The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy Massage Oils
Whether you're looking for a way to relax after a stressful day or you're in need of a little TLC, an aromatherapy massage is a great way to de-stress and unwind. And, if you're looking for the perfect aromatherapy massage oil to use, we've got you covered.
In this guide, we'll discuss the benefits of aromatherapy massage and explain how you can create your own DIY aromatherapy massage oil at home that is tailored to your own unique needs. After all, your massage experience should be customised to your own individual preferences.
Content/Quick links
- Benefits of aromatherapy massage
- The best aromatherapy massage oil
- How to create your own massage oil
- Step 1: Choose your carrier oil
- Jojoba oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Step 2: Select your essential oils
- Lavender essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Chamomile essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Lime essential oil
- Bergamot essential oil
- Step 3: Mix your oils
- Step 4: Enjoy your aromatherapy massage
- Our favourite essential oil blends for aromatherapy massage
- For a restful night of sleep
- For pain relief
- For an energy boost
- In summary
Benefits of aromatherapy massage
Before we begin talking about aromatherapy massage oils, we should explore the benefits of aromatherapy massage in more detail.
Many people enjoy receiving a massage. Not only can it help you to relax, but it can also ease sore muscles and relieve pain. Adding essential oils into your massage can increase the benefits that you receive.
Here are just some of the benefits that you can enjoy with an aromatherapy massage:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Promoting relaxation and sleep
- Helping to relieve pain
- Boosting mood
- Stimulating the immune system
- Cleansing and detoxifying the body
- Easing digestive problems
Of course, the benefits that you'll notice will depend on the combination of essential oils that you choose. For example, if you opt for relaxing essential oils such as lavender or chamomile, you might experience a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, as well as a better night's sleep. Alternatively, you could opt for uplifting essential oils such as peppermint or bergamot, bringing you increased levels of focus and motivation.
Whatever you're looking to achieve, there's an essential oil out there for you.
The best aromatherapy massage oil
Many people wonder what is the best aromatherapy massage oil. The truth is, the best aromatherapy massage oil will depend on your unique needs, preferences and whether your skin is sensitive to a particular essential oil.
Whilst some people are looking for relaxation, others are looking for a way to soothe their aching muscles. So, the best aromatherapy massage oil will be the one that addresses your individual needs - and the one that you love!
The best way to ensure that you have the perfect aromatherapy massage oil for your needs is to create your own DIY oil. This way, you can combine essential oils into your own unique blend to achieve the benefits that you're looking for.
How to create your own massage oil
Now that you know a bit more about the benefits of aromatherapy massage, let's take a look at how you can create your own massage oil. Before you begin, you'll need a clean, airtight container in which to store your oil, such as a small glass or plastic bottle.
Let's take a look at exactly how you can go about creating your own aromatherapy massage oil.
Step 1: Choose your carrier oil
Now that you know a bit more about the benefits of aromatherapy massage, let's take a look at how you can create your own massage oil. Before you begin, you'll need a clean, airtight container in which to store your oil, such as a small glass or plastic bottle.
Let's take a look at exactly how you can go about creating your own aromatherapy massage oil.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a popular choice, as it is suitable for almost anyone. This oil is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't cause blocked pores). In fact, jojoba actually has cleansing properties, so it's ideal for use on oily skin. It's also gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin, and many people find this oil to be extremely soothing on irritated areas.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is another great choice for those with sensitive skin. It's also anti-inflammatory, making it a good choice for those with conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Additionally, sweet almond oil is a great moisturiser, and it can help to improve the appearance of scars and blemishes.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a good choice for those with dry skin, as it is deeply moisturising. This is a heavy oil that is slowly absorbed by the skin, so it is not suitable for those with oily skin. However, it is widely available in supermarkets, making this an accessible option for many people.
Coconut oil
Fractionated coconut oil is a popular choice for use in massage, as it has a light texture that is quickly absorbed by the skin. This oil is also antibacterial and antifungal, making it a good choice for those with skin problems. Additionally, coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is a light and quickly-absorbing oil that is perfect for use on oily skin. It's also high in antioxidants, making it a good choice for those who are looking to reduce the signs of ageing.
Step 2: Select your essential oils
Now that you know a bit more about the benefits of aromatherapy massage, let's take a look at how you can create your own massage oil. Before you begin, you'll need a clean, airtight container in which to store your oil, such as a small glass or plastic bottle.
