How to Understand Massage Oils

Co-authored by Marty Morales

Last Updated: January 30, 2024 Approved

When you first start out learning about massage oils, it can seem a little daunting. However, it isn't as hard as it seems to learn the basics and to quickly come up to scratch on the use and properties of such oils. This basic guide for beginners seeks to assist you as you become more proficient in massage therapy.

Steps

Download Article

The main purpose of massage oils is to lubricate the skin to reduce friction while performing a massage. This helps give a smooth glide and easy workability to the skin surface. Some of the secondary benefits include nourishing the skin and acting as a "base", or "carrier" oil for aromatherapy essential oils.
2
The different attributes we can compare are how the oil spreads, how easily it is absorbed, its nourishing and moisturizing properties and the smell. Other factors to consider are the cost, the ease of cleaning, and the way it is processed. Generally speaking, the best oil will be extra virgin cold pressed, as this process maintains the highest level of purity while retaining most of the natural nutrients.
- Try to use food-grade organic oils, since your skin will be absorbing them into your bloodstream. ^{[1]
  X
  Research source
  [v161216_b01]. 10 December 2019.}
Advertisement
3
Select the oil suited to your needs and budget. There are several basic oils that are most popular for massage:
- Almond oil : probably the most widely used massage oil is sweet almond oil. It spreads easily, and is very nourishing to the skin. It also serves as an excellent carrier oil because the smell is not too overpowering. It can be found in most health food stores and body shops, and is reasonably priced.
- Grapeseed oil : Another popular oil is grape seed. It is easily absorbed by the skin but does not leave a “greasy” feeling after application. It is not as common as sweet almond and is usually a bit more expensive.
- Sunflower oil : Sunflower oil is a low cost alternative and can usually be found at your local grocery store. It spreads easily and is a good carrier oil, but can feel a little greasy afterwards. Another thing to consider is that the majority of sunflower oils are heat pressed and have a very short shelf life.
- You can even use sesame or coconut oil. ^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marty Morales
  Professional Massage Therapist
  
  Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.}
- Some people prefer to use shea butter. ^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marty Morales
  Professional Massage Therapist
  
  Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.}
4
Other base oils have certain properties that can help specific conditions like dry skin, premature aging or eczema. These can be added in varying proportions to the primary oil and some examples include olive oil, wheat germ, and jojoba.
- Jojoba oil is a great oil to use. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source
  [v161216_b01]. 10 December 2019.}
5
Aromatherapy essential oils differ from the base oils in several ways.
- These are highly concentrated “essences” derived from various plant and fruit sources which have profound effects on the systems of the body.
6
Try the most popular aromatherapy oils. There many essential oils to choose from, each with specific properties that affect the body differently. Here are some of the most popular oils whose effects are beneficial to massage and relaxation:
- Lavender oil : Lavender is probably the most well known and widely used of all the essential oils. ^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marty Morales
  Professional Massage Therapist
  
  Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.} Not only does it have a calming effect on the mind, it is also an antiseptic and is one of the two oils that you can apply directly to the skin in cases of burns or stings to ease the pain. You can find lavender oil in almost any health food store, as well in many cosmetic shops and other skin care centres. ^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- Ylang Ylang : Ylang Ylang might possibly be the most useful essential oil for doing massage. Its properties include a sedating effect on the nervous system which helps with relaxation, while stimulating blood circulation and the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. It is also perfect for all skin types as it helps dry skin conditions as well as oily skin and acne. ^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Tea tree oil : Tea tree oil is the only other essential oil you can apply undiluted to areas of the skin as an antiseptic as well as an anti-inflammatory. When used in massage, it helps promote healing to damaged skin while supporting healthy functioning of the respiratory system. ^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Eucalyptus oil : Finally, eucalyptus oil is also one of the more commonly used essential oils for massage because of its anti inflammatory properties that help treat muscle cramps, spasms and sprains. It also helps with skin problems and even has the ability to prevent and heal scar tissue. Add all this to its ability to help open blocked nasal passages and stimulate the senses, and you have a versatile oil that helps on many levels. ^{[9]
  X
  Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Which essential oils can I add to my massage oil?

Janice Tieperman

Community Answer

Eucalyptus oil is very calming and can help open up the sinuses, and chamomile is great for relaxation. Also, orange is a good essential oil for mood enhancing and calming.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

How do I warm up my massage oil?

Janice Tieperman

Community Answer

Put your oil in a little glass bottle, and then put that glass bottle into a container of hot water. This keeps the oil warm all the time, which makes it nice and soothing.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Which oil is good if I have dry skin?

Janice Tieperman

Community Answer

For people who have dry skin, use a nice, heavy oil like sesame or avocado.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Some essential oils have side-effects and some should not be used on certain people, such as pregnant or nursing women, people taking medications and children. Always be aware of the contra-indications and any personal conditions or conditions of the person you are massaging.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

Expert Source

Marty Morales
Professional Massage Therapist

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

Log in

How to Understand Massage Oils

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories