Coming home after a tiring and stressful day and getting a massage from your love, a friend, a family member or even a self-massage can transform your mood and your body. That's why we recommend this practice, which brings many benefits to the mind and body.
While any type of massage will help a tired body and an exhausted mind, oils for this purpose can make everything even more relaxing. In addition, they help the massage to flow better, because they glide and have natural powers that promote relaxation and rest.
We have prepared a list of 5 massage oils that can make the relaxing moment of the massage even more refreshing. But first, check out the main benefits of this practice.
Main benefits of massage:
- Decreases muscle and tendon pain by up to 30%, according to a University of Sydney study published in 2019.
- It reduces levels of cortisol, the stress-causing hormone, by up to 31%, according to statistics from the same study.
- It increases the levels of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, which cause well-being, according to the results of the Australian research.
- In addition to relieving pain, tension and stress, it fights the symptoms of problems such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder and panic syndrome, especially with the help of essential oils.
- It helps you to get to know your own body, as it is possible to do self-massage and promote a moment of relaxation with yourself.
Massage oils that help you relax
While you can buy a ready-made massage oil, making your own at home is very easy. You just need a base oil, such as coconut oil, almond oil, among others, which can be found in stores that sell this type of product.
In addition, you will need essential oils, which are made from substances released by plants, so they are natural and contain plant benefits. The recipe is the same for all the essential oils that we will mention below: for every 30 ml of a base oil, 5 drops of essential oil.
Now that you know the recipe, see which are the most relaxing essences for massage oils:
1 - Aloe vera
Well known for its benefits to hair, aloe vera essence is a great ally for the skin. Its minerals and vitamins provide an antioxidant effect, which helps to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation and detoxify the body. In addition, it reduces the risk of infections.
Additionally, aloe vera oil is great for massages because it has a hydrating effect, so it leaves the body feeling clean and completely hydrated.
2 – Lavender
One of the most common massage oils, lavender essential oil has relaxing properties that help relieve tension and promote muscle relaxation. So it promotes great relaxation in the body, reducing the feeling of physical fatigue and muscle pain.
In addition to these physical benefits, lavender essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy because its scent also benefits the mind. It helps keep the nervous system functioning and relieves migraines, while also decreasing levels of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress.
3 - Chamomile
When we talk about natural tranquilizers, chamomile is perhaps the most popular. Its use is so widespread that the famous chamomile tea is indispensable in many homes of anxious people who suffer from problems such as insomnia. In fact, chamomile has relaxing properties, which fight stress and anxiety, among other problems.
In addition to relaxing the mind, chamomile essential oil relieves muscle aches, tensions, headaches or migraines and menstrual cramps. Finally, it is also used in medical treatments, because it helps to cure some allergies – but in this case, it is essential to consult a doctor before application.
4 - Sandalwood
Although it has relaxing properties, like chamomile and lavender, sandalwood is used for relaxation in another situation: intensity in physical activities. By having antioxidant action, it improves circulation and blood pressure, which is great for the end of a busy day full of physical activities.
Additionally, it has relaxing properties for the mind as well, so it is a very useful oil when applied close to bedtime, because it helps to give that “final” relaxation in the body, before the moment of closing your eyes and surrendering to rest.
5 - Almonds
Many people complain about essential oils, or even are allergic to them. So the option, in cases like these and other indispositions to essential oils, is to use the “pure” base oil. And one that can be quite helpful for promoting relaxation is almond oil.
Rich in nutrients, in addition to hydrating dry skins and helping to reduce stretch marks, it promotes a decrease in cortisol levels and is one of the ones that have the most “sliding” effect, so it makes the touch much smoother and more pleasant.
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These were 5 essential oil tips that can make your massage much more relaxing and de-stressing. And remember: essential oils can have strong effects on people who are allergic or who are uncomfortable with them, so it may be helpful to consult a doctor about them, and also if you experience any symptoms.
