Massages
are great for relaxing soar muscles and relieving tension. Using oils
during a massage are good for keeping your skin soft and glowing.
It's best to use these after bathing or showering, when your skin
in still moist. You can also use an alcohol based mixture if you don't
like using oil (recipe below). Some points to keep in mind when using
massage oils:
Never
use HOT oil. If you want it warm, hold the container under hot,
running tap water or just put a small amount into your hands and
rub your hands to- gether to warm it a little.
Never
pour the oil directly on the person. Always put about a quarter
size in your hands, rub together, then apply - repeating the step
if necessary. Pouring it directly out usually results in too much
oil being used.
After
completing a massage, rest for about 5-10 minutes before
getting up.
To
make your own massage oil...
Use
1/2 cup (unscented is best) oil as your carrier oil. This will
give you 4 oz of oil - if you want more, double it and then double
the oils/herbs you use for scents.
Use
essential oils and herbs for scents and for other benefits
the skin will receive (camphor soothes muscles, peppermint invigorates,
etc.)
Store
the oils in a glass bottle - preferably a dark bottle
(blue, brown, red). Doing this will eliminate any altering from sunlight
and electric light. Store in a cool, dry place for longer shelf life.
If
you use ground herbs, citrus zest, our ground powders
(such as cinnamon), allow to steep in the oil for 24-48 hours in dark
place, then strain oil and put in a clean bottle. (For a faster steeping
process, heat the oil and herbs for about 5 minutes - but do not bring
to a boil - then allow the mixture to cool completely, strain and
put in a clean bottle.)
If
you are putting essential oil in your oil carrier, allow
to sit for at least 12 hours for the oil base to absorb the essential
oil. Don't over do it when using essential oil - some can burn (peppermint,
clove) and cause irritation if too much is used.
Oils
to use for your carrier (base) oil...
Almond
Oil
Apricot
Kernel Oil
Avocado
Oil
Canola
Oil
Cocoa
Butter
Grapeseed
Oil
Hazelnut
Oil
Jojoba
Oil
Olive
Oil
Peanut
Oil
Rose
Hip Oil
Safflower
Oil
Sesame
Oil
Shea
Butter
Sunflower
Oil
Herbs,
essential oils, flowers to use for scents...
(This is not an exhaustive list of
essential oils, herbs and flowers that can be used. Visit your local
health food store to search for oils and their bulk herb section for
flowers and herbs.)
Almond
extract
Basil
Oil
Bergamot
Oil (citrus)
Chamomile
Oil
Clove
Oil
Eucalyptus
Oil
Frankincense
Oil
Grapefruit
Oil
Jasmine
Oil
Lavender
Oil
Lemon
Oil
Patchouli
Oil
Peppermint
Oil
Rose
Oil
Rosemary
Oil
Sage
Oil
Sandalwood
Oil
Vanilla
extract
Ylang
Ylang Oil
Wintergreen
Oil
Ground
Cinnamon
Citrus
zest (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
Dried
Basil
Dried
Chamomile
Dried
Citrus Peel
Dried
Lavender
Dried
Mint Leaves
Dried
Rose Buds
Dried
Rosemary
Dried
Yarrow
If you
don't like using oils, you can use an alcohol base - such as vodka
- for a massage mixture. This type of mixture is also good for those
who live in a hot climate. After using this solution, follow with
a lotion or moisturizer to eliminate dryness that can be caused by
the alcohol
Soothing
Massage Mixture...
1
cup vodka (cheapest kind works just the same as expensive)
1/2
tsp castor oil / or other carrier oil listed above
1 1/2 tsp glycerine
2
drops essential oil (optional) or other scent (can choose from
above list)
Mix
all ingredients in a glass bottle and shake well before each use.
