Essential Carrier Oils for Home Massage

Massage is one of the oldest forms of treatment and can be traced back many thousands of years to the ancient Greeks, Persians and Chinese who are said to have practiced massage as a spiritual art. The word Massage comes from the Greek ‘massein’ meaning ‘to knead’.

It has long been recognized that the power of touch is crucial to us as humans. We are all sensual beings and as a result our bodies respond well to massage and human contact. Research in the UK has proven that in many health institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, etc. patients responded better to treatment and were more content when there was more physical contact between their carers and themselves.

There are many types of massage techniques which can include, sports massage, mother and baby massage, Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology, but the basic principle of each is very similar.

Massage improves circulation allowing your blood to send oxygen and nutrients to your muscles where ultimately they are converted into energy. Furthermore it assists the filtering out of toxins and drains the essential lymph system which is so important for a strong immune system.

The end result is healing; a nourished, cleansed and relaxed body and, a wonderful sense of well being that can last for many days afterwards.

Carrier oils are just that. They are the oils that carry the essential oil. There are a wide variety available including the following:

Almond Oil – very easily absorbed by the skin, is very smooth, has little smell, keeps well, contains vitamin D and has beneficial effects on hair, dry skin and brittle nails
Apricot kernel Oil – light, contains Vitamin A, particularly good for use on the face if the skin is dry or aging
Avocado Oil – heavy, rich in nutrients, very good for dry aging and sensitive skins Evening Primrose Oil – helpful for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, only keeps for about 2 months after opening
Grapeseed Oil – light, good for oily skin, one of the least expensive oils
Hazelnut Oil – penetrates the skin very easily and is deeply nourishing Jojoba Oil – light, rich in vitamin E, beneficial for spots, acne, dandruff and dry scalp
Olive Oil – can be used in a pinch, but has a strong smell which may compete with the essential oil
Peach Kernel Oil – light, contains vitamins A and E, very good for the face
Soya Oil – easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E
Sunflower Oil – contains essential fatty acids, rich in vitamin E, has a slightly nutty smell
Wheatgerm Oil – contains vitamins A, B, C and E, firms and tones the skin, reduces blemishes, can help to reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, has a strong smell Source: The Wonders of Therapeutic Massage

More reading:
Herbal database

Mehl-Madrona Lewis E. “Native American Medicine and the treatment of chronic illness: developing an integrated program and evaluating its effectiveness.” Alternative Therapies. 5(1): 36-44, 1999.
Avery, Charleen. “Native American Medicine: traditional healing.” JAMA. 265(17): 2271-2273, 1991.

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