| If massage sounds like a pampered form of | | | | oil blend is that scent. There's never any |
| healing, that's because it is. Massage therapy | | | | guarantee unless you read the ingredients. |
| remains one of the best ways to maintain your | | | | The most common essential oils used in massage |
| muscle tone and to release muscle tension, | | | | therapy and their benefits include: |
| increase blood and lymph circulation, remove | | | | Rosemary |
| toxins like lactic acid and other cellular waste and | | | | Essential oil of rosemary acts as a physical and a |
| generally induces relaxation and emotional | | | | mental stimulant, making it perfect for use in |
| well-being. The benefits of massage can actually | | | | massage therapy. It helps treat a variety of |
| strengthen your resistance to common illnesses, | | | | muscular conditions, working away aches and |
| and the massage creams and oils used in this | | | | pains from the push and pull of daily life as well as |
| type of therapy, only enhance the benefits. There | | | | the more painful symptoms of arthritis and |
| are many common massage oils used during | | | | rheumatism. As an aromatherapy massage oil, it is |
| massage therapy. | | | | also said to aid depression, fatigue, memory loss |
| Common Massage Therapy Carrier Oils | | | | and migraines. For the skin, rosemary oil acts as |
| There are two basic types of oil: a carrier oil and | | | | an astringent that helps clear up acne and treats |
| an essential oil. The carrier oil is the oil that makes | | | | cellulite. |
| up most of the massage blend and doesn't have | | | | Lavender |
| a scent of its own. Its main purpose is to deliver | | | | Not only is lavender a steadfast favorite because |
| the essential oil in a diluted way, so that the | | | | of its lovely scent, it is also very effective as a |
| concentrated essential oil doesn't cause skin | | | | massage body oil for its healing properties. |
| irritation. Many carrier oils have their own | | | | Lavender oil actually stimulates wounds, helping |
| therapeutic qualities. | | | | them to heal more quickly and prevent scarring. |
| Most carrier oils are created from vegetables, | | | | While you're relaxing in the soft scent of lavender, |
| nuts or seeds. Some are actually created from | | | | your mind is also being treated to the oil's |
| herbs. The five most common carrier oils and | | | | antidepressant qualities. |
| their benefits include: | | | | Eucalyptus |
| - Sweet almond oil - This carrier oil is bursting with | | | | The essential oil of eucalyptus is an extraordinary |
| protein, helping to relieve dryness and skin | | | | thing. In the summer, it helps cool the body, while |
| irritation. | | | | it protects the body from chill and windburn during |
| - Apricot kernel - A very light carrier oil that is a | | | | the winter. As a massage oil ingredient, it's prized |
| good skin healer. | | | | because it helps reduce the inflammation of |
| - Avocado oil - Rich in vitamins A, B and C, the | | | | muscle strain, acts as a skin antiseptic and is even |
| benefits of this oil are actually absorbed through | | | | deodorizing. You'll be far less attractive to |
| the skin into your body. | | | | mosquitoes when you have eucalyptus oil on |
| - Grapeseed oil - Another light carrier oil and | | | | because it's a natural insect repellent. |
| friendly with all skin types. | | | | Peppermint |
| - Wheat germ oil - Often used in anti-aging | | | | Peppermint's health-promoting qualities have made |
| products, this oil acts as a preservative due to its | | | | it popular amongst a variety of cultures including |
| high vitamin E content. | | | | the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and American |
| As a safety precaution, keep in mind that it is | | | | Indians. Peppermint oil aids circulation and acts as |
| never safe to apply essential oil directly to the | | | | an anti-inflammatory, as well as an antiseptic that |
| skin. Carrier oils, such as these, are vital in keeping | | | | eases skin problems like acne and eczema. |
| your massage healthy and irritation free. | | | | Roman Chamomile |
| Common Massage Therapy Essential Oils | | | | There are many types of chamomile, but it is |
| One of the little-known secrets about massage | | | | roman chamomile that usually finds its way into |
| therapy, and the oils it uses, is that the tissues in | | | | massage therapy because it is such a calming |
| your body, especially those that ache when you | | | | ingredient. Chamomile treats nervous conditions |
| have a sore back, benefit just as much from the | | | | and insomnia, and it's a powerful antiseptic and |
| essential oils as they do from the massage itself. | | | | disinfectant. Looking at the skin alone, this oil aids |
| Of course, it always feels nicer to apply the | | | | in the healing of sunburns, psoriasis, eczema and |
| massage oils as they're intended - with someone | | | | relieves sprains and strains. |
| else's warm hands doing the rubbing - but applying | | | | Remember that you'll generally find a combination |
| a small amount of massage oil to your own aching | | | | of essential oils that make up the blend used for |
| muscles can also help. | | | | your massage therapy. If in doubt, just ask a |
| Most of the time, professional massage oil blends | | | | reputable massage therapist who will answer any |
| use a variety of essential oils in the mix. If you're | | | | questions you might have about the ingredients |
| able to smell one scent above any other (like | | | | and their properties. |
| rose), you can assume that most of the essential | | | | |