It’s not a stretch to say that massage and oils go “hand in hand.” The earliest written records about massage therapy come from Egypt and China dating back to 3000 and 2500 BCE. Somewhere between 800 and 700 BCE, massage progressed into Western Culture. Ancient Greek athletes used massage to tone for athletic competitions. Furthermore, physicians used herbs and oils combined with massage therapy to treat medical conditions. [1]
Many benefits of body massage oils
Today, oils are one of the most commonly used lubricants for massage to reduce friction on the skin during a treatment. Oils enable massage therapists to easily massage large areas because they glide on easily and can last through the duration of the massage. That eliminates the need for frequent reapplication. From a cost-benefit standpoint, a bottle of oil can last a long time.
In addition to their usability, oils also add help moisturize and nourish the skin by protecting the skin’s lipid barrier. Oils warm up quickly, which makes them attractive to clients because the immediately feel comfortable and warm on the skin.
Oils also act as a carrier or base oil for aromatherapy essential oils. This means that they are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin during an aromatherapy massage.
When using oil consider your client’s tolerance to fragrances and sensitivity to anything derived from nuts. Also keep in mind that oils with minerals or alcohol deplete the skin’s nutrients. Some oils can leave clients’ skin feeling greasy so be prepared to use heated, moist towels to remove excess. Water dispersible oils are easier to remove.
BIOTONE Best Oils for Massage Therapy
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy massage adds essential oils derived from plants to the carrier oil you choose to use. Essential oils stimulate smell, which impacts mood or state of mind.
Recommend: Clear Results Massage Oil, Revitalizing Massage Oil or Lab+Blends CBD Massage Oil
Hot Stone Massage: Hot stone massage promotes deeper muscle relaxation by placing smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body. The therapy reduces tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism.
Recommend: Revitalizing Massage Oil
Pain and Sports Relief Therapy: Pain and Sports Relief Therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue to help prevent injuries from athletic activity, to prepare the body for sports and to recover from workouts and injuries
Recommend: Lab+Blends CBD Massage Oil
Swedish Massage: Swedish massage relaxes the muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage is used for relaxation, muscle tension relief and to improve circulation and range of motion
Recommend: Clear Results Massage Oil, Herbal Select Massage Oil, Nutri-Naturals Light Massage Oil, Revitalizing Massage Oil and Lab+Blends CBD Massage Oil
[1] “History of Massage Therapy,” Natural Healers, accessed June 30, 2020. https://www.naturalhealers.com/blog/history/