Massage Essential Oils
by nicesmile79 on September 22nd, 2009
filed under Massage Oils
Essential oils are oil extracts of aromatic plants and are used for many applications – massage oils, candles, perfumes, shampoo, and other beauty and health products. Essential oils have varying uses – to uplift, heal and relax.
There are actually over a hundred different kinds of essential oils. Here is just a short list
Apricot oil This oil nourishes the skin, moisturizing it and invigorating it so that dry and tired skin is revitalized. Apricot massage oil is also helpful in relieving inflammations and irritations.
Avocado Oil This oil can be used by itself or mixed with grape seed oil or almond oil. It is helpful for those who have skin problems such as psoriasis, sun damage or eczema. It is an effective moisturizer that nourishes the skin, softening it and giving it new life.
Cocoa butter This is very sensual and rich, with chocolate undertones. Yummy! It is used to moisturize and treat dryness and stretch markets.
Grape seed oil Infused with linoleic acid, Vitamin E, minerals and other proteins, grape seed oil is another great moisturizer. The linoleic acid regenerates our cell membranes and skin. You can use grape seed oil by itself or blend it with a carrier massage oil.
Jojoba oil Ho! Ho! Ho! For hohoba (as jojoba is pronounced). This is a popular moisturizer and can be readily seen as an ingredient for facial creams and shampoos. It can keep acne in check and works well with all kinds of skin.
Hazelnut oil Another excellent moisturizer, this one tightens the skin and keeps it toned and refreshed. It also promoted the regeneration of cells and the strengthening of the capillaries.
Sesame oil This essential oil is used extensively in Ayurveda massage, as it can detoxify and nourish the skin. It also relieves one of constipation, poor circulation, bloating, anxiety and dryness. It is best to blend this massage oil with a carrier oil as it is a thick oil which gives off a strong aroma and a greasy feeling when used on its own
Shea butter This oil has similar properties as cocoa butter and is composed of the natural fat from the shea tree’s fruit. It is an excellent emollient and moisturizer and is effective in treating acne, dry skin, dark spots, pigmentations, burns, scars, eczema, and wrinkles. It softens the skin and strengthens the hair. It is absorbed quickly by the skin.
Wheat germ oil This massage oil is particularly rich with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It relieves and renews mature skin, making it look younger and tighter. It is used to treat stretch marks and scars.
Do-It-Yourself Massage Oil
by nicesmile79 on September 21st, 2009
filed under Massage Oils
Do you have a hankering for a massage in the privacy of your home? Do you want an effective massage oil but think that the ones available in the market don’t give you what you want or are just too expensive? Well, the good news is, you can actually make your own massage oil. With the right ingredients, putting together your personalized massage oil is as easy as ABC.
First, let us look at the basics. You will need essential oils and carrier oils for starters. Essential oils are concentrated liquids that are extracted from plants. These bear distinctive scents and healing qualities. However, it should be used sparingly, as it is highly concentrated. What you do is to mix it with a carrier oil so that you can make the most out of the essential oil.
Essential oils have a tendency to evaporate quickly. The carrier oils dilute the essential oils to prevent evaporation and also to help the skin absorb the massage oils. There are quite a number of essential oils and carrier oils you can choose from. Just some 8 drops of essential oil mixed with 6 teaspoons of carrier oil, blend thoroughly and voila! You have your very own massage oil. It is important to keep the right proportion. Never increase the amount of essential oil. Some of these are toxic when used improperly.
Some of the recommended essential oils include sesame oil, fractionated coconut oil, sunflower oil, St. John’s Wort and cocoa butter. You can also look into blending in some flower essences like chamomile flower or lavender flower essence.
Use a glass or plastic container to mix the oils. Close the lid tightly and then shake the container. Be sure to blend the oils completely. Then, carefully pour the mixture into smaller bottles or squeeze pumps for easy use. Then store the unused essential and carrier oils properly. The best way to store your oils is to place it in dark blue or dark brown colored glass bottles. This ensures a longer shelf life. Keep the cap screwed tightly and put these bottles in a place out of reach of children.
When touching essential oils, handle with care and keep away from your eyes. If it does come into contact with your eyes, put a few drops of sweet almond oil on the affected area. And essential oils are never to be drank or applied directly to the skin. When using the massage oil, place a few drops of it onto your palm and warm it up before you apply it to your skin.
