Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. It has long been used to break down muscle spasm, improve circulation and help wounds heal. In fact, our first instinct, when hurt, is to rub the painful spot.
When it comes to massage, you can use a single oil or mix two or three together. The best essential oils for a single-scented massage are shown below.
Best aromatic oils
- Bergamot
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Orange
- Rose
- Ylang-ylang
Best therapeutic oils
- Camomile (insomnia, stress, tension)
- Mimosa (cheering, antidepressant)
- Peppermint (invigorating, energising)
- Rosemary (mental fatigue, headache)
- Clary sage (PMT, fatigue, depression)
- Sandalwood (sensual, sedative, mellow)
When combining essential oils for massage, take note that the more scented they are, the more sensual the massage will be. Touch is even more relaxing with the right aroma to refresh or restore both body and mind. Remember, don’t shower or bath for two hours after aromatherapy massage, so the essential oils have a chance to be totally absorbed.
The back is one of the best bits of the body to massage, since it has such a tangle of muscles and nerves that it responds dramatically to the right touch. It’s also a large, smooth space that is ideal for spreading oil and learning strokes. Here’s a selection of the best aromatherapy oils to use.
Best oils for back massage
- Bergamot
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Orange
- Petitgrain
Best combination for a relaxing massage
7 drops lavender, 4 drops each rose and mimosa in 60ml (2fl oz/12 tsps) sunflower oil
Energizing massage
6 drops bergamot, 5 drops peppermint, 2 drops of lemon in 60ml (2 fl oz/12 tsps) sweet almond oil
For back pain
6 drops each lavender and eucalyptus, 3 drops lemon in 60ml (2 fl oz/12 tsps) safflower oil
For tense muscles
8 drops lavender, 5 drops petitgrain, 2 drops basil in 60ml (2fl oz/12 tsps) sunflower oil
Extra Tip: Basic Back Massage
Get your partner to undress and lie face down on one of the towels, with arms at her sides.
- Cover her from the waist down with the other towel to keep warm, then put several drops of oil on your palm and rub your hands together.
- When your hands are warm, kneel beside your partner with one hand each side of her spine, fingers pointing to her head, and rub your hands in one long movement up to the shoulders, then round and down to cover her back with a fine layer of oil.
- Starting from the base of the spine again, rub up beside the spine using your weight to apply more pressure. Hook your hands over her shoulders and pull gently towards you. Bring your hands back down the sides.
- The third time up the spine, press into the muscles beside it with the sides of your thumbs, going up a few inches with one and then the other. Go right up the neck, the stroke out across the shoulders.
- Find the edges of the shoulder blades and massage along just under them with little thumb circles.
- Finish with several long smooth strokes straight up her back, one hand going up as the other returns.
- Get her to do the same for you!
A full body massage by a qualified therapist is a treat. Visit one of the top massage centres in Australia.