Top Massage Oils for use in Therapeutic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage.
There are many different types of massage oils available; it’s up to personal preferences and or allergies. People generally will always tell you if they have a nut allergy, in which case I would not even use coconut oil to be on the safe side. The client usually supplies their own suitable massage oil or use Melrose H20 water dispersible oil usually found in 1 litre bottles.
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Coconut Oil
Although you may think of coconut oil as a white solid oil, however when warmed coconut oil is actually a light, non-greasy, liquid oil. It’s my personal favourite and made in fresh batches per client. Add some citrus essential oil or your favourite blend and you have a very healthy desirable massage blend that is organic and good for the skin. It’s by far one of the most affordable options.
Melrose makes an organic and Unrefined Coconut Oil; this pure unrefined coconut retains all the aroma of coconut. A solid at temperatures below 20C, warmed it is a clear high glide oil with great stability. Melrose also supplies “MCT- medium chain triglycerides which is fractionated coconut oil – a light, non-greasy, liquid oil. It is called fractionated coconut oil because it contains only a fraction of the whole oil. The long-chain triglycerides have been removed, leaving only the medium-chain triglyceride
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Melrose H2O Water Dispersible Massage Oil
Melrose was first in Australia, and maybe the world, to develop the water dispersible concept that has become the most popular massage oil type. Water dispersible oils are popular because they not only increase the life of towels considerably, but also reduce the possibility of towels catching fire in the dryer.
You can test the dispersability of H2Oil® by adding a few drops to a glass of warm water and shake – it will turn white – it emulsifies the oil. Adding normal washing powder to the wash removes the massage oil from the towel.
Ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Coconut Glycerides – from Coconut oil, Polysorbate 85 and Vitamin E. (Does not contain nut oils)
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Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular massage oils among massage therapists. Extracted from almonds, sweet almond oil is pale yellow in colour.
It is slightly oily, which allows hands to glide easily over skin. Sweet almond oil is absorbed fairly quickly, but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it. Sweet almond oil is a classic base oil for many therapists, it contains 100% Sweet Almond oil. It is Non allergenic so it usually does not irritate skin. How-ever people with nut allergies are probably best advised to avoid using almond oil, or to try a patch test first.
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Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is similar in texture and colour to almond oil, but costs slightly more. It is rich in vitamin E, a quality that gives it a longer shelf life than the typical oil. It has a very light texture makes it very suitable as a facial oil, especially for sensitive, inflamed, dry or mature skin. Deeply nourishing and a useful source of Vitamin A and essential fatty acids. Like almond oil, apricot kernel oil is absorbed into the skin, so it won’t leave people feeling greasy afterwards. This property also makes it a good oil to use for aromatherapy massage. Apricot kernel oil is a good alternative to sweet almond oil for people with nut allergies.
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Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is actually a wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. Jojoba is a good option for most people prone to back acne because it is thought to have antibacterial properties. Jojoba has a very long shelf life, so it’s a good choice if you don’t use it regularly. It is very well-absorbed, which makes it a favourite carrier oil for aromatherapy. Jojoba is usually not irritating to skin.
Other Massage Oils include
AVOCADO OIL
Avocado oil is pressed from the avocado fruit. Deep green in colour, avocado oil is a heavier oil and is usually mixed with lighter massage oils such as sweet almond oil. People who are sensitive to latex may be sensitive to avocado oil so I recommend to try a patch test.
COCOA BUTTER
Cocoa butter is very rich and has a distinct chocolate aroma. It is solid at room temperature and has a heavy texture, so it needs to be blended with other oils or used only for very small areas. Most often this ingredient is used in balms and ointments blended with waxes for a massage balm which requires a bit more grip.
GRAPESEED OIL
In many respects, grapeseed oil makes a great massage oil. It has little-to-no odour, and it has a smooth, silky texture without being greasy.
However, most grapeseed oil is extracted from grape seeds using a solvent (rather than being pressed from the seeds), which some aroma therapists say make it an inferior oil for aromatherapy massage.
OLIVE OIL
Most people are familiar with olive oil as a cooking oil, but it is occasionally used for massage. It is a heavy oil with a greasy or sticky texture and recognizable aroma that many associate with cooking, so it’s usually not used on its own for massage.
SESAME OIL
Sesame oil is a rather thick oil that may leave skin feeling oily, so it can be blended with lighter massage oils. The unrefined oil has a strong aroma.
SHEA BUTTER
Extracted from the seeds of a tree native to Africa, shea butter is a solid at room temperature. Like cocoa butter, shea butter is heavy and can leave an oily feeling on skin, so it is usually not used on its own for massage. It may be blended or used for very small areas. Most often this is used in balms and ointments. Shea contains a natural latex, so people with latex allergies should do a patch test before using it.
WHEAT GERM OIL
Wheat germ oil is too thick to use on its own as a massage oil, but it can be blended with lighter oils. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E.
Note: Sometimes instead of massage oil, massage therapists may use specially-formulated massage gels and massage balms depending upon the style of massage, i.e. deep tissue, and whether they are after more grip or glide from the massage oil
I also use essential oils to create MY own special massage blend.
I also recommend blended creams such as the ZEN spray and Fisciocrem Solugel. Both are a natural Solution for Muscle and Joint Pain.
Most of these oils and liniments can bought at your local Chemist Warehouse or Health Foods Shop.