The use of massage oil is not a new concept. In ancient times, Homer, Plato, Socrates referred to the use of massage oils for pain relief. In modern times, pain relief is only one reason for using massage oil. Others include the allowing the massage therapist to provide a smoothly gliding massage, nourishing the skin, and calming the nervous system.

Using pure oils for massage nourishes the skin.

In Ayurvedic massage, massage oils are used to eliminate friction and disperse heat evenly through the body. They supply nutrients to the skin and strengthen the nerve fibers that are connected to the hair follicles. Massage oils applied to the navel are said to cure dryness of the whole body, while oils applied at the junction of spine and skull are believed to calm the entire nervous system, strengthen memory and improve the eyesight.

Pure vegetable oils may be easily applied to the skin for a light, even glide and smooth deep massage. Pure cold-pressed oils are ideal for therapists looking for natural products.

Why use pure cold-pressed oil?

Mineral oils are often used for massage and as ingredients in massage oil blends. However, these are not a good choice for the professional massage therapist. First of all, mineral oils cannot be absorbed by healthy skin. They form a film on the surface of the skin that blocks pores and preventing the skin from functioning normally. They cannot nourish the skin because they contain no vitamins, and may even prevent skin from being able to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. The one benefit for mineral oil is that it does not go rancid, but this does not make up for the fact that it is generally a poor substitute for pure vegetable oils.

Pure vegetable fats and oils, on the other hand, are readily absorbed by the skin. They provide nourishment to the skin and body. Many vegetable oils also contain vitamins and essential fatty acids that can be absorbed through the skin. Unlike mineral oils, they soften the skin, while helping it to retain its own moisture more effectively.

Some recommended oils:

• Jojoba - high in vitamin E; has a long shelf life,;similar to the oils produced by the body; good anti-bacterial oil for eczema and acne
• Grapeseed - light, absorbs easily; good general-purpose oil; non-allergenic
• Sweet Almond - One of the most popular oils; naturally rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E; good for all skin types; anti-inflammatory. Not recommended for those with nut allergies
• Apricot kernel oil – reduces stress, provides balance, and good for all skin types, especially prematurely aging skin.
• Coconut oil – A thick, heavy oil that should be warmed before use. Good for cracked skin. Sometimes blended with other oils to counter heaviness.

Other recommended oils:

Arnica (Arnica Montana) is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory that is good for those who have suffer from injury, bruises, strained joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, tensive backache, concussion, stroke, heart strain and for reducing pain and bleeding after surgery. Weleda makes a good blend based on pure vegetable oils.

Emu Oil - Rich in EFAs, this oil has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, anti-aging and healing properties. It is not recommended for a full-body massage, but may be useful for burns, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions. It has anti-bacterial properties, and is hypo-allergenic and a natural non-comedogenic. This is animal fat, so it may not be appropriate for vegetarian or eco-conscious clients.

Not recommended:

• Wheat Germ Oil - rich in Vitamin E, but too thick on its own
• Olive Oil - sometimes used, but too thick and greasy to use, leaves the skin feeling sticky
• Castor oil – A thick sticky oil good for drawing out toxins and for use on scar tissue. Best used in a poultice.