils in a cold place to preserve them. Oils can quickly become rancid when exposed to heat. Patch-test oils for allergy before applying to your body. Put a dab on your inner arm and cover with a bandage. After 24 hours, check for rash, redness, swelling or itching.
Things You'll Need
- Massage oil samples, 1 oz. each
- Small bottles of almond, coconut and olive oil
- Essential oil, any fragrance you prefer
References
- "Good Gifts from the Home: Oils, Lotions, and Other Luxuries;" Kelly Reno; 2000
- "375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols"; Jeanne Rose; 1999
- "Home Spa: Recipes and Techniques to Restore and Refresh"; Golden, MR, Burns, M; 1997
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