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This article was co-authored by Marty Morales. Marty Morales is a Professional Massage Therapist and the Founder and Owner of the Morales Method, a manual therapy and body conditioning business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Los Angeles, California. Marty has over 16 years of massage therapist experience and over 13 years of experience educating others on the best practices for massage therapy. Marty has over 10,000 hours of private practice logged and is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, CMT. He has an MBA in Finance from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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This article has been viewed 389,103 times.
When you first start out learning about massage oils, it can seem a little daunting. However, it isn't as hard as it seems to learn the basics and to quickly come up to scratch on the use and properties of such oils. This basic guide for beginners seeks to assist you as you become more proficient in massage therapy.
Steps
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1Understand the purpose of massage oils. The main purpose of massage oils is to lubricate the skin to reduce friction while performing a massage. This helps give a smooth glide and easy workability to the skin surface. Some of the secondary benefits include nourishing the skin and acting as a "base", or "carrier" oil for aromatherapy essential oils.[1]
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2Learn about the best oils. The different attributes we can compare are how the oil spreads, how easily it is absorbed, its nourishing and moisturizing properties and the smell. Other factors to consider are the cost, the ease of cleaning, and the way it is processed. Generally speaking, the best oil will be extra virgin cold pressed, as this process maintains the highest level of purity while retaining most of the natural nutrients.
- Try to use food-grade organic oils, since your skin will be absorbing them into your bloodstream.[2]
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3Select the oil suited to your needs and budget. There are several basic oils that are most popular for massage:[3]
- Almond oil: probably the most widely used massage oil is sweet almond oil. It spreads easily, and is very nourishing to the skin. It also serves as an excellent carrier oil because the smell is not too overpowering. It can be found in most health food stores and body shops, and is reasonably priced.
- Grapeseed oil: Another popular oil is grape seed. It is easily absorbed by the skin but does not leave a “greasy” feeling after application. It is not as common as sweet almond and is usually a bit more expensive.
- Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil is a low cost alternative and can usually be found at your local grocery store. It spreads easily and is a good carrier oil, but can feel a little greasy afterwards. Another thing to consider is that the majority of sunflower oils are heat pressed and have a very short shelf life.
- You can even use sesame or coconut oil.[4]
- Some people prefer to use shea butter.[5]
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4Consider other base oils. Other base oils have certain properties that can help specific conditions like dry skin, premature aging or eczema. These can be added in varying proportions to the primary oil and some examples include olive oil, wheat germ, and jojoba.
- Jojoba oil is a great oil to use.[6]
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5Understand the difference between base massage oils and aromatherapy essential oils. Aromatherapy essential oils differ from the base oils in several ways.
- These are highly concentrated “essences” derived from various plant and fruit sources which have profound effects on the systems of the body.
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6Try the most popular aromatherapy oils. There many essential oils to choose from, each with specific properties that affect the body differently. Here are some of the most popular oils whose effects are beneficial to massage and relaxation:
- Lavender oil: Lavender is probably the most well known and widely used of all the essential oils.[7] Not only does it have a calming effect on the mind, it is also an antiseptic and is one of the two oils that you can apply directly to the skin in cases of burns or stings to ease the pain. You can find lavender oil in almost any health food store, as well in many cosmetic shops and other skin care centres.[8]
- Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang might possibly be the most useful essential oil for doing massage. Its properties include a sedating effect on the nervous system which helps with relaxation, while stimulating blood circulation and the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. It is also perfect for all skin types as it helps dry skin conditions as well as oily skin and acne.[9]
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is the only other essential oil you can apply undiluted to areas of the skin as an antiseptic as well as an anti-inflammatory. When used in massage, it helps promote healing to damaged skin while supporting healthy functioning of the respiratory system.[10]
- Eucalyptus oil: Finally, eucalyptus oil is also one of the more commonly used essential oils for massage because of its anti inflammatory properties that help treat muscle cramps, spasms and sprains. It also helps with skin problems and even has the ability to prevent and heal scar tissue. Add all this to its ability to help open blocked nasal passages and stimulate the senses, and you have a versatile oil that helps on many levels.[11]
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhich essential oils can I add to my massage oil?
Justyna KaretaJustyna Kareta is a Certified Master Massage Therapist and Owner of Lush Massage, a massage studio based in San Francisco, California. Justyna has over nine years of experience as a therapist and specializes in Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage and CranioSacral Therapy to soothe the nervous system and facilitate deep healing. She received her massage therapy training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, is certified by California Massage Therapy Council, and is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.
Certified Master Massage TherapistEucalyptus oil is very calming and can help open up the sinuses, and chamomile is great for relaxation. Also, orange is a good essential oil for mood enhancing and calming. -
QuestionHow do I warm up my massage oil?Justyna KaretaJustyna Kareta is a Certified Master Massage Therapist and Owner of Lush Massage, a massage studio based in San Francisco, California. Justyna has over nine years of experience as a therapist and specializes in Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage and CranioSacral Therapy to soothe the nervous system and facilitate deep healing. She received her massage therapy training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, is certified by California Massage Therapy Council, and is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.
Certified Master Massage TherapistPut your oil in a little glass bottle, and then put that glass bottle into a container of hot water. This keeps the oil warm all the time, which makes it nice and soothing. -
QuestionWhich oil is good if I have dry skin?Justyna KaretaJustyna Kareta is a Certified Master Massage Therapist and Owner of Lush Massage, a massage studio based in San Francisco, California. Justyna has over nine years of experience as a therapist and specializes in Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage and CranioSacral Therapy to soothe the nervous system and facilitate deep healing. She received her massage therapy training from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, is certified by California Massage Therapy Council, and is a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.
Certified Master Massage TherapistFor people who have dry skin, use a nice, heavy oil like sesame or avocado.
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Warnings
- Some essential oils have side-effects and some should not be used on certain people, such as pregnant or nursing women, people taking medications and children. Always be aware of the contra-indications and any personal conditions or conditions of the person you are massaging.⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References
- ↑ https://oilhealthbenefits.com/massage-oil/
- ↑ Justyna Kareta. Certified Master Massage Therapist. Expert Interview. 10 December 2019.
- ↑ https://oilhealthbenefits.com/massage-oil/
- ↑ Marty Morales. Professional Massage Therapist. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
- ↑ Marty Morales. Professional Massage Therapist. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
- ↑ Justyna Kareta. Certified Master Massage Therapist. Expert Interview. 10 December 2019.
- ↑ Marty Morales. Professional Massage Therapist. Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-838/lavender
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-697/ylang-ylang-oil
About This Article
Marty Morales
Professional Massage Therapist
This article was co-authored by Marty Morales. Marty Morales is a Professional Massage Therapist and the Founder and Owner of the Morales Method, a manual therapy and body conditioning business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Los Angeles, California. Marty has over 16 years of massage therapist experience and over 13 years of experience educating others on the best practices for massage therapy. Marty has over 10,000 hours of private practice logged and is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, CMT. He has an MBA in Finance from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. This article has been viewed 389,103 times.
Co-authors: 8
Updated: April 7, 2022
Views: 389,103
Categories: Massage
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