How do you use oil for a massage?

 




How do you use oil for a massage?

This may seem quite straightforward, but there are a few pointers that you should be aware of prior to using oil for massage. Previously we discussed the advantages and disadvantages but in addition to these points using a natural oil will help to promote healthy skin as it contains fatty acids that will help to alleviate dryness or inflammation.
Using oil can also help to protect skin from environmental stresses such as pollution ,harsh weather and UV rays. They can be very beneficial for skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis just ensure that they are pure and do not contain any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances to avoid a reaction or irritation.
How to use the oil
Prior to the massage prepare the space ensuring it is warm and inviting, light some candles and have low lighting.
Warm the oil before use by standing the bottle in a flask of hot water or better still use a baby bottle warmer they are the perfect size and will ensure the oil does not get too hot . I personally use Tommy tippee and it works perfectly as you can adjust the temperature to what is suitable.
If you are ñot confident using essential oils consider using a preblended oil which are generally suitable for most skin types. Ensure the receivers skin is dry and not damp as otherwise you will not have a good grip, start with only a small amount and from the bottle apply it first too the top of your hand to check the temperature then let it run between your fingers onto the receivers skin. Do not pour oil directly onto the skin as it could burn the receiver and is not a comfortable sensation also.
A little oil goes a long way and it's cost effective to start with only a little then you can add more. Use long flowing strokes working up the body towards the heart.Target keys areas such as the back,shoulders neck, legs and feet using a variety of strokes (which we have covered before) and check at regular intervals to see if the pressure is comfortable. If it's too hard the receiver will tense their body and if it's too soft they will get frustrated, neither of which are ideal conditions for an effective treatment.

Elizabeth Lock      Holistic Therapist 
www.yourcuddletherapy.co.uk   heal@yourcuddletherapy.co.ukwww.yourinnerglow.co.uk         heal@yourinnerglow.co.ukwww.yourtantrictouch.co.uk      heal@yourtantrictouch.co.uk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The 5 main types of massage movements and benefits

Image
There are a variety of different strokes used during a typical massage routine. This depends on the style of massage, the clients  requirements and how the therapist conducts her treatment.  When I am working on a client I personally like to use a variety of massage movements not only to enable the massage to be as effective as possible, but also so that I can tailor make the session to cater for each individuals needs as client satisfaction is extremely important to my practice. Below is a summary of the main massage movements used in swedish massage which is the most common style of massage practised,the reasons for each stroke and the benefits that are gained as a result. All the strokes are done in an upwards motion towards the heart. The strokes are described as I personally use them and in order for what I have found to be the most effective way of practicing but each therapist obviously has their own method of what works best for them and their treatment. ...
Read more

What are defence mechanisms and how can we recognise them in our self and others?

Image
What are defence mechanisms and how can we recognise them in our self and others? Everyone one of us if we choose to be completely honest with ourselves have at some time in our life used defence mechanisms as a way of protecting ourselves from feelings which arise as a result of our ego feeling threatened in some way and coming under attack. Defence mechanisms are not something we can always consciously control, they can often be non voluntaristic but can often lead to what others may perceive as unpleasant behaviour leading to inevitable judgement if they are not recognised for what they are. A huge reason why I am so passionate about tantra is that it encourages people to remove the mask and be free to be who they really are and yet so many of us continue to wear these masks to enable us to continue feeling confident in our everyday lives. Unfortunately, we are often our own harshest critic and for most people situations that bring uncertainty into our lives can often trig...
Read more

Why is following a diet designed for your individual blood type so important? Part 2

Image
  Why is following a diet designed for your individual blood type so important? Part 2 In a previous post I explored Dr Peter J. Adamo book “Eat right for your type” which suggested that following a diet specifically recommended for individual blood types diet could have a huge impact on health and wellbeing.   I decided to explore this issue of blood types further and uncovered other fascinating concepts that can be derived from blood type including the exercise recommended to allow the body to operate at an optimum level, personality characteristics and recommended careers which would be suitable. Some of the information stated below is taken directly from Dr Adamo’s book. Through my research I have shared below what I discovered about each of the blood types, of course as individuals this may differ from your own personal characteristics but perhaps see if you can relate in any way …In Japan blood type is particularly favoured in relating to compatibility in Love and jo...
Read more