Massage Oils and Their Uses

Massage therapy techniques vary substantially, based upon the problem that is to be addressed, and the massage tools and massage equipment used by the therapist. A masseur may also use different massage oils while performing a massage. It would be ideal that the patient knows about these different massage therapy techniques as well as the different massage oils that may be used by the therapist. This article has been put together for that.

One of the most common massage oils is sweet almond oil. It is rich in fatty acids and vitamins and minerals and soothes and protects the skin. It is an odorless oil, with a yellow color. Whichever the form of massage therapy, it becomes easier for the therapist to work his way across the body when oil is used. When a therapist blends different massage oils, he uses sweet almond oils as a base.

An equally popular oil for oil massage is apricot kernel oil. This is also rich in vitamins and minerals and nourishes the skin. This massage oil is considered to be especially good for face, and so many masseurs use it for facial massage. One inhibiting factor in its use is its cost. Because of that, many massage therapists minimize the use of apricot kernel oil, using it in combination with other oils. Because it is a rich massage oil, some therapists use it at least for face.

Yet another good massage oil is avocado pear oil. This is rich in vitamin D and especially good for dry skin and extra sensitive skin. This massage oil can penetrate deep into the skin. Massage therapists normally blend it with other massage oils while doing massage therapy. The generally used ratio is about 10% of avocado pear oil in a mixture.

Calendula is also a much valued massage oil. While the three massage oils mentioned above are rich in vitamins and other nutrients, and nourishes the skin, calendula has got medicinal properties as well. It is a healing agent and anti-inflammatory agent so that it is effective in healing wounds, treating varicose veins, and removing scar tissue. Massage therapists use this also as part of their blend of massage oils. The normal percentage of calendula oil in a mixture will be 10%, exactly like avocado pear oil.

Evening primrose oil is yet another oil used in massage therapy. This too is medicinal in nature and is said to be effective in lessening the symptoms of heart disease and multiple sclerosis. Evening primrose oil nourishes the skin like other massage oils and therapists invariably make it a part of the massage oil blends they use. It is extra useful for women in that it can minimize pre-menstrual tensions.

There are yet other massage oils that therapists use, based on their cost and local availability. None of these massage oils contain potential allergens and so the risk factor from their usage is comparatively low. However, those with sensitive skin, or those allergic to certain smells, can tell the therapist in advance of their preferences. That would ensure that their massage therapy session does not become a fiasco due to the smell of the massage oil.