From anxiety to muscle pain, massage can help alleviate some of the physical and emotional factors associated with a stressful life. Whether performed on yourself or a loved one, the act of giving a massage can help soothe pain while offering a valuable moment of calm.

How can massage help?

Massage is wonderful for both the body and the mind.

Body

Sore, tired or sore muscles benefit from massage, with reduced pain and increased range of motion among the potential benefits. Massage can also help manage muscle recovery after a muscle injury. Massage encourages healthy circulation in the muscles, causing blood to rush to these areas, delivering oxygen and vital nutrients like calcium and iron. Additionally, a deep tissue massage can help break up muscle adhesions, knots, and even scar tissue that can form after a muscle injury.

Mind

A massage promotes relaxation, calm and emotional well-being. In some studies, it has been shown to be beneficial in helping reduce feelings of depression. Massage is known to reduce levels of cortisol (the so-called "stress hormone") in the body and increase levels of dopamine and serotonin (known as the "happiness hormones"). Many different parts of the body can benefit from massage. Particularly effective areas include the back, neck, scalp, hands and feet.

Different types of massage oils available

From olive oil to coconut oil, massage is made easier and more enjoyable with the addition of an oil. This is due to two reasons

1. A softer and more comfortable massage

Using an oil allows your hands to glide over the skin during the massage and provides a more relaxing experience. Long strokes, such as the effleurage technique (designed to warm up the body's muscle tissues) and petrissage (a kneading motion) are more comfortable with an oil, as your hands will not drag on well-lubricated skin.

2. The extra benefit of aromatherapy

Massage oils offer the added benefit of providing aromatherapy to both the giver and recipient of the massage. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, have been shown to enhance the relaxing benefits of a massage.

What makes a good massage oil?

A good massage oil allows your hands to glide over the skin, without becoming sticky or dry. Your massage oil should have a fragrance you like (or be scent-free if you prefer), not irritate the skin, and not stain clothing or bedding.

You can easily make your own aromatherapy massage oil blend. First, choose a base massage oil or "carrier" oil. This is the main component of your mixture and should be something affordable, gentle on the skin and not sticky.

Good options are sweet almond oil for massages, as well as coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, and even olive oil from the kitchen cupboard.

Essential oils for massages are:

Our best choice

1. Grape seed oil

A massage with grape seed oil will deliver essential fatty acids and vitamin E to the skin, nourishing it and providing the perfect lubricant for the massage. With a neutral aroma, grape seed oil is an ideal carrier oil to which you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Alternatively, it can be used alone.

2. arnica oil

This arnica massage oil includes a base of natural and sunflower seed oils with organic arnica flower extracts. Arnica flower is famous for its skin-soothing effects. 7 Arnica massage oil soothes with a gentle warming effect. 8 This arnica massage oil is the perfect base to create your own blend. Add a few drops of essential oil to customize it to your preferences

3. lavender oil

Lavender massage oil is a perfect way to deliver the well-known benefits of this calming herb. Related to reducing anxiety, stress and depression,9 lavender oil together with massage is a perfect combination for relaxation. With jojoba and chamomile oils, this hydrating oil is perfect for a nighttime massage to help promote sleep.

How to massage with a massage oil

Apply a few drops to your hands and rub them together to warm the oil before applying your hands to your skin. This ensures that your hands are not too cold when they come into contact with the person's skin.

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564319/
2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140416125434.htm
3. https://www.physio.co.uk/treatments/massage/benefits-of-massage/breakdown-of-scar-tissue.php
4. 4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20361919/
5. 5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16162447/
6. 6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/
7. 7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5104438/
8. 8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20412090/
9. 9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/