When you head to the spa for a massage, you might not think too much about the oils that are being used. Different oils are used for massage to create certain experiences. Different smells, combinations and mediums help you to have an experience that might be energizing, relaxing or good for sore muscles. Each oil is chosen specifically for you and your needs. You can create a similar experience at home by understanding the different oils and what each one aims to do for your mind and body.
General Massage Oils
General massage oils can be made from any number of oils, including sunflower and sweet almond oils, coconut oil and scented oils. General massage oils can also be unscented, so that you can add your own scents to them or just enjoy a pure oil. The aim of a general massage oil is to moisturize the area so that the masseuse can easily glide her hands over the body of the client. Different oils can have different scents and warmed oil can help the muscles relax even further, making it an important addition to any type of massage.
Aromatherapy Oils
When a masseuse wants his client to feel a certain way throughout the massage, he'll use massage oils that are therapeutic depending on the essential oils that they have been mixed with. Oils infused with orange, lemon or grapefruit oils are energizing and bright, while lavender and chamomile essential oils infused with massage oil can be relaxing and soothing. Essential oils can be added to just about any type of massage oil to give it aromatherapy properties to help change your mood and get more out of the massage.
Purpose Oils
Some massage oils can be used to attain a certain end. For instance, massage oils that are infused with peppermint can be especially soothing for tired, sore muscles. Some that have eucalyptus in them can make you feel better when you have a cold. Other massage oils have coconut oil in them, which is especially beneficial for pregnant women who may be concerned about stretch marks. When you are receiving or giving a massage that needs to accomplish relaxation or pain relief for a certain area, the right massage oils can help achieve this.
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