Are you struggling with antibiotic resistance and side-effect-inducing OTC medications?
You need something natural yet powerful!
An essential oil massage is your one-stop solution for various health issues. From allergies and pain to insomnia and depression, there’s an essential oil for every type of problem.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about essential oil massages before you get one.
What Is an Essential Oil Massage?
An essential oil massage integrates essential oils to promote natural healing, well-being, and overall relaxation in the body.
Essential oils are made using extracts from fragrant parts of plants or trees. The plant parts chosen to make essential oils are fragrant compounds with many proven beneficial health properties. Just a few drops of these oils can make a significant impact when inhaled, diffused, or rubbed on the skin through massage.
The massage involves applying pressure and rubbing techniques to the body to promote muscle relaxation, improve circulation, and decrease muscle stiffness, among others.
How Does Essential Oil Massage Work?
So what happens when you massage your body with oil?
Massaging the body with essential oils provides the benefit of the massage and the oil itself. Unlike other oil types, essential oils work through dual pathways of the nostrils and the skin.
But why can’t you use any other kind of oil? What do essential oils do for massage?
Essential oils are more potent because they contain concentrated extracts from a large number of plants. They are the key ingredient in these massages due to their unique effect on the body. These oils activate different regions in the brain that regulate hormones, influence mood, and emotion, and alter blood biochemistry.
And because essential oils contain concentrated extracts, their application delivers immediate benefits of those ingredients to the body.
Benefits of Essential Oil Massage
Want to know what are the benefits of essential oils to your body?
Here are some of them.
1. Improved Relaxation and Sleep Health
Essential oils like lavender are used widely for their sedative properties. They can help treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. Their use in massage can be very effective for individuals who have difficulty sleeping.
The best essential oil for body massage for sleep is lavender, but you can also try frankincense, chamomile, or vetiver.
1. Reduced Pain and Inflammation
If you’ve hurt your back or you’re looking for something that will soothe sore muscles after a hard workout, it’s nothing an essential oil massage therapy can’t handle.
Studies suggest essential oils are a great option to combine with conventional treatments for pain.
Essential oils such as marjoram, eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary are excellent for basic pain relief. But if you need something more powerful, we recommend the Olbas massage oil. It is ideal for sports and fitness enthusiasts looking for effective post-workout relaxation.
2. Boost in Immunity
Essential oils can also keep infections at bay, thanks to their action against bacteria and viruses. This immune-boosting activity is further enhanced by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s more?
A massage helps flush out toxins which can promote further immunity by improving blood circulation.
We suggest you keep oils like tea tree, lemon, cinnamon, oregano, or eucalyptus on hand for a quick immunity-boosting massage.
3. Decreased Anxiety and Depression
Essential oils can reduce anxiety and depression by promoting calmness and releasing feel-good hormones. The topical application of such oils also decreases pulse rate and blood pressure.
The best essential oils for this purpose are lavender, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, and sandalwood.
4. Increased Energy Levels
It can be difficult to find the energy to go about the day when you’re battling fatigue.
Studies suggest that essential oils can provide just the pickup you need. Some of the best body massage essential oils for boosting your daily energy levels are rosemary, lemon, orange, spearmint, and peppermint.
Using Essential Oil for Massage
You can use essential oils in a range of techniques, such as a deep tissue massage, scalp massage, Swedish massage, or hot stone massage.
Most essential oil massages involve applying a blend of essential and carrier oil to the body. However, some may opt to inhale the essential oil via a diffuser while getting a traditional massage.
As for how to use essential oils for massage, here’s how your massage therapist might go about with topical application:
Your therapist will first ask you a few questions about your needs and any pre-existing conditions you may have. They will then mix a few drops of the ideal essential oil with a carrier oil. You can choose common carriers like grapeseed, canola, jojoba, sunflower, coconut, or any other you prefer.
Once you’re ready and the oils are mixed, the massage therapist will begin, and you can relax.
Are you wondering which essential oil has the most health benefits?
There’s no straight answer to this question. Since every oil has different properties and uses, no one oil can deliver the most essential oil massage benefits. The best choice depends on what you need.
If you’re looking for a versatile essential oil for general purposes like better sleep or stress release, we suggest going for lavender. It has a pleasant fragrance and covers most basic needs.
If you want to address a more specific symptom but don’t know much about massage oil benefits, your therapist can guide you.
Risks of Using Essential Oils
The use of essential oils doesn’t involve many risks. Still, you should take the following precautions:
- Do not use the essential oil for massage if you are allergic to any of its ingredients
- Don’t let young children get an essential oil massage
- Check product labels for warnings
- Do not get an essential oil massage if you’re pregnant (if you must, speak to your doctor first)
The Bottom Line
An essential oil massage can work wonders for a tired or ill body and can even provide a boost in wellness to a healthy one. We hope this guide helps you choose the best essential oils for massage to gain their many health benefits!