Can you Massage with Essential Oils?
Yes, you can! Here is everything you need to know…
The most common way to use essential oils is to inhale them, both for their amazing scent and their therapeutic properties, but they can also be used in diffusers and diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin in the form of massage.
Essential oils and aromatherapy are holistic methods that involve massage which works through the sense of smell and skin absorption of the oils. The essential oils are diluted before use and are applied along with a carrier oil during the massage.
Massages that use essential oils are believed to be more effective than those that do not include any oils. The oils are also believed to have specific healing properties when inhaled and diffusers are frequently used during a massage.
Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts from the leaves, herbs, trees, roots, seeds, flowers, and stems of plants. They affect the body quickly and powerfully. They can be added to most types of carrier oils e.g. coconut, grapeseed and almond oil in order that you experience beneficial changes to your mind and body as you inhale their fragrance and the oils absorb into your skin.
The benefits of massage with essential oils
The overall purpose of an aromatherapy massage is to improve your physical and mental well-being. The benefits of massage can include a reduction in stress and anxiety, pain relief, reduction in swelling, decrease in muscle tension and increased calmness and relaxation.
Massage therapy can provide emotional healing and relaxation as well as a decrease in physical aches and pains e.g. if you have trouble sleeping, Lavender can be included in your massage oil. If you are physically active and have sore muscles and joints, then Peppermint can help ease pain whilst Roman Chamomile can help with inflammation.
More of our customers are testing out our essential oil products than ever before by diffusing them at home or diluting them for topical usage, including massage. Unless you are a qualified aromatherapist, it is best to use only light to medium strokes for applying oils and to avoid the spine and other sensitive areas of the body. You need to exercise extreme caution if you are pregnant or have certain health conditions e.g. epilepsy. If necessary, consult a General Practitioner before commencing any massage.
You can use essential oils for skincare and massage in a variety of ways.
Focus on areas of muscular pain, tightness, and tension. You can gently rub the oil into pressure points such as your temples, wrists, and third eye. You can also use the oils to massage your feet and place a few drops of essential oil around your nose.
To make a simple massage oil for personal use, combine 3 -10 drops (less if applying to children or those with sensitive skin) of essential oil with 1 Tbs of fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil. Apply a small amount of oil to the area of concern and gently massage into the skin using light strokes of your hand or fingers. Our Aromatouch oil has been blended specifically for use as a massage oil.
Professional aromatherapists, on the other hand, provide a range of massage types including deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal and hot stone massage and will charge a fee for their services. They use several types of massage that focus on different parts of the body.
Massage therapy is the practice of manipulating the soft tissues in the body through holding, stroking, compressing and kneading the body primarily using hands. During a massage, a therapist will apply differing levels of pressure to the muscles and joints of the body in order to ease pain and tension.
Which are the best essential oils to use in massage?
There are dozens of essential oils – not to mention different combinations – that can have a range of benefits to your body. Popular examples include Lavender, Wild Orange, Bergamot and Eucalyptus. These “aromas” are all plant-based derivatives from herbs, tree extracts, and flowers.
Here is a basic guide to the way certain essential oil blends can enhance your massage:
Calming: Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Frankincense and Geranium oil
Uplifting: Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, Rose, Bergamot and Neroli oil
Energising: Wild Orange, Aromatouch, Lemon, Coriander and Rosemary oil
Decongesting: Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
Here are some of the benefits of popular essential oils:
Lavender: With its distinct aroma, Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries. In ancient times, the Romans and Egyptians used Lavender for bathing and cooking. Lavender’s sedative properties makes it a useful oil for calming feelings of depression and anxiety, aiding rest and relaxation, promoting sleep, (particularly due to insomnia) and as a balm for minor skin injuries. It’s also used to relieve headaches, cramping, and sinus congestion.
Peppermint: One of our best-selling oils, the peppermint plant is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and was first described by Carl Linneaus in 1753. Peppermint oil is a potent oil that’s used to improve respiratory function and relieve sinus congestion as well as improving digestion and relieving nausea and headaches.
Wild Orange: Cold pressed from the peel, Wild Orange is one of dōTERRA’s top selling essential oils due to its energising aroma and multiple benefits. Wild Orange oil is high in monoterpenes contains diuretic properties which may help reduce cellulite. Its fruity aroma can help to lift mood and stimulate appetite. It may also help to alleviate anxiety and stress as well as soothing your nervous system and promoting a healthy lymphatic flow. Wild Orange is photosensitive, so avoid going out in the sun for 12 hours after applying.
Lemon: One of doTERRA's top-selling essential oils, Lemon has multiple benefits and uses. Lemon is traditionally used in aromatherapy for its ability to uplift and focus the mind. Lemon is also used for boosting immunity, circulation, and lymphatic flow. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties make it useful in treating skin conditions like bug bites, boils, and pimples. Lemon oil is photosensitive, so avoid going out in the sun for 12 hours after applying. When added to water, Lemon provides a refreshing and healthy boost throughout the day.
Frankincense: One of the most highly valued oils in the ancient world, Frankincense was known as a holy, or sacred oil and used as an ingredient in incense and in churches and temples. It is still used today for grounding and relaxation. Frankincense can promote clear, smooth skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes and promote healing of wounds. If you’re looking to relieve stress and anxiety while boosting your immune system, try Frankincense at your next massage.
Geranium: Geranium, which comes from the flower, is known for its relaxing and rejuvenating effects on the body. In traditional medicine, geranium is used to improve circulation and to soothe and stimulate nervous system functions. It is used in wound healing and skin products to balance sebum production and keep the skin supple. Geranium can be particularly helpful with menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Coriander: Coriander is a sweet and warm essential oil and has a relaxing and soothing properties. This oil can also help promote healthy digestive and circulatory systems. Some even believe it can help relieve cramps – both in sore muscles and in the throat, which causes coughing.
Bergamot: Bergamot has been used for hundreds of years in Italy to reduce feelings of stress and to soothe skin. It has a pleasant, spicy citrus aroma. Its sedative and calming properties can be helpful in relieving feelings of depression, improving mood, and anxious and sad feelings. It can be both uplifting and calming, so you’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after an aromatherapy session. Bergamot oil is photosensitive, so avoid going out in the sun for 12 hours after applying.
How to use essential oils on your skin
Our single oils and oil blends are extremely concentrated so to be used correctly they should be diluted into a carrier oil or lotion, before applying to your skin.
You can use essential oils for skincare and massage in a variety of ways.
Focus on areas of muscular pain, tightness, and tension. You can gently rub the oil into pressure points such as your temples, wrists, and third eye. You can also use the oils to massage your feet and place a few drops of essential oil around your nose.
Another option is to add essential oils to your favourite cosmetic products, such as toners, serums, and muscle rubs. But always take care to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil first.
How do you mix essential oils for massage?
Follow the directions for use on each product page of our website, or your own intuition! You could always make a rollerball blend so that you have your favourite combination to hand.
When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it's important to follow these dilution guidelines:
2.5% dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
3% dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
5% dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
10% dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
Carrier Oils
The following list includes popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils for aromatherapy, massage, and skin care. The list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start:
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
Jojoba oil
Apricot kernel oil
Sweet almond oil
Olive oil
Argan oil
Rosehip oil
Blackseed oil
Grapeseed oil
Avocado oil