Most of us would give anything for a body massage, one that not only rejuvenates the body, but also the mind and soul. Moreover the one thing that is crucial to a rejuvenating massage is the massage oil. The aroma and feel of luxurious body massage oils is what makes the experience of getting a body massage complete. Various types of body massaging oils are used in different spas and wellness centers. While some are regular oils, others are more exotic and expensive. Health stores generally have massage oils made of sweet almond or avocado, while skin care stores and spas showcase a mixture of massage oils containing two or more oils mixed in the right proportion. Here are some body massage oils that are preferred across various massage centers, either on their own, or mixed with another.
Body Massage Oils & their Benefits
1. Jojoba Oil:
- The wax extracted from jojoba plant is referred to as jojoba oil and has several general and natural benefits.
- Has great antibacterial property that allows it to be used as a treatment for back acne, skin allergies and other back problems.
- Resembles skin sebum as it has long chained wax esters. It helps the body by retaining the sebum.
- The presence of myristic acid in this oil makes it useful to be used on burnt skin. Its anti-inflammable property acts as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin.
2. Lemongrass Oil:
- It is extracted from partly dried or fresh leaves by the process of steam distillation. Also known as Indian Verbena, this oil is great for treating jet lag and revitalizing a tired body.
- It boosts the parasympathetic nervous system and relieves headaches and other nervous problems.
- It is useful against respiratory problems such as flu, fever and laryngitis.
- Relieves muscle tension by making it supple. Is extremely useful in treating cramps, sprain and muscle tear.
3. Sweet Almond Oil
- It is considered one of the most popular body massaging oils. As the name suggests, it is extracted from almonds and is pale yellow in color.
- Its oily texture allows it to move smoothly over the skin. Despite its oily and comparatively thick texture it is absorbed quickly. Unlike jojoba oil, the absorption rate is low, which means that you will not have to constantly reapply the oil during massage.
- It is a great emollient, which means it softens and soothes the skin by compensating the body’s ability to absorb and lose moisture.
- Helps relieve muscular aches and pain.
- The rich presence of oleic and linoleic acid makes it a great carrier oil during massage.
4. Coconut Oil:
- Though coconut oil is generally presumed to be very thick and heavy, it can be transformed to light, non-greasy, liquid oil. The process employed is fractionation which converts the oil to a more desirable texture.
- Unlike normal coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides that help reduce its thickness and density, making it light and relaxing.
- The presence of lacric and lauric acid lets it act as an excellent anti-microbial agent, protecting your skin from harmful microbes.
- Acts as an excellent moisturizer as the layer of fatty acids prevents moisture to escape from the skin. Great for skin that is prone to drying and cracking.
- Presence of Vitamin E allows your skin to stay rejuvenated and fresh.
- Excellent in fighting against ageing as the presence of anti-oxidants allow the reduction of free radicals responsible for signs of ageing.
- Useful in herbal and medical massage. Its ability to get absorbed easily makes it excellent as carrier oil that transfers all the herbal extracts added to it inside the body.
5. Avocado Oil:
- The avocado fruit is pressed to obtain heavy, greenish oil called the avocado oil. Due to its heaviness the oil is generally mixed with lighter oils such as almond and jojoba oils. Some benefits of avocado oil are:
- It has great healing, antibacterial and anti-wrinkle properties that help remove age spots.
- Its strong penetration effect and richness in Vitamin A, D and potassium makes it a suitable choice for the treatment of rashes, eczema and parched skin.
- Due to the presence of Vitamins A, B1 and B2, it has great regenerative and restructuring properties. Along with panthothenic acid it acts as a great moisturizer and elasticizes the skin.
- Despite its heaviness, the presence of lecithin and phytosterols allows it to be absorbed quickly, making it ideal for massages.
- It stimulates collagen metabolism which greatly improves cell regeneration.
While most massage oils are natural and do not cause any allergies, a few may have hyper sensitivity issues. It is important to look out for any allergic symptoms. If you see any side effects, discontinue using the oil right away. If symptoms persist visit a medical practitioner.
Massaging with natural oils works great for the body as well as the mind. Apart from soothing your tired bones and muscles and helping you relax, it also promotes sleep, boosts the immune system and gives your skin a radiant glow!