Yes, a massage oil is important since it not only sets the mood of the massage, some oils also contain healing and therapeutic properties that may benefit you.  It is also useful to know which massage oil has the tendency to give you a greasy feeling, as well as the oils that quickly turn rancid and oils that can irritate the skin and cause rashes.

Usually, when people create a massage oil, what they do is choose a base or carrier oil and an essential oil.   A few drops of the more expensive essential oil is added to the carrier oil.  This way, the oil used in the body is not too concentrated and will only deliver the right amount of substances that our bodies needs.  Essential oils, by themselves, may prove to be too overpowering and concentrated.

With that, here are some base oils that you can look into when choosing a massage oil.

Apricot Kernel Oil.  This is generously infused with vitamin E, giving it skin moisturizing and anti-oxidant fighting abilities.  The vitamin E also helps to make sure that the oil does not quickly go rancid.  This is also slightly more expensive than the other base oils.  Another good thing about this massage oil is that it feels good on the skin and is not greasy.  People who suffer from allergies to nuts can have this.

Sweet Almond Oil.  This is a sweet-smelling oil that acts as an excellent carrier oil.  The skin absorbs the oil quickly and will not give you a greasy feeling afterward.  It is also very gently to the skin.  However, this may not be suitable for those who are allergic to nuts.

Fractionated Coconut Oil.  This kind of oil is light and feels fresh.  It also has a long shelf0life and is actually quite affordable.  It also has the added benefit of softening the skin and removing dry scales that the skin may have.

Jojoba Oil. This kind of oil is a favorite not just for massage oils but also for other skin and hair care products.  It is actually not an oil but a wax.  The skin absorbs this oil fairly quickly so that you may need to reapply more of the oil during the massage.  But it is silky and smooth and can soften the skin effectively.

Avocado Oil.  Because this is more expensive and heavier in texture, you can mix avocado oil with a lighter massage oil.  Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and has excellent anti-oxidant properties.  However, those who are sensitive to latex may be uncomfortable using this oil.

Sunflower Oil.   Light and fragrant, this oil is great for aged skin since it helps to moisturize and stimulate the production of essential fatty acids in the skin. It is also rich in vitamin E.  The drawback with sunflower oil is that it has the tendency to go rancid faster than the other oils, so if you want this oil, buy a little at a time.

Olive Oil.  Another great massage oil would be olive oil.  Yes, this is not used just for salads and pasta, you can use this on your skin as well.   Olive oil, however, is heavy, so it needs to be mixed with a lighter oil.

Grapeseed Oil.  Odorless and light, this glides smoothly on the skin and leaves it with a satiny feel.   This is infused with the essential fatty acid called linoleic acid.  It helps in the restructuring and regeneration of the skin.  It also helps to keep the skin moisturized.

Cocoa Butter.  This is a rich and luxurious alternative.  It does have a heavy texture and may need the addition of other lighter oils.

Shea Butter.  Similar to cocoa butter, this is also rich and luxurious and may also need the addition of lighter oils.  On its own, it does work well with the skin, but it is on the heavy side and may feel oily.

Sesame Oil.   This oil should be blended with lighter oil to have a better consistency that is suitable for massage.  However, ayurvedic massage makes use of this since it not only relaxes during massage, it can also help with problems such as dry skin, bloating, anxiety, constipation and poor blood circulation.

Whew!  This is quite a list.  But actually there is more!  There are plenty of massage oils to choose from.  All you have to do is maybe try a few and see which massage oil works best for you.

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.