5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Massage Oil
Posted on: April 24, 2015
Those new to massage therapy and techniques are often overwhelmed by the various types of massage oils available. How do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are five questions to ask before choosing: 1. What kind of massage will you be having? Different therapies need different levels of friction to be effective. Swedish massage needs a smooth glide, while deep tissue massage requires less glide and more grip. 2. Do you have any allergies? If you suffer from nut allergies avoid massages with almond oil. Also, many massage oils are scented or infused with herbal properties. If you have ragweed allergies, avoid chamomile and if you have floral allergies, unscented may be the best choice. 3. What’s your skin type? Different oils works best with different skin types. For example, Avocado oil is suited to a mature skin and very dry skin whereas jojoba oil is a good option for most people prone to back acne because it has antibacterial properties. 4. Are you pregnant or menopausal? Evening primrose is full of phytoestrogens and is a great massage oil for menopausal women, but it should not be used on pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant, as the high hormonal content could have a negative effect. 5. What are you doing after your massage? If you’re returning to work from the day spa, you don’t want to feel greasy. If you won’t be headed to the shower after your massage, chose oils the skin absorbs quickly like jojoba or sunflower oil and avoid sesame and wheatflower oils. Once you have answered these five questions, you will be able to select your massage oil according to your massage type, your body’s unique needs, and your schedule.