Oils for Massage Therapy
(Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy)
Oils have been used in massage
treatments throughout history. Homer wrote about an " oily medium" used
for massage as early as 1000 B.C. Plato and Socrates wrote
of " anointing with oil and rubbing to ease pain".
Today there are many types
of oils with many uses. It is necessary to experiment with the many
types and try them on a variety of skin types to develop your own sense
of use and personal preference.
The purpose of using oil
in a massage is to facilitate the gliding over the client's skin.
The various oils contain ingredients for nourishing the skin and promoting
health. Essential oils (fragrant oils distilled from plants, trees,
roots, seeds) can be added for further enhancing the treatment.
When buying oils, look for
cold-pressed or expellier-pressed ( made with the least amount of heating
and processing) as they last longer. ( A rancid oil can cause free
radical damage to your self and client.)
Keep large quantities of
oils refrigerated or in a cool place (below 65 degrees) when not in use
to delay spoilage. Vitamin E added each month to the oil will help prevent
spoilage. Use about 300 IU of vitamin E per pint of oil. A rancid
oil will have an unusual smell to it and taste bitter.
These are the basic oils
and can be used in combination or alone. Essential Oils can be added
for additional therapeutic purposes. (See additional information on Aromatherapy)
Online Articles:
Essential Oils Simply Complex What We
Must Know By Karrie Osborn
Massage Oils by Carl Nelson
