Home-Made Massage Oils

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
June 2, 2000

      Trained massage therapists can use a variety of muscle manipulation techniques during a massage to achieve a desired effect, whether it be to promote relaxation, the healing of an injury or muscle stimulation. Depending on the types of therapeutic plant extracts it contains, a natural massage oil can penetrate the skin and underlying tissue to add dimension to the massage session and enhance the experience. Infused oils, such as St. John's wort and calendula, are helpful for healing wounds or cracked skin. Essential oils are particularly beneficial during a massage.
      For example, rosemary essential oil improves blood flow and circulation; geranium oil relaxes the body and mind, easing pain and tension.

Watch for Quality
      Always use cold-pressed plant oils as a base for massage oils. They help you make the most of a massage. On the other hand, mineral oil - such as baby oil - does not penetrate well into the skin and can even impair absorption of the healing components contained in essential oils.

Application
      A relaxing bath followed by a whole-body massage is an effective therapeutic treatment. Add selected essential oils to a base oil that is appropriate for your skin type. After you dry off, massage the oil gently into your skin using circular movements.

Sweet-almond oil
      This delicate oil is pressed from sweet almonds. It is not too greasy and is appropriate for every skin type. It makes the skin soft and increases the elasticity of the skin surface. Sweet-almond oil is also used as a conditioner for dry hair to treat and nourish the scalp.

Grapeseed oil
      Grapeseed oil is thin-bodied and is one of the lightest oils. It is clear in color and has hardly any odor. Its thin consistency allows it to penetrate rapidly into the skin, quickly transporting healing components into skin tissue. Grapeseed oil is particularly good for mixed skin types, as well as greasy skin with blemishes or acne.

Jojoba oil
      Jojoba oil is pressed from the nutlike seed of the jojoba bush. Because of its chemical structure, it solidifies into a wax at 45°F. Appropriate for sensitive skin, jojoba oil is highly penetrative and adds extra fluidity to a massage blend. Because it is expensive, you may want to blend it with other quality base oils.

Sesame oil
      This delightful, medium-bodied, golden oil is pressed from the sesame seed. It's good for all skin types, especially normal-to-dry skin, and is used for psoriasis, eczema and arthritis.

Money-Saver
      Natural plant oils keep only for a limited time. Therefore, mix base oils with essential oils only in small quantities, and then be sure to store prepared massage oils in a cool place, in dark bottles. They'll keep for approximately 6 months.

Base Oils
      When making massage oils, use a base oil that is appropriate for your skin type (below). Then add any desired essential oils. Shake the massage oil before each use to mix it.

For Dry Skin


For Oily Skin
Massage Oils

For sore muscles
For stress and exhaustion
To stimulate the senses