Reviewed By: Kacie La
If you are looking for ways to embark yourself on some self-care rituals, then look no further as you have just landed on the right article on the internet. The year 2020 has been a crazy year for most of us. We focused so much on things that sustain our living, properties, and businesses. Yet, failed to take care of ourselves.
Year 2021 is finally here. It is the time to leave all the negativities behind and prioritise ourselves every now and then. “Be a little bit selfish” they say but you can never go wrong with looking only for the best for yourself.
One of the many ways to do this is through aromatherapy massage.
What is aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage is a type of self-care ritual in which it uses both aromatic essential oils and carrier oils to come up with an aroma massage oil blend to be used in any kind of massage applications. Massage oils make the process easier. It helps to allow our hands to glide, rub, and manipulate our skin whilst providing enough moisture.
Whether we admit it or not, we tend to think of getting massages only on special occasions or whenever we have time. We tend to get carried away with our bustling work and personal schedules to the degree that we fail to listen to our body. For all we know, not attending to these obligations may leave our body appear dull and enervated. It unravels a lot of potential drawbacks that could pose harm to ourselves.
This is why we should never be lenient and always consider what our body needs to ensure we carry on with our day-to-day activities with poise and confidence.
Aromatherapy massage is often available in luxurious spas and fancy clinics. The price of having to immerse yourself in an invigorating aroma massage is initially expensive but because new innovations such as newfangled products and supplies have become rampant in most practices, the more it grew to be unaffordable. Thus, making us ultimately decide to not have a decent massage experience.
Fortunately, there is a way to counter that. With the right essentials in hand, you can always re-create a luxurious spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. It is an undeniable fact that a decent body massage can help give us the impression of being refreshed and energised, however, choosing the right massage oil blend would still be the key to unlock all the potential benefits.
To do this, we recommend using ingredients that do not contain too much chemicals. Check out the essentials below to start making your own massage oils today!
Best essential oils for massage
As it is known, essential oils have their own unique properties. As such, we have categorised them in accordance to the benefits they each offer.
Energising
Rosemary essential oil
Despite its popularity in the culinary industry, rosemary essential oil features an energising, citrus-like aroma that is also widely used in personal care applications such as in aromatherapy massage. It comprises of 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, and camphor which makes it perfect in creating a restful massage experience. Rosemary belongs to the mint family and can usually be found in damp areas. As such, it is named as the “dew of the sea” for its abundance in the Mediterranean.
Peppermint essential oil
This essential oil is characterised by its naturally sharp and refreshing aroma . It is hailed as one of the most versatile essential oils for its suitability in almost all kinds of applications. Just like rosemary, peppermint essential oil also contains 1,8-cineole that is known to provide a cool ice-like blast when applied on the skin.
Lemon essential oil
Also known as the “liquid sunshine”, lemon essential oil is proven to be effective in giving off an energising aroma. It is packed with a high content of vitamin C and serves a lot of benefits when used in a number of applications such as in deep aromatherapy massage, cosmetics, and eco-household.
Spearmint essential oil
Extracted through steam distillation, spearmint essential oil is derived from the Mentha spicata plant that usually grows in rich, moist soil. It has similar characteristics as that of a peppermint essential oil – cool, energising, and refreshing.
Calming
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is reputed to do many wonders for our skin. The oil is obtained through steam distillation from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant. With its naturally calming and balancing aroma, you can be sure that you will have the best lavender massage oil experience of your life.
Roman chamomile essential oil
Also known as “plant’s physician” and “earth-apple”, roman chamomile essential oil consists of many soothing constituents - 4-methylamyl angelate, isobutyl angelate, and isoamyl tiglate - that work to provide comfort when applied topically. It can also be added in diffusers to create a refreshing atmosphere. To get the best of this essential oil, mix it with lavender essential oil.
Geranium essential oil
This sweet-smelling floral essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of Pelargonium graveolens leaves. The use of this essential oil is especially ideal in deep aromatherapy massages as it makes the skin appear clearer and brighter whilst balancing its moisture levels. Although geranium essential oil is non- irritant and non-toxic , it may still have a tendency to cause sensitivity to some people. Do a skin patch test first.
Elevating
Bergamot essential oil
Bergamot essential oil belongs to a family of citrusy plants including lemon, lime, and grapefruit essential oil. It features an elevating aroma that assists in promoting a zesty vibe.
Clary sage essential oil
Also known as “the woman’s oil”, clary sage essential oil is a perfect addition to a group of ‘elevating’ essential oils. Thanks to linalyl acetate, linalool, and alpha-Terpineol, you can relish an herbaceous, floral aroma that naturally spreads out upon using it.
Ylang ylang essential oil
Obtained through the flowers of Cananga odorata, ylang ylang essential oil offers a bright and spicy aroma that will change the way you think of aromatherapy massages. Not only that it provides quality hydration to the skin but it also conditions it, making it appear unblemished.