Let's take a look at exactly how you can go about creating your own aromatherapy massage oil.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil is a great choice for those who are looking for a relaxing massage. It has a sweet, floral scent that is known to be calming and soothing. Additionally, lavender oil is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, making it ideal for use on aching muscles.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing, minty scent that is perfect for invigorating the senses. But its benefits don’t end there. Eucalyptus essential oil has been proven to reduce both pain and inflammation, making it ideal for those suffering from sore muscles or sports injuries. Additionally, eucalyptus is an effective decongestant, so it can help to unblock your airways if you’re suffering from a cold.
Chamomile essential oil
Chamomile oil is a great choice for those who are looking for a soothing massage. It has a sweet, floral scent that is known to be calming and relaxing. Whether you're looking to chill out after a stressful day at the office or to promote a restful night's sleep, chamomile essential oil is a great choice.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil is another great choice for invigorating the senses. It has a strong, minty scent that is refreshing and uplifting. Additionally, peppermint oil is cooling and analgesic, making it ideal for use on sore muscles as well as for easing migraines.
Lime essential oil
Lime oil is a great choice for those who are looking for a refreshing massage. It has a bright, citrusy scent that is energising and uplifting. This will leave you with a burst of energy and increased motivation for whatever the day has in store.
Bergamot essential oil
Bergamot oil is a great choice for those who are looking for a relaxing massage. It has a sweet, citrusy scent that is known to be calming and soothing. Not only can bergamot help to relieve stress, but it also acts as an analgesic, reducing pain and easing sore muscles.
Step 3: Mix your oils
Once you have selected your carrier oil and essential oils, it's time to mix them together. The recommended dilution rate for this is 2%. This means around 10 drops of essential oil in a 1oz bottle, or 20 drops of essential oil in a 2oz bottle, topped up with carrier oil.
If the aromatherapy massage oil is going to be used on children, the elderly or sensitive skin, we’d recommend using a weaker dilution rate of 1%. That means 5 drops of essential oil in a 1oz bottle or 10 drops of essential oil in a 2oz bottle, topped up with your chosen carrier oil.
Once you’ve put your mixture together, securely replace the lid and give it a good shake to ensure that it is properly combined.
If you haven’t used essential oils before, it's best to start with just a few drops of essential oil and then test your mixture - you can then add more drops of essential oil if required until your aromatherapy massage oil smells divine.
Step 4: Enjoy your aromatherapy massage
Once you've created your own personal aromatherapy massage oil, it's time to put it to good use. Simply massage the oil into your skin in long, circular motions, taking care to focus on any areas that are particularly sore or tense.
Alternatively, you can enlist the help of a partner for your aromatherapy massage. Why not try taking it in turns to give each other an aromatherapy massage? Save yourself some time and money while spending quality time together! Try out different techniques to aid relaxation, ease sore muscles and boost your motivation.
And don’t forget the hard-working hands and feet - they have special points that will help you reap even greater benefits when massaged.
Our favourite essential oil blends for aromatherapy massage
One of the best things about essential oils is that they can be combined together to create an aromatherapy massage oil that is perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences. So, whatever you’re looking for, there’s an essential oil blend that will be perfect for you.
To help you to find the ideal blend for your needs, we’ve put together a few of our favourite essential oil recipes for aromatherapy massage.
For a restful night of sleep
If you’re looking for an aromatherapy massage oil that will help you to drift off to sleep, try combining lavender, chamomile and frankincense essential oils. This blend is known for its relaxing and calming properties, which will help to soothe away any tension or stress.
Ingredients:
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 7 drops chamomile essential oil
- 6 drops frankincense essential oil
- top up a 2 oz bottle with your favourite carrier oil
For pain relief
If you’re suffering from muscle pain or tension headaches, try using a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils. This combination is known for its analgesic properties, which will help to ease the pain and discomfort.
Ingredients:
- 7 drops peppermint essential oil
- 7 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- top up a 2 oz bottle with your favourite carrier oil
For an energy boost
If you're in need of an energy boost, try using a blend of sweet orange, grapefruit and lemon essential oils. This combination is refreshing, uplifting and energising, perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 7 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 7 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 6 drops lemon essential oil
- top up a 2 oz bottle with your favourite carrier oil
In summary
Aromatherapy massage is a great way to promote relaxation, ease tension and pain and boost your mood. By tailoring your blend of carrier oil and essential oils to your own specific needs, you can create an aromatherapy massage oil that is perfect for you.
So, why not give it a go? You might be surprised at how good you feel after just a single session.
