The healing touch. How to do your own therapeutic massage oil with essential oils

Posted by admin on April 23, 2019
The healing touch. How to do your own therapeutic massage oil with essential oils - Ecodrop Limited

We connect with the world through our senses. The skin is the body's largest organ and our most exposed point of contact with our surroundings, so it is a natural place to slow down, unwind and care for ourselves. A simple massage with a well-chosen oil blend is one of the most pleasurable ways to do exactly that at home.

We feel the air, the temperature, whether we are in water or outside, whether it is humid or dry. Touch and gentle massage are a lovely way to relax tense areas, encourage a feeling of warmth and ease, and enjoy the comforting aroma of essential oils blended into a carrier. Many people find massage especially soothing across the shoulders, neck and upper back, where everyday tension tends to gather.

How to blend a massage oil

Essential oils are always diluted into a so-called carrier oil before they touch the skin. Good choices include virgin coconut, olive, sweet almond and sunflower oils, as well as jojoba oil or shea butter, depending on your preference and what you have to hand. A useful general guide is around 2 ounces (about 60ml) of carrier oil for 25 to 30 drops of essential oil in total. Start light, patch test a little on your inner arm first, and adjust the strength to suit you.

List of essential oils great for massage

Note: do not feel limited to the listed oils – explore and find the aromas you enjoy most. Just take care not to apply certain oils before going out in the sun, as some citrus and other oils are photosensitive and may mark the skin. The following are popular, easy-to-blend choices:

  • Lavender essential oil
  • Sandalwood essential oil
  • Ylang Ylang essential oil
  • Rose essential oil
  • Jasmine essential oil
  • Rosemary essential oil
  • Frankincense essential oil
  • Peppermint essential oil
  • Clary sage essential oil
  • Eucalyptus essential oil

DIY recipe for a relaxing massage oil

Combine the essential oils with the carrier oil in a clean, dark glass bottle, cap it and roll gently to mix. Warm a little between your palms before use, and store the bottle somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.

Safe use

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier before applying to skin and carry out a patch test first. Keep oils away from eyes and broken skin, and out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before use. This article is for general information only.

FAQs

How many drops of essential oil should I use in a massage oil?

As a general guide, use around 25 to 30 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces (about 60ml) of carrier oil. If you have sensitive skin, start with fewer drops and build up gradually.

Which carrier oil is best for massage?

Sweet almond, jojoba, coconut and olive oils are all popular. Jojoba absorbs quickly and suits most skin types, while almond and coconut give a little more slip for longer massages. Choose one that feels comfortable on your skin.

Do I need to patch test a new blend?

Yes. Apply a small amount of the diluted blend to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction before using it more widely.

Are any essential oils unsuitable before sun exposure?

Some oils, particularly certain citrus oils, are photosensitive and can mark the skin in sunlight. If you are heading outdoors, choose non-photosensitive oils or apply your blend to areas that stay covered.

How should I store my homemade massage oil?

Keep it in a clean, dark glass bottle in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and use it within a few months for the freshest aroma.

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