Tuesday, March 5, 2013

7 Oils for Massage Therapy


Massage oils are important in massage therapy. There are even more types of massage lubrication's than there are massage techniques and each type of lubrication is different. Essential lubrication's are usually mixed with regular massage lubrication for aromatherapy, even though they can be used alone for massage purposes.

Each type of lubrication performs unique functions and the choice of massage lubrication would depend on the preference of the massage specialist or what results the specialist is after. Below are some favorites with massage specialists.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a lubrication which is similar to the type of lubrication found in the human body. Jojoba oil is quite friendly to the skin and does not cause irritation. It works particularly for sensitive skin that is prone to blemishing and acne and is a great moisturizer. It has a light and pleasant aroma making it a first choice and also as carrier lubrication it can be mixed with an essential oil for aromatherapy.

Almond Oil

The softening and relaxing properties of almond oil are ideal because they can help the skin regain a balance of moisture, even in the driest of times. Almond oil has a light, sweet smell. It is a favorite with massage specialists as it spreads easily across the skin during massage sessions.

Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is used for inflammation of the skin. It contains fatty acids and is used to revitalize dehydrated skin. It is a lubrication that is rich in properties and works on both young and mature skin. It is a favorite for facial massages.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is great for the skin and is used in detoxification. It is also used to alleviate conditions like extreme dryness of the skin and poor circulation. Although it does not enjoy the popularity enjoyed by almond or jojoba oils, sesame oil is used for holistic practices and is used to calm anxiety. It is a thick lubrication and can leave the skin feeling greasy after a massage. To eliminate this uncomfortable aspect, it is best to mix sesame oil with another lighter massage lubrication, using the sesame in little portions.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is a massage lubrication that is really light. It is referred to as fractionated coconut oil because only a fraction of the actual coconut oil is actually contained in this lubrication.

Fractionated coconut oil cheaper than many other lubrication's and has a long shelf life like jojoba. The major advantage of fractionated coconut oil is that is does not really stain the sheets, which is an issue with a lot of massage lubrication's. Perhaps this is what adds to mark fractionated coconut oil as the preferred lubrication amongst massage specialists.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is non greasy, light and doesn't leave the skin oily. The oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is rich in essential acids that make up healthy skin. It works to rejuvenate the linoleic acid in the skin which declines with age. However, if there is a sunflower allergy in the medical history of a client, it should be avoided.

Avocado Oil

The Avocado oil is an extract from the avocado fruit. It is a deep green in color. Because of the heavy nature of the oil, it is usually combined with lighter lubrication's such as sweet almond oil. Avocado oil is quite expensive and those who are sensitive to latex might be sensitive to avocado oil.

These lubrication's will work very well in any massage technique from deep tissue massage to hot stone massages.

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