Which Kind Of Oil Is Used For Massage In Spas?

Human beings should maintain a healthy life. There are many ways to keep a healthy lifestyle, such as having a balanced diet and doing workouts and exercises. Also, massage helps the body and mind since it enhances relaxation.

Massage oil is used to prevent friction which might cause skin irritation. It also provides a smooth glide n the skin for awesome experiences. To have a quality massage experience, you should consider going to a professional, qualified, and certified therapist. Moreover, you should know what kind of oil you are allergic to avoid negative sensations and a bad experience with massage. There are various types of massage, including sports, deep tissue, trigger point reflexology, and prenatal massage. Choose one that best fits your preference for awesome experiences. This article explains the kinds of oil used for massage in spas.

What is Massage?

It is a systematic pressing, rubbing, and manipulating of the tendons ranging from light strokes and pressure to deep ones. It is advisable to have regular massage.

Types of Massage Oil

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a chain medium that keeps it on the skin for long. It is smooth, making it glide on the skin easily. Coconut oil is perfect for targeting mascles and enhancing deep tissue massage. It has several benefits, including reducing signs of aging and moisturizing the skin.

Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is suitable to use on the face. It moisturizes the skin and is used for massage. It is also good for inflamed skin, can tighten the skin, and reduce aging signs by reducing the appearance of fine lines. According to shama et al. ( 2019),  apricot oil contains vitamin E and A and can be absorbed easily through the skin, thus preferred by many therapists.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has been used for long in massage treatment in Mediterranean cultures. It is also used for cooking because of its health benefits, which are the same when used as a massage oil. Olive oil is rich in omega-9 and omega -6 fatty acids. When you use olive oil as a massage oil, it reduces dryness in the skin, muscles spasm, pains, and joint inflammations, thus reducing stress and providing the body and the mind with relaxation.

Shea Butter Oil

Shea butter is a heavy oil. It contains sterols, phenols, and triterpenes which are antioxidants making it the better choice for beauty.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is also a cooking oil used in India. It has high linoleic and oleic acids. When used for massage, it enhances smooth skin and the cell repair and regeneration of new ones through the turnover process. It can also be used as a moisturizer and help you achieve radiant and glowing skin.

Sesame Oil

Before using sesame oil, it should be warmed first since it is heavy. It can be used by mixing it with herbs. When used, it can strengthen the ligaments, bones, and muscles. It can also be used to protect the skin from UV rays, which can damage the skin and cause burns. Sesame oil has an anti-inflammatory property making it essential in Taiwanese medicine.

Sweet Almond Oil

Almond oil has existed for a decade and is taken as a drink when mixed with milk for health benefits and improving memory. It is called sweet oil since it has a sweet smell. The oil is greasy and thus can be easily absorbed through the skin. No irritations are associated with sweet almond oil; therefore, it can be used for all skin types. It can treat acne rashes, itchiness, eczema, and psoriasis. For the same reason, it is a good massage oil since it can relieve pain because inflammation is the primary cause of pain and soreness.

Types of Massage

Swedish Massage

Supa’at et al. (2013) stated that Swedish massage involves the whole body. It is good for beginners in massage, who desire to release tension, and want a gentle touch, thus providing relaxation. It can be used to release muscle knots. This massage will require you to be naked, but you can cover your body using a sheet so the massage therapist will uncover the areas they want to work on. While performing the massage, the therapists will use various forms of massages, including deep circulation motions, vibrating and tapping long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart. This type of massage can last for 60 to 90 minutes.

Hot Stone Massage

When you are seeking relaxation and want to muscle tension and pain relief, a hot stone massage is the best. According to Radziejowski (2018), hot stone massage is the same as Swedish massage. However, heated stone massage uses heated stone with the combination of the hands, thus relaxing the whole body. The heated stone is vital in improving blood flow, alleviating pain, promoting relaxation, relieving stress, and easing muscle tension. The heated stone is placed in different parts of the body. The massage can last for 90 minutes.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is given to people who participate in sports, such as athletes, as a warm-up before heading to the real game. According to Priyonoadi et al. (2020),  sports massage is applied to people after strenuous exercise. This massage may help increase the blood flow, prevent injuries, and improve recovery.

Prenatal Massage

Pregnant women often feel pain in their lower back, legs, and hip, which may accompany swelling. Massage can help with mental health and relieve pain.

Reflexology Massage

This type of massage relies on the body parts; for example, you can have pressure exerted on foot could help with stomach pains. They use a reflexology map showing a massage on either a hand or foot that will stimulate a certain body part or organ.

Trigger Point Massage

This  type of massage targets areas of muscle knots and tightness. It combines Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. It majors on the point that it is causing discomfort.

Conclusion

Massage is an essential routine that you need to consider because it helps in various ways. Some of the ways include enhancing relaxation for the mind and body, increasing blood circulation throughout the body, and reducing pain. However, massage can be limited to people with certain conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, fractures, severe thrombocytopenia, burns, and wounds (fresh and healing). Having a massage helps you rejuvenate your body and have a calm mind. Massage oils help in massaging by providing a smooth glide on the skin. Visiting a massage parlor is essential. Also, be conversant with oils that you are allergic to, to avoid damaging your body.

References

Priyonoadi, B., Ndayisenga, J., Sutopo, P., & Graha, A. S. (2020). Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) Improvement through Sports and Frirage Massage. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 8(5), 271-282.

Radziejowski, P. (2018). Hot stone massage therapy influences the human organism by selected methods of use. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 8(5), 335-348.

Sharma, A., Vaidya, D., Gupta, A., & Kaushal, M. (2019). Formulation and evaluation of wild apricot kernel oil-based massage cream. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 8(1), 1017-1021.

Supa’at, I., Zakaria, Z., Maskon, O., Aminuddin, A., & Nordin, N. A. M. M. (2013). Effects of Swedish massage therapy on blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammatory markers in hypertensive women. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.