Before having a massage or giving a massage, you need massage suitable oil. Some oils are more massage-worthy than others and that’s because they’re therapeutic with healing properties so give the massage recipient even greater benefit. It’s important to use the right oil too and that’s why sometimes, it’s a good idea to make your own. That is because you know what ingredients you’ve used and understand their different properties.

Using Olive Oil

Some people prefer to simply use olive oil or sweet almond oil, both of these are fine for massage because they soften the skin and penetrate it well, but they are not overly aromatic and neither do they have healing properties. Using a fragrant essential oil will really make that massage a memorable experience and relax the mind as well as help to alleviate any aches, pains or soreness in the muscles.

What to Look For In a Massage Oil

What you particularly want to look for in a massage oil is a good density, massage oil should be as pure as possible and filtered well. It should also have low viscosity, that means that when you spread it on the body, it shouldn’t move all over the place! Rather it should move gently across the skin, without stickiness. By the same token, it should be easy to handle.

Massage oil should also be lubricating rather than drying. While that might sound strange, some oils can dry out the skin. Always choose a fragrant scent as well. There’s nothing worse than bad-smelling massage oil, it certainly won’t make the massage a pleasurable experience. Test out your massage oil too; consider how well it moisturises the skin because there should be plenty of hydrating benefits.

How to Make Your Own Massage Oil

Now you know how your massage oil should feel and smell, you can start to make your own. There are some good bases to use when creating your own homemade massage oil. Try almond or grapeseed oil, both of these don’t have an unpleasant odour, have high viscosity and are hydrating. You can even blend the two together as a base because they’re light enough.

Step 1: Choose Your Container

Before you start, it’s a good idea to have a container ready. Perhaps choose a dark bottle, this is the best possible container as you want to protect your oil from light. Light filters into massage oils, destroying its properties and weakening its scent. Think bout the quantity you want to make this will help you to choose a glass that will hold the right quantity. For the following recipe, use 100ml.

Step 2: Choose a Carrier oil

You’ll need to blend your base first.
Start with 40ml of almond oil combined with 40ml of grapeseed oil. Combine these together so you get a smooth consistency. Then you need to add richer oil. Coconut oil is excellent as it’s highly moisturising and it has a delightful scent. Add in 10ml to the current mixture. Now for the last oil, try adding 7ml of one of the following depending on what therapeutic benefits you want:

• Hazelnut oil (is good for lubrication)
• Blackcurrant seed oil (is good for easing discomfort and soreness)
• Argan oil (is excellent for moisturising and protecting the skin)
• Jojoba oil (is beneficial for a really nourishing massage)
• Rosehip oil (this is suitable for uplifting spirits and soothing inflamed skin)
• Peach kernel oil (this is excellent for sensitive skins)

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

The next step is to add your essential oil which makes your blend fragrant, use 3ml. Essential oil has two important roles to play in massage. Firstly, it is responsible for adding fragrance. The fragrance you choose can change mood, relax, stimulate and heal. Secondly, essential oils are therapeutic skin healers too. The compounds are absorbed by skin to calm down inflammation, penetrate and moisturise and also act as anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants prevent cell breakdown, fighting hard against free radicals which are those environmental pollutants that destroy collagen. So choose wisely because there are lots of incredible benefits to quality essential oils. Here are some suggestions:

• Patchouli, amyris and sandalwood are sensual essential oils
• Citrus base oils such as orange or lemon are great for revitalising the senses
• Mint and rosemary are excellent for energising
• To relax, choose lavender which induces sleep, Ylang Ylang, vetiver or bergamot
• Sandalwood is good for skincare

You should have the right tools to create lots of different types of massage oils and usually, homemade massage oils are the very best possible because they are made without preservative and with love!