In massage therapy there are two basic oils that are used – essential oils and carrier oils.

When you receive a massage, your masseur will customize a blend of oils especially for you. They will use a carrier oil as the base oil, because they tend to be gentle on the skin and have low scent. Added to this will be essential oils. These are too strong to use undiluted on the skin, but added in small quantities have an amazing scent and therapeutic properties.

Before your next massage, find out some of the different properties of carrier and essential oils, to help you choose a blend that’s right for you.

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Carrier oils

Made from the oils of seeds, nuts and vegetables, carrier oils have therapeutic qualities of their own.

Almond

Incredibly soothing to the skin, Almond oil is a popular carrier oil with moisturizing and skin-balancing properties. Your masseur might choose this oil if your skin is oily or very dry.

Jojoba

Jojoba oil is suitable for all skin types. It is an excellent moisturiser and penetrates the skin easily.

Apricot

Apricot oil is great for sensitive or dehydrated skin. Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, it soothes inflamed skin and is an excellent moisturizer.

Avocado

Often used on mature or dry skin, avocado oil is great for those with very sensitive skin, psoriasis and eczema. Easily absorbed and very soothing, the avocado oil is generally mixed with another carrier, such as almond oil, but it can also be used as is.

Wheat germ

This oil has a sticky consistency, so it’s often blended with other, lighter carrier oils such as almond. Rich in Vitamin E, wheatgerm oil can help promote the formation of new cells, improve circulation and reduce sun damage.

Grapeseed oil

Rich in linoleic acid, vitamins, protein and minerals, grapeseed oil has regenerative properties as well as being an excellent moisturizer. It’s non-greasy properties make it an excellent massage oil.

Essential Oils

There is a huge range of essential oils available, but the following are by far the most popular. Used by themselves, or in conjunction with other essential oils thay will add remarkable therapeutic benefits to your next massage.

Rosemary

Perfect for those suffering muscular aches and pains, rosemary oil can help relieve migraines, depression and fatigue.  When used in a massage oil blend, it’s also beneficial for treating cellulite.

Lavender

Not only does it smell wonderful, but when used in a massage oil blend, lavender helps to relax your body. With a number of therapeutic uses, including antiseptic properties and wound healing, lavender essential oil can also help soothe skin disorders.

Eucalyptus

Great for those suffering sports injuries, eucalyptus essential oil used in a massage blend can help reduce the inflammation of strained muscles.

It can also help with respiratory infections, fatigue and headaches.

Peppermint

When used as a massage blend, the refreshing smell of peppermint acts as an anti-inflammatory for muscle aches and pains. It also helps relieve skin problems such as eczema and aids in circulation.