Massage oil: all the instructions

Which oil to use for a massage?

The ideal oil for massage is definitely a pure vegetable carrier, enriched with essential oil. This way, you can benefit from all the physical and aromatherapy properties of the essential oil on the body. The active ingredient molecules penetrate the dermis, and through it, pass into the circulatory system. Essential oils remain in circulation for up to 6 hours, unlike some synthetic substances which can take days to be eliminated from the body. At the same time, the pleasant scent of the plants will gently accompany you, harmonizing emotional aspects.

Where to buy massage oil

Basic vegetable oils, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba, hemp, wheat germ, and coconut, can be purchased in herbal stores or online. We recommend paying particular attention to the label to ensure that the product is pure and does not contain synthetic additives or preservatives that alter its composition. Most oils found in large retail stores are flavored with synthetic compounds or diluted. Therefore, more specialized stores are preferable. Another important element when buying an oil or vegetable butter is its preservation: some raw materials, precisely because they are completely natural, tend to go rancid if treated incorrectly or if not packaged expertly. Essential oils are effectively natural preservatives: their antiseptic properties reduce or eliminate bacterial growth that could develop over time, significantly extending the product's life.

How to warm massage oil

We recommend gently warming massage oil, working at low temperatures and not in direct contact with the heat source. You can choose to do this in a bain-marie, reaching a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, which allows for safe use. There are also professional "oil warmers" that, after reaching the ideal temperature, maintain it constantly during the massage.

How much does massage oil cost?

Vegetable oils have different prices depending on the quality and yield of the plant from which they are extracted: almond oil will certainly be less expensive than wheat germ or avocado oil. To reduce waste, it can be useful to choose packaging with a dispenser cap or dropper. In the case of authentic and natural raw materials, price is always an excellent indicator: a quality carrier oil cannot compete with the prices of partially synthetic products often found on supermarket shelves. From this point of view, the internet offers the possibility of getting an overview of the prices of your trusted brands in a few minutes before making a purchase.

For cellulite

Massage is an extremely healthy practice for moving toxin deposits, encouraging circulation, and draining excess fluids that cause the so-called "orange peel" skin. For this purpose, a not-too-viscous vegetable oil such as almond oil is recommended. The active ingredients of some essential oils work incisively on circulation and drainage; let's look at a few:

Grapefruit: promotes microcirculation, improves venous and lymphatic stasis;

Rosemary: ideal for combating cellulite or localized adiposity, due to its lipolytic action (dissolves fats), stimulating peripheral circulation, and draining effect on the lymphatic system;

Juniper: is particularly indicated for stimulating diuresis and in cases of cystitis, edema, lymphatic stasis, water retention, cellulite;

Lemon: toning, strengthens blood vessels, stimulating both lymphatic and venous circulation. Purifying, it also acts on hepatic toxins, stimulating liver and pancreas function;

Cypress: effective support for circulatory problems, it is astringent, antispasmodic, and toning for venous circulation. Particularly indicated in cases of venous dilation and fragile capillaries. It also has a draining and purifying action on toxins.

Another fundamental ingredient for your anti-cellulite massage oil will be consistency: use the mixture you created twice a day and dedicate five minutes to working the affected area until it is absorbed: one day you will thank yourself.

Facial massage

Oil penetrates the skin more deeply than most – if not all – creams. For real hydration, it is therefore recommended to use a few drops of vegetable oil, which in a few seconds will penetrate down to the dermis, the deepest layer of the epidermis.

A few drops of essential oil will make a facial massage more effective in terms of elasticity, tone, firmness, and skin cleansing.

Which essential oils to use for wonderful skin? Rose, Frankincense, Myrrh, Lemon, Lavender, Neroli, Vetiver, Patchouli, Geranium, Blue Chamomile.

Breast massage

Actively working on the consistency and tone of your breasts is possible, even without too many pectorals (but some do!). A very useful tool is cold water, which contracts tissues: during a shower, wet the breast in a circular motion, as well as the external muscle band that connects it to the armpit. Once finished, massage the area with your preferred carrier oil, enriched with essential oils of Fennel, Geranium, Lemongrass, Sage, Cypress, or Spearmint.

A recipe: 30 ml of vegetable oil, 12 drops of Fennel, 5 drops of Geranium, 10 drops of Lemongrass, 3 drops of Spearmint

Firming massage

A firming massage requires one or more lipolytic and diuretic essential oils, capable of encouraging the reduction of body fat accumulation. Essential oils, along with a good diet and healthy sports practice, will ensure good shape and toned skin. For an aromatic bath or a massage to help tone and firm the skin, choose Grapefruit, Frankincense, Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, Lemongrass, Petit Grain, Cypress, Juniper.

