Massage Oil
Table of contents
Massage oil is an indispensable "lubricant" during a massage, allowing the masseuse's hands to glide smoothly, reducing skin friction, while also moisturizing the skin and enhancing the therapeutic effect. The following is a detailed explanation in Traditional Chinese.Functions, types, benefits and key points for selection:

1. Lubrication (most basic function)
- Reduce friction: A smooth film is formed between the masseur's hands and the recipient's skin to avoid excessive friction that could cause discomfort, redness, or pain.
- Smooth technique: This allows various massage techniques such as pushing, kneading, pressing, and squeezing to be performed smoothly, enabling the force to penetrate deeper tissues more effectively.
2. Moisturize and nourish the skin
- Deeply moisturizes: High-quality massage oils are typically rich in natural oils and nutrients, which can penetrate the skin to provide hydration and moisturization, improving dry and rough skin.
- Enhance flexibility: Long-term use helps maintain skin elasticity and radiance.
3. Enhance therapeutic effects (functional effects)
- Essential oil carrier: Massage oils are "base oils" or "carrier oils" that dilute and hold therapeutic "essential oils." Through massage, the active ingredients in the essential oils can be absorbed through the skin, and through inhalation, they produce psychological and physiological benefits.
- Targeted improvements: Depending on the properties of the added essential oil or carrier oil, different effects can be achieved, for example:
- Relax and soothe: Lavender and chamomile essential oils.
- Relieve muscle soreness: Wintergreen and peppermint essential oils.
- Promote circulation: Rosemary and grapefruit essential oils.
- Boost morale: Sweet orange and lemon essential oils.
4. Promotes relaxation
- Soothe the soul: The warm oil and the natural aroma of the plants can trigger a relaxation response in the brain through the sense of smell, reducing anxiety and stress.
- Sense of ritual: The process of applying massage oil itself has a therapeutic ritualistic feel, which helps the person receiving the massage to enter a relaxed state.

Common Massage Oil Types and Their Corresponding Effects
| type | Ingredient characteristics | Suitable for: |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet almond oil | Lightweight, non-greasy, and rich in Vitamin E | Sensitive skin, babies, facial massage |
| Jojoba oil | It is closest to human sebum, and can moisturize and lock in moisture. | Dry skin, whole body, long-term use |
| Grapeseed oil | Antioxidant, refreshing, and easily absorbed | Oily skin, summer, after exercise |
| Coconut Oil | Rich aroma and high moisturizing effect | Winter, rough skin, tropical-style spa |
| Sesame oil | Warm in nature, contains sesamin | Traditional Chinese massage, meridian massage, winter |
| olive oil | Natural anti-inflammatory, thick texture | Deep tissue massage, joint care |

Advanced functional massage oil
| type | feature | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Heating massage oil | Contains capsaicin/menthol, providing a warming and stimulating effect. | After exercise, lower back pain, promote circulation |
| Cooling massage oil | Contains menthol, providing a cooling and soothing effect. | Summer, headache, mosquito bites |
| Essential oil blended massage oil | Base oil + pure essential oil (such as lavender, tea tree) | Aromatherapy for relaxation, antibacterial properties, and sleep aid. |
| Fragrance-free | No added fragrances, pure oils | Pregnant women, allergy sufferers, infants |

Precautions for use
- Do a skin test firstApply to the inside of the wrist for 24 hours and check for any redness or itching.
- Avoid sensitive areasEyes, wounds, mucous membranes.
- Pregnant women should choose carefullyAvoid essential oils such as rosemary, sage, and fennel.
- Cleaning methodsAfter massaging, wash with warm water and neutral body wash to avoid residue clogging pores.

Precautions for using massage oil
- Allergy test: Before use, it is best to perform a small skin test on the inside of your arm or behind your ear to confirm that there is no allergic reaction before using it.
- Oil selection: Choose cold-pressed, unrefined natural base oils and avoid using mineral oils or complex baby oils to prevent clogging pores.
- Save method: Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain the quality and efficacy of the oil.
| project | suggestion |
|---|---|
| skin type | Dry skin → Jojoba/Avocado; Oily skin → Grape seed/Hazelnut |
| use | Relaxation → Lavender; Exercise → Peppermint/Rosemary |
| texture | Lightweight (summer), substantial (winter) |
| Certification | Choose organic, cold-pressed virgin oil, and mineral-free oil. |
| capacity | For home use: 100-250ml; for professional use: 1L or more |
Massage oil is an indispensable element in the massage process; it combines...Physical lubrication, skin care, and psychological and physiological healing.It can significantly enhance the overall massage experience and effect.
Further reading: