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Massage Oils

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Published: August 31, 2006

A massage can be one of the most relaxing measures in taking care of your health. A standard practice in most massage therapies is the use of massage oils. These oils not only facilitate the gliding motion of the massage, they contribute wonderful scents enhancing a person's massage experience.

In addition to smelling great, massage oils can be a healing agent, making them the perfect complement to any massage. The large array of massage oils makes it easy for an individual to tailor their massage specifically to their personal needs and preferences.

A massage therapist should take note of any special conditions or disorders, which can be addressed through various essential oils. For instance, the massage therapist should note if the client has dry skin or severe headaches. Using massage oils when doing self-massage also is an excellent tool for people at home. During at-home massages, people most commonly focus on their feet and hands, however, you can focus on specific parts of the body causing discomfort; for example, peppermint (in dilution) can be rubbed on the stomach in a clockwise direction to ease indigestion. Another essential oil called marjoram can help to relax the neck and shoulders if they are stiff.

If you are going to a spa, a Swedish massage is one of the gentlest types of massages, involving only superficial penetration of the muscles. In this type of massage, certain carrier oils are used in either lotion or oil form, and sometimes essential oils are added.

An aromatherapy massage closely mirrors the Swedish massage in its technique, but has a particular emphasis on alleviating emotional stress. Essential oils are always used in aromatherapy massages, but they must be mixed with specific carrier oils in order to be properly diluted.

Common Massage Oils

Essential oil: these massage oils are suitable for any type of massage and have a wide range of scents. Lavender tends to be popular in massage therapy. It is recommended to not take a shower or bathe eight hours following an aromatherapy massage so the body can fully absorb the beneficial oils. The following essential oils used for massage are the best when keeping health in mind:

Lavender (a fresh, sweet and floral scent): contributes to the overall health of the nervous system, especially useful in targeting migraine headaches, anxiety, hypertension and irritability.
Peppermint (a fragrance famous for its fresh mint aroma): known to be a muscle relaxant for general muscle pains and the digestive tract. This scent is particularly useful for headaches, mental fatigue, nausea and exhaustion.
Cedarwood (a sharp, sweet and woody scent): helps clear the respiratory system of excess phlegm and mucous as well as improving oily skin and clearing up dandruff. It is helpful in alleviating skin problems such as acne and psoriasis, as well as anxiety, stress and coughing.
Frankincense (a woody, fruity and spicy scent): helps to improve dry, chapped, mature-looking skin and supports the respiratory system. It is helpful in depression, allergies, headache, insecurity, grief, asthma, bronchitis and for treating scars.
Carrier oil:
offers many benefits ranging from promoting skin nourishment to general well-being. The skin benefits greatly from vitamins E and D, essential fatty acids and trace minerals.
Sweet almond oil – provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It is light and good for most skin types, especially dry skin.
Apricot kernel oil – reduces stress, provides balance and is good for all skin types, especially prematurely aging skin.
Avocado oil – This heavy oil is best diluted in lighter oil at a rate of 10 percent.
Borage oil – This oil is good for eczema and psoriasis. It is known to penetrate, regenerate and stimulate.

Benefits of Different Blends of Massage Oils

Regardless of the scent's benefits, you should make sure you enjoy the fragrance. It is useless to utilize a supposedly relaxing blend when you find the scent disagreeable.

A Blend for Overindulgence:

We all overindulge at some point, whether with food or drink (or maybe both). If you can, ensure you drink several glasses of water the night before to combat dehydration.

A gentle massage using three or four of the following oils can restore your health after eating or drinking too much: black pepper, fennel, geranium, ginger, juniper, orange or peppermint.

A Blend for Relaxation:

With our hectic schedules, finding the time to relax can lead to stress. To combat this feeling, choose three or four oils from this list: bergamot, German chamomile, clary sage, lavender, rosewood or sandalwood.

An Aphrodisiac Blend:

Often in a long-term relationship, a couple may want to rekindle the passion of their first meeting. Whatever the situation, this blend can be an intense way to spice up any couple's love life. Coupled with the soothing effects of a massage, it can be a wonderful way to relax.

Essential oils that may help are: black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, fennel, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, rose and sandalwood. Note: this is an area where it is particularly important to take each person's scent preference into careful consideration.
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