Foot massage

A foot massage is one of the most useful and pleasant treats you can receive at home. Making it a habit significantly improves stress levels, while also aiding circulation. In your vegetable oil, you can use the following essential oils:

Chamomile, Fennel, and Lavender for tired and swollen feet at the end of the day,

Refreshing and circulatory Peppermint, ideal before and after sports activity

Geranium to make the skin more elastic and resistant, preventing blisters from forming.

Pain-relieving massage

When you have aching joints and muscles, everything seems more difficult. The solution to these problems is often closer than it seems: a massage with warm oil to which a few drops of Spike Lavender are added can relax and soothe painful areas within a few minutes. Worth trying.

Relaxing massage

A relaxing massage is essential, both for muscular overexertion after sports activity and for mental fatigue. When energy levels drop and you feel powerless, the topical application of some essential oils immediately puts you back on track. Cypress, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Thyme, and Grapefruit stimulate vitality and relieve stress. These are circulatory essential oils that reactivate blood flow to the muscles. A tip? If you're feeling exhausted, try massaging a few drops of diluted essential oil behind your kidneys, on the lumbar region.

Couple's massage

There's no better way to cultivate intimacy than with small pampering and attention. A couple's massage is a precious moment to get to know each other better and listen. Use diluted aphrodisiac essential oils, which work on an emotional level to release blocks and inhibitions, facilitating openness towards each other.

For her: Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Cinnamon

For him: Rosemary, Ginger, Vetiver, Patchouli, Scots Pine

Massage during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful time of life, but also very challenging when it comes to body perception. Often, women suffer from swelling in the lower limbs, fear stretch marks, and cannot use numerous products that were part of their daily routine until recently – including many essential oils. However, there are many completely natural raw materials that prove to be great allies: to vegetable oils – Almond, Jojoba, Coconut, Wheat Germ – a few ml of Red Mandarin, Chamomile, and Lavender can be added.

Red Mandarin: is the essential oil of childhood, sweet and cheerful. Due to its skin toning properties, it can be used for a relaxing massage on the belly, to prevent stretch marks. It combats insomnia and induces a deep state of calm.

Chamomile: is the plant most associated with the sense of motherhood, relaxing and comforting, bringing back the sense of security of a maternal embrace. It can be used during this period to calm anxieties and fears, as well as their related somatizations.

Lavender: gives a sense of clarity and inner cleanliness that makes one more stable and balanced. During pregnancy, when many medications cannot be taken, it can be used – with medical advice – for burns and inflammations, as well as in fumi baths and inhalations for respiratory system ailments.

Mandarin massage

Mandarin essential oil improves lymphatic and blood circulation and facilitates the reabsorption of excess fluids: it is one of the best essential oils for combating cellulite and water retention – both through massages and within aromatic baths. It is extremely useful on the lower limbs and abdomen – always diluted in vegetable oil – to eliminate swelling and reactivate microcirculation.

Sandalwood massage

Do you love woody, deep, and meditative notes, and would you like to experience a Sandalwood massage at home? Indian Sandalwood is a plant at risk of extinction. We recommend replacing it with another precious wood such as Atlantic Cedar, which also provides great benefits for the skin and circulatory system.

Rosemary massage

A massage with Rosemary recharges your energy like a dip in fresh water. This aromatic plant is a concentrate of strength, surviving on rocky, wind- and sun-beaten terrains. It restores the vigor and vitality of a warrior, and can put us back on track whenever we feel low. Rosemary is also one of the plants that works best on circulation: use it consistently and you will see a noticeable change, particularly on the lower limbs.

Coconut massage

Coconut oil is obtained by pressing the dried pulp of the nut. Thanks to its soothing properties, it is ideal for treating dry or reddened skin. Among the many benefits of this vegetable oil are slightly antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, due to the lauric acid it contains. When to choose it as a carrier oil? The best time to choose coconut oil is probably summer, when it is in liquid form: it is easier to use and mix with essential oils. Its natural scent makes it extremely pleasant on hair ends at the beach, where it protects hair from sun and saltiness.

Chocolate massage

Are you sure you want to experience a chocolate massage? Very often this playful ritual turns out to be disappointing compared to expectations. The risk is ending up dirty and sticky and not wanting to do anything but take a shower! If you want a massage with sweet notes, reminiscent of exotic delights and the softness of a dessert, we recommend adding a few ml of Vanilla essential oil to the vegetable oil... the result will be extremely pleasant. Vanilla goes straight to the heart, giving a sense of contentment and openness, an aphrodisiac par excellence, it is one of the perfect essential oils for a sensual massage.

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