Essential Oil Massage and Important Considerations
Oil massage is a very popular therapy that not only provides our bodies with relaxing comfort but also helps rejuvenate the mind, dispelling stress and fatigue after long hours of hard work. So, what exactly is oil massage, and what should we keep in mind when performing it? Let’s explore in the following article by Fuji!
What is Oil Massage?
Oil massage is a familiar therapy commonly seen in spa massage establishments. Essentially, oil massage involves using natural essential oils that are beneficial for health and skin, such as rose, ginger, and lavender, combined with oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, to apply to the skin. Under the effect of these oils, along with massage techniques, the massage process becomes smoother and more seamless, making the body feel more relaxed, comfortable, and refreshed.
Compared to regular massage, essential oil massage offers more benefits due to the positive effects of the oils used. These oils warm the body and transmit heat throughout, thereby enhancing blood circulation, effectively reducing pain, fatigue, and stress. Additionally, if performed correctly, essential oil massage can help the body detoxify and reduce excess fat.
Benefits of Essential Oil Massage
Relief from Joint and Muscle Pain
Similar to regular massage therapies, essential oil massage also provides relief from joint pain, muscle stiffness, and more. The hand pressure applied during the massage combined with the essential oils helps relax muscles, tendons, and the skeletal system. This reduces muscle tension, stimulates the secretion of fluids to lubricate the joints, and decreases pressure on the bones. As a result, blood circulation improves throughout the body, aiding in energy recovery.
Skin Beautification with Essential Oils
Essential oil massages typically use natural oils that are safe and gentle on the skin, with the added benefit of promoting beauty and skin radiance. The combination of massage techniques, acupressure, and the effects of essential oils helps the body detoxify. This process expels excess substances from the body, leading to healthier skin. Not only does the skin become rosy and firm, but it also becomes visibly smoother and more radiant.
Helps Relax and Refresh the Mind
Massage therapy provides a delightful and relaxing experience that benefits not only physical health but also mental well-being. It effectively dissipates tension, stress, and anxiety. The pleasant aroma of essential oils, coupled with the soothing sensation of a massage, helps us feel more relaxed. Additionally, massage stimulates the body to release hormones that create feelings of happiness, thereby reducing stress and making the mind more at ease.
The sensation of lying down to relax and enjoying an exquisite massage, with the gentle fragrance of essential oils wafting through the air—what could be more wonderful?
Helps with Weight Loss
One of the special benefits of essential oil massage is aiding in weight loss, especially in reducing belly fat. The massage involves hand movements that knead various areas of the body, such as the legs, arms, back, and waist. These massage actions have a positive effect similar to physical exercise, helping to burn excess fat and achieve the desired slim figure.
Notes When Performing Essential Oil Massage
Steam Before Massage
First, cleanse the skin thoroughly before starting the massage, followed by a steam session. Steaming before the massage helps to open up the pores, allowing the essential oils to penetrate the skin better. This also aids the body in eliminating toxins more effectively.
Choose the Right Essential Oil
Essential oils play a very important role in this massage therapy, so choosing the right type of oil that suits the body is crucial. To ensure the effectiveness of the massage and the safety of the skin, it is necessary to select natural, benign essential oils that do not contain ingredients that might cause irritation or harm to health.
To check if a particular essential oil is suitable, you can apply it to a small patch of thin skin and wait for about an hour. If no abnormal symptoms appear, it is safe to use. Additionally, it is important to thoroughly understand the characteristics and usage instructions of any essential oil before using it.
Do Not Use Undiluted Essential Oils for Massage
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the massage, we need to blend essential oils with carrier oils or body lotions. The blending ratio depends on the purpose of the massage. Currently, there are many types of essential oils on the market that do not need to be blended as they are pre-mixed by the manufacturer.
People Who Should Avoid Essential Oil Massage
People who have a fever, acute dermatitis, rashes, burns, bruises on the skin, etc., should not receive a massage. Additionally, those suffering from conditions such as broken bones, infections, varicose veins, asthma, pregnant women, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, etc., should also avoid this therapy.
