Aromatherapy Massage Oils

There are numerous varieties of aromatherapy massage oils. This is because each essential oil can be used on its own or blended with other aromatherapy massage oils known as 'carrier oils'.

Carrier oils are used as a base for aromatherapy recipes , or are mixed with other oils to spread more easily.

Aromatherapy Massage Oils - a popular selection

Jojoba Oil - Jojoba Oil (pronounced "ho-ho-ba") is a very popular carrier oil. It's smell is not as sweet as the nut oils, but is light to medium in intensity. It is not really an oil, but a wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant.

Jojoba Oil is said to have particular antibacterial properties. It is made up of long chain wax esters that are very similar to skin sebum. When applied as a massage, it acts as an emulsifier with the skin’s natural sebum and helps to unclog pores and remove impurities in the skin such as toxins.

Jojoba Oil is recognized as a treatment for controlling acne (back acne). It contains myristic acid which also has anti-inflammatory effects.

If you don't massage regularly then Jojoba Oil may well suit your purpose because it has a very long shelf life.

Sweet Almond Oil - [Latin Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus]. - Sweet Almond Oil is a favored oil with massage therapists. Extracted from pressed almonds, Sweet Almond Oil has a light, nutty aroma and is pale yellow in color. As well as a massage oil it is excellent in promoting the natural beauty of the skin. It also has healing properties as a lubricant relieving itching, inflammation and muscle pain. It has excellent natural moisturizing qualities, suitable for most skin types.

Sweet Almond Oil is quickly absorbed into your skin and because it is a little oily it is applied very easily.

Sweet Almond Oil is high in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and contains naturally occurring Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E.

If you have a nut allergy then you should not use Sweet Almond Oil

Apricot Kernel Oil - [ Latin Name: prunus armeniaca] - Apricot Kernel Oil is easily absorbed into your skin and won't leave you feeling greasy afterwards. Apricot Kernel Oil is a fine textured carrier oil, high in poly- unsaturated fatty acids and ideal for most skin types. The gentle characteristics of Apricot Kernel Oil makes it suitable for use by the elderly and is also a suitable alternative to Sweet Almond Oil for people with nut allergies. Apricot Kernel Oil has a longer shelf life than most carrier oils.

Sunflower Oil - The aroma of Sunflower oil is a sweet, slightly nutty scent. It is rich with essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, as well as palmitic acid and stearic acid. This can be particularly beneficial because the aging process reduces the amount of linoleic acid in the skin. Sunflower Oil also contains Vitamins A, D, and E. These ingredients make Sunflower Oil ideal nourishment for the skin and blended essential oils created to treat dry and damaged skin.

Absorption is not as good as other carrier oils but it is a light, non-greasy oil that won't leave your skin feeling oily.

Sunflower oil does not have a long shelf life and can go off quite quickly. This deterioration may be delayed by adding one or two capsules of pure vitamin E oil.

Fractionated Coconut Oil - [latin name: Cocos nucifera] -This oil has an unusual name. It is 'fractionated' because it contains only a fraction of the original oil. The long-chain triglycerides have been removed by steam distillation, leaving only the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) resulting in a light, non-greasy, stable, liquid oil.

Fractionated (or refined) Coconut Oil is not produced by cold pressing but by heat (steam distillation), and is usually deodorized because it's natural odor is overpowering.

Fractionated Coconut Oil will not stain towels and sheets and has a prolonged shelf life. It is a very good choice for use with essential oils and massage, as it helps carry therapeutic oils under the skin and is suitable for treating, itching, dry and sensitive skin.

It is also good alternative to Sweet Almond Oil if you are concerned about a short shelf life.

Aromatherapy Massage Oils - sensual oils

Patchouli or Sandalwood

You may select either Patchouli or Sandalwood which are considered to be aphrodisiacs as the base ingredient for your aromatherapy massage oil.

By blending either one of these essential oils with one ounce of a carrier oil, such as Jojoba Oil, you can make an exotic perfumed massage oil.

A very sensual and exotic massage oil may be made by blending two drops of Patchouli, three drops of Geranium, and three drops of Rose Oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Another good carrier oil is Sweet Almond oil. Blend thoroughly and store in an amber bottle. This massage oil may be heated before use for a full sensual body massage.

If you are intending to apply essential oils directly to your skin it is important that you use them diluted. Essential oils come in a concentrated form, and may cause irritation to your skin or cause an allergic reaction. If you are using an essential oil for the first time we recommend you carry out a skin test to see if you are sensitive or allergic to it. Simply apply one drop of essential oil to the nape of your neck, or the crook of your arm, then wait at least fourteen hours to see if there is any reaction. If after fourteen hours, there is no reaction, it is safe to assume the oil is safe to use.

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Safety Guidelines

You should not drink any essential oils without first consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. You should not apply any undiluted essential oil, absolutes, CO2s or any other concentrated essences directly onto the surface of your skin.

You should only use essential oils when under the proper supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner if you have a medical condition or you are pregnant or suffering from liver failure, cancer or epilepsy.

Always use a skin patch test when using an essential oil for the first time.

Children: you must exercise extreme care if using essential oils with children. Only the gentlest essential oils and very small quantities. You are strongly advised to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner prior to using essential oils with children.

Please refer to 'Safety Guidelines'

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