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Massage Oils - Properties and Guide
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Check the shelves at a massage supply or health food store and there will be a plethora of massage oils and blends available. Choosing the right oil can be a difficult proposition as the most suitable oil for you will depend on your own particular requirements and massage style.
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Some oils have good glide properties, other good grip. Some have a good shelf life whereas others can turn rancid relatively quickly. Some can leave the skin feeling smooth and hydrated while others leave it greasy and oily. This article provides brief summaries of the properties of some of the more popular oils, with an emphasis on their use for massage.
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From a deep tissue massage to acupressure, there are many massage practices that all have a common goal, to alleviate pain, induce calmness and relax the body to make the recipient more comfortable on the whole. You don't have to be a certified massage therapist to give a massage nor do you have to go to a therapist to receive one. Massages can be given in the privacy of your home. Going to a specialist does have its advantages though, especially if you have a chronic pain or just want to pamper yourself. Whether you are giving or getting a massage, the use of a good massage oil can lead to a better outcome.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are used as a base for another, potentially more unstable, oil. This creates many blending options when it comes to creating the perfect massage oil. One of the reasons that oil goes bad is that it has a higher concentration of essential fatty acids. The more saturated fatty acids massage oil has, the more likely it is to go rancid and the more likely it is to leave a greasy residue. Carrier oils therefore are usually comprised of Omega fatty acids as opposed to essential fatty acids and can be kept on that well stocked shelf for longer. Not only can carrier oils thin out thicker oils, they can also allow for the better absorption of other oils. Aromatherapy oils often evaporate quickly and can have shorter shelf lives, so they are commonly blended with carrier oils to achieve a vast array of therapeutic results like arthritis pain relief, headache relief, and even flu and cold relief to name a few.
Sweet Almond Oil
This oil is common massage oil as it's relatively inexpensive and has a good shelf life. Almond oil is very light in color and won't stain the skin. It acts as a nice lubricant without becoming sticky and it doesn't absorb too quickly allowing for a long massage that doesn't need reapplication after reapplication of the oil. Plus, it has a nice light aromatic smell that is soothing. Almonds are a good source for vitamin E which is great for skin complexion and therefore, almond oil is also great for facial massages.
Apricot Kernel Oil
This oil is a little more expensive than almond oil but it has a longer shelf life than many others and is absorbed into the skin easily, thus it makes for good carrier oil. For those that are allergic to nuts, it is important to find massage oil that is not made from that source; apricot kernel oil is a great alternative.
Grape Seed Oil
This oil is common and relatively inexpensive. It is most noted for its antioxidant properties and helps to keep the skin looking young. It leaves a glossy film over the skin when used to act as a natural sealant. Because it is light it doesn't build up a thick greasy layer of oil. Most of it is absorbed into the skin which means that it can make for good carrier oil.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is an extract that has great absorption properties. It is usually a bit more expensive than other oils, but is great for delivering therapeutic blends deep into the skin. It has antibacterial properties which may be useful for massaging broken skin. The Jojoba plant is waxy and the oil mimics this property. The long waxy ester chains make for a very long shelf life. The oil is a bit more viscous than the previous oils, but nevertheless makes massage oil that is therapeutic, hydrating and almost universal.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut oil in its truest state solidifies at room temperature, but with the application of even the slightest bit of heat, it melts. When the oil that is extracted from the coconut meat is fractionated, it becomes more liquid and it can be used as massage oil. Either way, coconut oil is thicker than others and is better for massages that may need a little bit more grip, like foot or back massages. Fractionated coconut oil is very hydrating and when done massaging, a slight layer of wax protects the skin and keeps moisture in.
Sunflower Oil
This oil has a short shelf life, but is great for the skin. It has vitamin E and other antioxidants that provide nourishment to the skin. It is virtually odorless and has good glide properties for a nice smooth rub. If used in excess however, it can build up as it doesn't absorb very quickly.
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Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication made by or attributed to Eastern Suburbs Massage and its representatives, whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
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