The essential massage oils are probably the most significant contributors to the enormous benefits that are derived from the various types of massage therapy practices which are rapidly gaining acceptance and popularity as a wonderful means of relaxation and rejuvenation. The therapeutic properties accompanied by the mesmerizing fragrances of these essential massage oils make them indispensable to our daily lives. These oils have several superior health benefits when applied on the body both for external as well as internal functions.
These essential oils have a fantastic effect of maximizing the beneficial aspects of any good massage while helping one to get submerged in their wonderfully fragrant and pleasant world. The organic base of these oils ensure that there are no undesirable side effects on the skin or elsewhere when applied during a massage therapy session. In order to derive the best possible advantages from these essential oils it is imperative to first understand their types and associated properties.
Therapeutic Properties of Essential Massage Oils
The essential massage oils contain in them a plethora of medicinal properties which can be employed to counter several types of ailments of the skin and internal parts. These essential oils are also known to have a soothing and calming effect on the mental state of an individual exposed to their fragrance. The most common property that is desirable in such formulations is their anti septic, antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-allergic qualities. This property ensures that they can be safely applied over the skin without apprehensions of any side effects. The ideal curative qualities expected out of any such oil in a massage therapy is anti rheumatism, anti depressant, sun burn protection, anesthetic, anti spasmodic, reparative, aperitif, carminative, depurative, decongestant and circulation enhancer. A few of the particular properties of the oils that have usage in specific treatment oriented massage therapy, include their ability to reduce anxiety, act as an aphrodisiac, sleep inducer, nerves calming and muscle relaxing qualities. There are powerful combinations of different kinds of essential massage oils that may be utilized by the therapists to counter complicated conditions affecting the mind and body simultaneously. In addition to these properties all kinds of essential massage oils must have mandatory quality of providing moisture and nourishment to the skin.
Understanding the Essential Massage Oils
There are different types of essential massage oils which are used for different purposes. The primary purpose of these oils is to first provide a lubricating layer on the surface of the body so as to reduce the friction during a massage. These oils are called the base or carrier oils. Other types of carrier oils with specific medicinal and curative properties are added on the carrier oil for various kinds of massage therapies. It is the carrier oil in most cases that has the moisturizing effect and the strongest fragrance quotient. Almond oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, wheat germ and jojoba are the most commonly used base oils that provide for other oils to be mixed easily for therapeutic purposes. The carrier oils are generally super concentrated and quite volatile in nature. Thus they require to be diluted with the other essential oils for getting the right combination that will provide the desired pleasure as well as medicinal value of the massage. The suitability of the various base or carrier oil to specific skin types must be checked prior to their application on the skin.
Most Preferred Essential Massage Oils
Whether for use as the base or as the additive, there are several options of essential massage oils which are readily available in the market. The most beneficial and hence preferred oils are listed below.
- Sweet Almond Oil: This pale yellow colored solution is quite oily in nature providing the ease of lubrication when applied on the skin. Additionally this oil is quick in spreading and getting absorbed on the skin.
- Apricot kernel Oil: Appearance and feel of this oil is quite similar to that of the almond oil but it has greater concentration of useful vitamin E in it. Its longer shelf life is also another reason for its popularity.
- Jojoba Oil: It is the best option for carrier oils as it is slightly thicker and absorbs well. Its anti bacterial properties make it handy in the treatment of back acne.
- Coconut Oil: It is thick white and non greasy oil that has multiple health benefits. Additionally its non greasy property ensures that the sheets are not stained as in case of other oils.
- Sunflower Oil: It is comparatively lighter oil that is non greasy and is rich in essential acids like the fatty, linoleic, stearic and palmitic acids. All these ingredients make it wonderful for application on the skin that derives tremendous benefits from it.
- Avocado Oil: Another popular choice that is thick and green colored. Despite its immense medicinal uses, its heavier concentration requires the mixing in of other lighter essential massage oils prior to application in any massage therapy.
- Grape Seed Oil: It is a great choice for massage as it is completely non sticky and spreads well on the body for a superior massage performance. However it is low on its fragrance value and hence requires mixing in of other aromatic oils for massage.
- Olive Oil: Known more as a cooking oil, this product is quite heavy and sticky but does a world of benefits to the skin by de-clogging the surface pores for healthy and glowing appearance if applied regularly through massages.
- Wheat Germ Oil: Despite being extremely thick and greasy this particular oil is preferred by many due to its superior anti microbial qualities combined with a rich content of essential vitamin E.
- Hazel Nut Oil: With a mild aroma this thick yet non greasy oil can penetrate deeper into the skin during a massage to provide effective nourishment to the skin.
- Peach Kernel Oil: This is light and aromatic oil that has abundant vitamin A and E which make it the ideal choice for application on face, legs and arms in a massage therapy session.
Blending essential Aromatic Oils at Home
Blending essential massage oils at home is the best means of synergizing the individual qualities of these oils to create powerful formulations that will perfectly suit your requirements. There are several different purposes for which these massage oils can be created at home by mixing different ingredients. These purposes can be relaxation, reenergizing, medicinal or sensual in nature. The basic ingredients that will be required to get started in this process include the carrier oils, essential oils, a few bottles, eye dropper and teaspoon measurements.
- Blend for Relaxing Massage Oil: The base oils can be almond or avocado with a mix of essential oils like the lavender, jasmine, chamomile, rosemary and bergamot oils.
- Blend for Reenergizing Massage Oil: The carrier oil in this case can be jojoba or coconut oil with essential oils such as grape seed, cardamom, jasmine and orange blossom oils.
- Blend for Sensual Massage Oil: This combination goes well most carrier oils and essential oils like the rosehip, patchouli, jasmine, lemon grass and vanilla fragrance oils.
Blending and creating exotic essential massage oils at home is an art in itself. It requires finer tastes of aroma and feel combined with adequate knowledge of the qualities of each variant. However the basic ingredients are easily available and the combinations can be mastered with a little bit of research and sufficient practice. The massage oils when created in combination must have the essential oils as a small fraction of the base oil diluted sufficiently to facilitate lubrication and deeper penetration into the skin. The allergic properties of certain oils must be taken into account before applying it on any individual. The essential massage oils in the right combination have the potential of transforming a routine therapeutic massage into an ultimate pleasurable experience for the receiver.
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