Relaxing Massage Oils
by nicesmile79 on September 21st, 2009
filed under Massage Oils
There are different kinds of massages – ayurvedic massage, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, aromatherapy. The list goes on and on. These feature different techniques of kneading, gliding and rubbing. However, one thing these massage techniques have in common is that they make use of massage oils.
It is important to apply massage oils when doing your treatment, as these serve as lubricants to facilitate the movement of the hands and other massage implements over the skin. But massage oils also work together with the massage to give a sense of relaxation and peace. These massage oils are made from extracts of medicinal plants that also heal, moisturize, and nourish the skin – the largest organ in your body. And, depending on the kind of massage oil you choose, you can enjoy additional benefits such as relief for muscle aches and pains, smoother skin, a relaxed or alert mind.
Here are some of the massage oils that you can use to relax. These can be blended or used by themselves.
Cedarwood Massage Oil The smell is reminiscent of pencils and a bit of sandalwood. It is believed to be effective by providing harmony to the senses, making you feel “balanced”. It helps to keep one calm and at peace. Not only that, it has the added benefit of being able to heal infections in the urinary tract, promote healing to the kidney and bladder, as well as rid the respiratory system of phlegm.
Chamomile Massage Oil The oil has a great calming effect, especially for those who are feeling irritated and disagreeable. There are basically three kinds of chamomile – German, Roman and Moroccan. Roman chamomile is the one that effectively soothes – it does this by providing you with a more balanced nervous system. That is why chamomile is used for those who have PMS, as well as babies who need calming down. Chamomile is also useful for headaches, stress, insect bites and depression.
Sandalwood Massage Oil This oil also harmonizes the senses and is useful for helping people deal with stress, fatigue and chronic illness. Sandalwood is also beneficial to those who are suffering from urinary tract infections, cough, sore throat, asthma and bronchitis.
Lavender Massage Oil Not only does this oil smell sweet and great, it is also so calming that people put some drops of lavender and bundles of the dried leaves onto their pillow to help them fall asleep. It is a powerful antidepressant and a whiff of lavender can help to calm those frazzled nerves.
Massage Oil Popular Choices
by nicesmile79 on September 19th, 2009
filed under Massage Oils
There is nothing better than the feeling of having a thoroughly relaxing massage. It invigorates the mind and gives a sense of serenity and well-being. Much of this is thanks to the massage oil that you use. It’s key that you choose the massage oil that works best for you. You can try single oils and blended ones. There is virtually a whole collection of oils and below are some of the oils that we recommend you check out.
Sweet Almond Oil This sweet smelling massage oil glides smoothly and is easily absorbed by the skin. Extracted from the almond tree’s dried kernels, it is quite useful in soothing and softening tired skin. Its ability to help the skin absorb moisture makes it a useful moisturizer and carrier oil for other kinds of massage oils. The sweet almond oil also provides relief from muscle pain, as well as skin inflammation and irritation. It may not be for those who are allergic to nuts, though.
Apricot Kernel Oil It is smooth and fine textured and makes for a good carrier oil. It is rich in Vitamin E, as well as poly-unsaturated fatty acids. This kind of oil works great for sensitive skin, as well as mature and dry skin, especially the face. It leaves no greasy feelings since it easily gets absorbed by the skin. Although this is a bit more expensive than sweet almond oil, it certainly is worth it, since it lasts longer than other oils that tend to become rancid quickly. And since it is not nut-based, it is a great alternative to almond oil for those who are allergic to nuts.
Jojoba Oil Pronounced as ho-ho-ba, it is actually a wax and not an oil. It is extracted from the jojoba seeds and is proven as an effective moisturizer. It works the same way as your skin’s sebum or oil. It works to declog your skin’s pores and cleanse your face and skin from dirt and grime that is wedged into the skin. Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient for shampoo, hair care products and skin products. However, it is more expensive but the good thing about it is that a little of this goes a long way.
Grape Seed Oil Light and quickly absorbed by the skin, it works as an excellent skin toner and is used for skin problems such as acne. It is infused with essential fatty acids that our cell membranes and skin need. Grape seed massage oil also makes a great moisturizer.
These are just four of the more popular massage oils. Do give these a try – we are sure you will appreciate what these can do for you.