A massage helps release stress, loosen tight muscles, improve circulation and take you to a deep level of relaxation. Essential oils, used since ancient times for their therapeutic properties, can enhance the benefits of massage.
To use essential oils for massage, add 15 drops per one ounce of a base oil such as sweet almond, grape seed or apricot kernel oil. You can also create a harmonizing blend by mixing different essential oils with the base oil. Essential oils have a powerful effect, so be sure you're familiar with the ones you choose.
To use essential oils for massage, add 15 drops per one ounce of a base oil such as sweet almond, grape seed or apricot kernel oil. You can also create a harmonizing blend by mixing different essential oils with the base oil. Essential oils have a powerful effect, so be sure you're familiar with the ones you choose.
Lavender
One of the most popular essential oils, lavender is a sedative and an antiseptic. In her book "Aromatherapy Massage," Clare Maxwell-Hudson recommends this calming oil for insomnia. Mix with marjoram essential oil to increase its relaxing effect or frankincense essential oil for a more soothing massage. For a minor burn, it's safe to apply lavender essential oil directly to skin.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is considered to be refreshing, uplifting and antiseptic. Because it helps relieve aches, pains and mental fatigue, lemongrass essential oil is a good choice for an after-sports rubdown. Lemongrass essential oil blends well with rose and sandalwood oils, which complement its invigorating scent.
Rose Otto
The exquisite scent of rose has long been associated with romance. It's also believed to help quicken the mind and lift the spirits. Aromatherapists recommend rose otto essential oil to help deal with depression and grief and to ease the symptoms of PMS.
Sandalwood
Often used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, sandalwood calms and cools, relieves inflammation and moisturizes dry skin. Use sandalwood in massage for anxiety and depression or to enhance meditation. Hudson suggests rubbing diluted sandalwood essential oil on the lower back to help treat urinary tract infections. Sandalwood can also help with skin problems such as acne and eczema.
Neroli
From the Seville orange tree native to Asia and popular in Spain, neroli has a calming effect that can be helpful for panic attacks and insomnia. Rub some diluted neroli essential oil on your abdomen to help ease digestive difficulties, says Hudson.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile essential oil offers calming, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Colleen K. Dodt, author of "The Essential Oils Book," recommends blending Roman chamomile with lavender oil and a base oil to help relieve headaches and sunburn.
Precautions
Avoid using essential oils when you're pregnant.
Because essential oils are so potent and can irritate skin, always mix them with a base oil for a massage.
If you notice a reaction on your skin, stop using immediately.
Because essential oils are so potent and can irritate skin, always mix them with a base oil for a massage.
If you notice a reaction on your skin, stop using immediately.