Neroli essential oil
This essential oil is derived from the peels of the bitter orange or Citrus aurantium tree. There are, however, many benefits neroli essential oil can offer – from brightening up a space to cleansing and soothing your skin. Neroli emits a naturally sweet and floral fragrance. As such, it has become an important essential in many luxurious spas and massage hubs.
Purifying
Eucalyptus essential oil
Extracted through the steam distillation process , eucalyptus essential oil provides a multitude of benefits, especially but not limited to, aromatherapy massage. It has natural cleansing and cooling properties that work altogether to come up with a purifying massage experience. For best results, blend it with peppermint and spearmint essential oils.
Tea tree essential oil
Better known as the Aussie’s oil , this essential oil encourages a supple-looking skin when applied topically. Not only that but it also has the capability to eliminate body odours and oust them with its purifying, minty aroma.
Pine essential oil
Pine essential oil is believed to be cultivated for its rich and strong aroma. Apart from that, it also has nearly the same cleansing properties as that of frankincense essential oil. This makes it suitable for use in many topical applications including massages.
Best carrier oils for massage
Carrier oils are mild and gentle. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils are less potent and can hardly cause irritation when applied onto the skin. They each possess unique properties that offer a wide array of benefits.
As it is mentioned in our previous article , carrier oils have little to no scent. They also do not alter an essential oil’s properties when mixed. All these add up to a number of reasons why carrier oils are the most appropriate oils in blending and lessening the skin-overwhelming effect of essential oils.
If you already have a chosen essential oil, read on to learn about which carrier oil is suitable for your chosen essential oil.
Fractionated coconut oil
This carrier oil is deemed to be the most ideal oil for use in massage . It has a relatively fewer fatty acids than refined and unrefined coconut oil. That said, this carrier oil has the capability to dilute essential oils faster.
Fractionated coconut oil for massage also works much better than regular coconut oil as it is less greasy and allows your hands to easily glide and perform comfortable strokes. To make your own blend, we recommend mixing it with any of the following essential oils – lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, geranium essential oil, and bergamot essential oil.
Apricot kernel oil
Possessing high amounts of vitamin A, E, and K , apricot kernel oil is light and has a better absorption compared to other carrier oils. Most aromatherapy massage enthusiasts claim that this carrier oil has nearly the same properties as that of almond oil except that it has a longer shelf life. That said, apricot kernel oil has a lesser chance to go rancid.
To create your own massage oil blend, best to mix this with rosemary essential oil and/or tea tree essential oil.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is extracted through cold pressing of the almond seeds. Throughout many years, it is reputed to be one of the most popular carrier oils that provide countless benefits in aromatherapy massage. Because it is slightly oily, sweet almond oil helps to level up your massage experience by means of permitting your skin to breathe whilst giving it a youthful glow.
Sweet almond oil for massage is mild and has a lesser chance to irritate the skin. Also, it is cheaper than other typical oils. For a soothing massage blend, mix sweet almond oil with clary sage essential oil or ylang ylang essential oil.
Jojoba oil
Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil has a subtle yet nutty aroma. Although its name has an ‘oil’ word in it, it is actually a wax filled with compelling emollient properties. It is also rich in vitamin E that works to substantially extend its shelf life.
Jojoba oil has a faster absorption rate compared to most carrier oils. As such, we suggest to reapply it often. Mix this with lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, and ylang ylang essential oil for a restful massage experience.
Moroccan argan oil
Considered to be the only massage oil for most royals, argan oil offers a huge amount of benefits that is perfect for hydrating and restoring the skin’s natural appearance. It contains antioxidants and fatty acids that are essential in aromatherapy massage.
For a mild massage blend, blend this with lavender essential oil, frankincense essential oil, or geranium essential oil.
Now that you know about the different kinds of oils to be used in making your own massage oil, it would be wise to nail down your goals to attain your desired massage experience. Is it going to be an energising one? Something that would get you ready to start your day? Or is it going to be a soothing, restful experience?
Once you have determined these, then you are ready to whip your own massage oil blend.
How to mix essential oils with carrier oils?
First, gather all the materials needed. Then, add the chosen carrier oil in a small vessel. If you plan to use more than 1 carrier oil, you can do that as well. Just make sure you are following the recommended dosages which are better explained below. Blend well with a spoon.
Second, add the chosen essential oil into the vessel. Blend again for 1 minute or until thoroughly mixed. Lastly, pour the mixture into a small dropper bottle and store in a cool storage box where there is no sunlight.
When it comes to massage oils, we suggest blending 15 drops of chosen essential oil with 6 teaspoons of carrier oil for a 2.5% dilution, 20 drops of essential oil and 6 teaspoons of carrier oil for 3% dilution, and 30 drops of essential oil and 6 teaspoons of carrier oil for a 5% dilution.
Pro tip: Better source wholesale massage oils or bulk massage oils only from trusted suppliers that ensure quality products like N-essentials.
Our takeaway
Be advised that you are accountable of everything you do to your skin and body. So, aim only for the best possible self-care routines you can count on. You, as a designer of yourself, can come up with any blend that suites your style. And we make that happen by providing you with all the massage oil ingredients you need to create the best massage oil blend.