If you’ve been looking for a massage therapy oil and are not sure what to get, then you have some research to do! There are hundreds of types of massage therapy oil on the market, and that’s just including brands especially formulated for massage! Add the many other oils that are usually used for other purposes, such as cooking, and you have hundreds more to choose from. In the interests of “keeping it natural”, we will stick with those oils that are derived from plant sources. While there are oils that are mineral-based or synthesized from petroleum, these are better avoided as there is evidence that such man-made products are not the best for the body. There’s no real reason to get such synthetic oils, as there is already a great abundance of natural oils to choose from. Also keep in mind that many therapists like to create their own blends. Different oils have different properties. They may be thicker or thinner, more or less easily absorbed by the body, and have different smells associated with them.
Then, there is always the option to use essential oils in conjunction with massage oils. Blending a more expensive oil with a cheaper one allows the therapist to get the benefits of that oil without having to spend so much. Jojoba oil, for example, tends to be rather expensive and this is often blended to “make the oil last longer”. Since I mention jojoba oil, I should also let the reader know that this oil is one of the best oils for use with essential oils, as it is readily absorbed by the skin. Coconut oil is also a great choice, as it is one of the best things you can put on your skin. It also has a nice fragrance, although some people might not like it so much. Different grades of coconut oil will have different intensities when it comes to aroma, so some experimentation might be in order here.
These are but two massage oils that can be used in massage. Give them a try to start, and you can have a useful basis for comparison for other oils like sunflower and canola oil.
