Essential oil classes for massages
How to make massage oil with essential oils
Massage oils are preparations that are used, as the name implies, to massage the skin.
Of the massage oils we are not only interested in their lubricating properties, which allow better movement of the fingers, but also other cosmetic and curative properties, contributed by the addition of a few drops of essential oils.
Benefits of massage oils
By adding essential oils, we can get anti-inflammatory, relaxing or stimulating massage oils, depending on the essence used. There are very specific combinations for certain physical or emotional problems, studied in aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy massage combines the positive effects of massage with those of aromatherapy, resulting in a complementary therapy that is more effective than either of the two methods separately. It is worth mentioning that aromatherapy massages are not a “pseudotherapy” or a placebo effect, but that their benefits have been recognized at the medical level.
Massage oils can improve mood, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve sleep and rest quality, or treat diseases such as spring asthenia, autumnal depression, seasonal changes, colds, allergies, anxiety, reduce stress, etc.
Do not confuse vegetable oil with essential oil
Before entering into the elaboration of massage oils, it is important to highlight the difference between «oil» and «essential oil», since we have realized that this confusion is very common.
The essential oil is different from the oil of. For a massage oil to be adequate, it must diluted in a vegetable oil, such as sweet almond oil or olive oil. Essential oils are more concentrated, so, in order not to be dangerous, they must be used in a very small dose and therefore its price is also much higher.
* See more information: Difference between «oil» and «essential oil»
Benefits of massages with essential oils
Massages with essential oils are used at the therapeutic level. They exert an effect through smell and because their active ingredients are able to be rapidly absorbed through the skin. All this provides sedative, antidepressant and muscle relaxant effects.
For example, lavender oil massage before bedtime improves the quality of sleep and patients’ sense of well-being, as shown by scientific studies in which different physiological parameters were significantly improved after an aromatherapy massage with this oil.
Aromatherapy massages are used in dermatology, in nursing and in hospitals. Its use has increased considerably, to achieve great popularity worldwide, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. Among the most prominent effects are those related to its relaxing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of aromatherapy massage oils
How are oils for massages made?
Essential oils are not applied directly to the skin, since, applied directly, undiluted, they can be very irritating or cause burns.
To make massages, the essential oils of plants are diluted in an oil, called base oil, which serves as a diluent and transport the medicinal components of essential oils.
Examples of some healthy treatments with massage oils
Here are some recipes for making specific massage oils for each health circumstance.
Oils for sports massage
All the proposed combinations should be diluted with 20ml of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or grapeseed (the latter is the least fatty):
- Combination: 4 drops of rosemary essential oil, 4 drops of ginger oil and 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil.
- Benefits of sports massage: It gives us energy and strengthens the muscles. It is ideal for a pre-competition and if we must do an intense physical exercise.
* See more: Sports massages
Oils for back and neck pain
Dilute with 20ml of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or grapeseed:
- Combination: 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 ginger essential oil and 2 drops of vetiver essential oil. Massage gently and with wide movements.
- Benefits of neck and back massage: It gives us elasticity and reduces stiffness and pain.
Oils for the chest and respiratory tract
Dilute with 20ml of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or grapeseed:
- Combination: 4 drops of lemon essential oil, 3 drops of incense essential oil and 3 drops of cedar essential oil.
- Benefits of chest and airway massage: It is an excellent combination to relieve problems in cases of congestion and colds.
Feet oil
- Combination: 3 drops of peppermint essential oil, 3 drops of pepper essential oil, and 4 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Benefits of foot massage: For tired feet and foot pain it brings them freshness and rest.
* Related information:
– Essential oils for depression
– Essential oils in pregnancy and breastfeeding
– Essential oils for the bathroom
– Are essential oils good for children?
– Contraindications of essential oils
More information on vegetal and essential oils
