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This time we will talk about massage oils, used since ancient times as a natural option to eliminate muscular pain and tension, balance the mind, reduce anxiety, reduce stress, etc.
In this article we will tell you about the different types of massage oils, their uses, their combinations, and their main characteristics, so that you can choose the best product for you according to your interests, needs and budget. All this information will make it easier for you to choose the perfect product for your perfect balance.
Summary
- Massage oils act topically through specific movements on the skin, working on a physical, mental and emotional level, as they help to treat different muscular ailments, balance the mind, reduce anxiety and reduce stress.
- There is a great variety of massage oils, among which lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile and almond essential oils stand out, which differ from each other mainly because of their therapeutic properties and specific benefits.
- It is important that you take into account certain factors when selecting the most suitable massage oil for you. You should therefore check its quality, texture and properties, as well as any possible side effects or adverse reactions.
The Best Massage Oils: Our Picks
Massage Oils: Shopping Guide
What are massage oils and what are their benefits?
There is a wide variety of massage oils with different healing and restorative effects. For example, through aromatherapy or Ayurvedic massages, different body ailments or emotional conditions are treated with specific movements and oils for each case.
Massage oils, used alone or in combination, offer multiple advantages and benefits for the body and mind, as each specific essence provides certain nutrients or therapeutic effects according to each particular pathology or need.
Lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile or sandalwood oil – what should you look out for?
Lavender oil: Lavender oil is known for its relaxing effect, as its delicious aroma helps to restore mental and emotional balance. It is also antiseptic, healing, and helps to treat rheumatic pain and reduce hypertension, among other benefits.
Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus is a powerful expectorant, which is why its oil is used to treat colds and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, for example. It also helps to relieve muscular pain, such as arthrosis, arthritis and rheumatism.
Chamomile oil: Chamomile is mainly used as a natural method to soothe anxiety, stress and insomnia, but massage with chamomile oil is also very beneficial for treating chronic or temporary muscle pain.
Almond oil: The main function of almond oil is to restore damaged tissues and naturally moisturise the skin, which is why it is widely used for massaging babies, as it has no contraindications, and has a sweet, mild scent.
| Lavender | Eucalyptus | Chamomile | Almond | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uses | Mental balance, healing of wounds and pains | Nasal and bronchial decongestion, treatment of muscular pains | Control of anxiety and stress, etc | Moisturising of the skin |
| Properties | Sedative, healing, antiseptic, etc. | Expectorant, refreshing, etc. | Sedative, deflating, etc. | Moisturising, nourishing |
| Aroma | Intense | Fresh | Gentle | Sweet |
Buying criteria: factors that allow you to compare and rate different models of massage oils
In this last section we will tell you what are the main buying criteria to select the most suitable massage oils for you, as there are certain important aspects to take into account when buying these products.
Type of massage
It is essential that the oil corresponds to the type of massage you need, as its components have a specific function for the body and mind. This is why you should first find out which oils are most appropriate for you according to your needs.
Decontracting massages: These massages are of greater friction, since they serve to eliminate tensions and muscular pains that generate contractures. Lighter oils, such as grape oil, for example, are the best for this type of technique.
Ayurvedic massage: Ayurveda is a holistic science that works on a holistic level. Ayurvedic massages focus on the “doshas” (vata, pitta and kapha), which are the dominant biotypes of each individual. Depending on the dosha, sesame oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, ghee, etc. are used.
Hawaiian massage: This massage, also called lomi-lomi, stands out for its deep and relaxing effects, which help to eliminate tension, stress and anxiety. The most commonly used oils for this practice are coconut oil and sweet almond oil.
Relaxing massages: for these massages, thick oils, such as olive oil, are usually used, as they glide better on the skin and take longer to be absorbed. This type of massage requires less friction, so these oils facilitate gentle, slow movements.
Texture
As mentioned above, essential oils have textures that suit different types of massages, but it is also important that they suit each skin type, as some of us have more oily skin and others have drier or combination skin.
Oils for oily skin: For this type of skin, lighter oils are recommended, such as grape oil, rosemary oil, ginger oil, chamomile oil or lavender oil, which are also healing, antiseptic, emotionally relaxing and muscle soothing.
Oils for dry skin: In this case, thicker oils are needed, such as olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, among many others, which are characterised by their moisturising and regenerative properties for the skin.
Oils for combination skin: Combination skin has both oily and dry areas, so it can be difficult to find an oil that balances the skin’s natural pH. Jojoba oil is a great choice for all skin types, as are rosehip oil and calendula oil.
Combinations
It is very common to combine different types of oils to enhance their properties and benefits. Here are some very effective combinations of massage oils, according to different physical pathologies or mood imbalances:
Chest massages: For respiratory massages, it is advisable to combine peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, lemon and cedar oils, among others, as they open the bronchial tubes, expectorate mucus and eliminate toxins that are harmful to health.
Massages for the back and neck: Light oils, such as grape oil, lavender oil or ginger oil, are very good for decontracting massages. If we combine these oils we intensify their anti-inflammatory and soothing functions.
Massage for depression: There are several massage oils especially indicated for depression, sadness, discouragement or anxiety. These include lavender, bergamot, frankincense, chamomile, geranium, lemon balm, jasmine and sage, among others, which can be combined with each other to strengthen their effects.
Contraindications
Despite their natural origin, massage oils can have certain adverse effects in certain cases. It is therefore important that you take into account some factors that could trigger adverse reactions in the body.
Allergy: People who are allergic to any of the components of the oils may experience swelling, hives, irritation, burning, dermatitis or suffocation, depending on the degree of intolerance they suffer from. If in doubt, it is therefore preferable to avoid them or consult a doctor.
Pure use: Essential oil should never be used neat on the skin, as it may cause irritation, burning or other adverse reactions. It should be diluted with water or base oils (olive, sesame, corn, almond, peanut, etc.) before being applied to the skin.
Pregnancy and lactation: In some cases, essential oils can be abortifacient, or toxic for the baby when transmitted through breast milk. It is therefore advisable to consult a professional, or to avoid their use at this stage.
Children: Certain types of oils are recommended for children, such as almond oil for example, which is widely used on babies to moisturise their skin and relax them after a bath or before going to sleep, but you should always consult your child’s paediatrician beforehand.
(Featured image photo: Kerdkanno/ 123rf.com)
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