Established In 1994Massage is one of the oldest healing arts, and when combined with the therapeutic properties of essential oils, it becomes an even more powerful tool for relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a professional massage therapist or simply want to give better massages at home, understanding how to use essential oils can transform your massage experience from pleasant to truly therapeutic.
Buy Essential Oils WholesaleTable of contents
Essential oils also improve the tactile experience of massage. When properly diluted in carrier oils, they provide the perfect glide for hands, preventing friction while nourishing the skin.
| Massage Types | Best Oils |
|---|---|
| Swedish Massage | Lavender, geranium Best carrier: Sweet almond or grapeseed |
| Deep Tissue Massage | Eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint Best carrier: Grapeseed (allows good friction) |
| Aromatherapy Massage | Lavender, ylang ylang, geranium Best carrier: Jojoba or sweet almond |
| Sports Massage | Peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary Best carrier: Grapeseed (light and easily absorbed) |
| Hot Stone Massage | Lavender, ylang ylang Best carrier: Grapeseed (won’t become sticky with heat) |
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender is the most versatile essential oil for massage. Its calming properties make it perfect for relaxation massage, while its anti-inflammatory benefits help with muscle soreness. The universally appealing scent makes it suitable for nearly everyone.
- Promotes deep relaxation
- Reduces muscle tension
- Helps with sleep preparation
- Calms the nervous system
- Anti-inflammatory for sore muscles
2. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is invigorating and refreshing, making it excellent for morning massages or when you want to feel revitalised. Its penetrating aroma helps clear the mind while its properties support respiratory health and ease muscle discomfort.
- Clears congestion and supports breathing
- Reduces inflammation
- Energising and uplifting
- Eases muscle and joint pain
- Cooling sensation on the skin
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint brings a cooling, refreshing quality to massage. It’s particularly effective for tired, aching muscles and can help with headache relief when massaged into the temples and neck. Use sparingly as it’s quite potent.
- Cooling relief for sore muscles
- Energising and mentally stimulating
- Helps with headaches and migraines
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves circulation
4. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is stimulating and warming, making it ideal for massage blends focused on circulation and muscle recovery. It’s also excellent for mental clarity, so it works well for daytime massages when you need to remain alert.
- Improves circulation
- Warms and loosens tight muscles
- Mentally stimulating
- Reduces muscle fatigue
- Supports joint flexibility
5. Ylang Ylang Oil
With its exotic, floral scent, ylang ylang brings a luxurious, sensual quality to massage. It’s deeply relaxing and helps slow a racing heartbeat, making it perfect for stress relief and romantic massages.
- Deeply relaxing and euphoric
- Balances emotions
- Aphrodisiac qualities
- Soothes irritation and inflammation
- Balances skin’s oil production
6. Geranium Oil
Geranium has a beautiful rosy-green scent that’s balancing for both body and mind. It’s wonderful for all skin types and brings a sense of harmony and equilibrium to massage.
- Balances emotions
- Reduces inflammation
- Excellent for all skin types
- Improves skin tone and elasticity
- Gentle yet effective
Best Carrier Oils for Massage
Buy Carrier Oils WholesaleSweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is the gold standard for massage. It has a light texture that absorbs moderately into the skin, providing enough glide for extended massage without leaving you feeling greasy. It’s rich in vitamins E and A, making it nourishing for all skin types.
Best for: Full-body massage, sensitive skin, and general use
Texture: Light to medium, slightly nutty scent
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is incredibly light and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for those who don’t want any oily residue. It’s odourless, which means it won’t interfere with your essential oil aromas. Due to its quick absorption, you may need to reapply during longer massages.
Best for: Oily or acne-prone skin, Swedish massage, hot stone massage
Texture: Very light, almost silky
Jojoba Oil
Technically a liquid wax, jojoba closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it excellent for all skin types. It has a longer shelf life than many other carrier oils and won’t go rancid easily. It’s more expensive but a little goes a long way.
Best for: Facial massage, sensitive skin, and long-term storage
Texture: Medium weight, luxurious feel
Peach Kernel Oil
Peach kernel oil is a lovely, slightly lighter alternative to sweet almond oil. It’s particularly good for dry or mature skin and has a subtle, pleasant scent. It absorbs well without being too fast-absorbing.
Best for: Mature skin, aromatherapy massage, face and body
Texture: Light to medium, slightly peachy scent
Safety Guidelines for Massage with Essential Oils
Patch testing: Always test a new blend on a small area of skin 24 hours before full-body use.
Avoid sensitive areas: Keep oils away from eyes, inner ears, and mucous membranes.
Medical conditions: Certain oils shouldn’t be used with specific health conditions. Rosemary, for example, should be avoided by those with epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Pregnancy: Many essential oils are contraindicated during pregnancy. Stick to safe oils like lavender in low dilutions, or avoid altogether in the first trimester.
Allergies: If someone has plant allergies, avoid oils from those plant families.
Sun sensitivity: Some oils (particularly citrus oils) can cause photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after use.
