How to choose massage oil for adults?

Aroma therapy has made the massage oil into a science of its own. A massage oil is a mixture of two oils: Carrier oil, and essential oil

In India, full body massage for infants and men goes back to at least the times of Lord Buddha. The criteria for infants is different than for adults. How to choose massage oil for infants?

Modern aroma therapy is applicable to both male and female genders.

Typical Massage oil formulation

Mix 8 Tablespoons of Carrier oil with 1 teaspoon of essential oil.

This may be adjusted depending on actual oils used, personal needs and personal preferences

Carrier oil

In the olden days three most commonly used oils were: Mustard, Virgin coconut, and Sesame. Four basic criteria are used to choose or formulate a carrier oil.

1. Viscosity should permit the oil to be spread on the skin with ease. It should not be too thick or too thin.

2. It should be easily warmed with the friction of gentle massage to be easily absorbed in the skin.

3. It should meet specific nutritional objectives, for example Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids etcetera. You may formulate carrier oil by combining one to 3 oils to meet viscosity, and nutritional objectives.

4. User must not be allergic to the carrier oil.

The old traditional carrier oils do not meet these objectives.

I have broken the the carrier oils into two groupings 100% and 10%. 100% may be used as a single oil, or two of them may be mixed as 50% each. 10% oils may be added in the formula for added nutrients.

100% Carrier oils

1. Almond
2. Grape seeds (easiest to spread)
3. Fractionated Coconut
4. Walnut

5. Apricot Kernel oil

6. Safflower
7. Sunflower

10% Carrier oils

1. Avocado up to 10%

2. Bhang seed oil up to 10%

3. Flax seed up to 10%

4. Jojoba (same viscosity as natural skin oil) up to 10%
5. Neem oil up to 10%
6. Wheat germ (High Vitamin E) up to 10%

Essential oils

There two types of essential oils: Herbal, and floral. Each essential oil is chosen for its medicinal value, and how long it lasts on the body. Some essential oils fade away in few hours while, others may last for up to a week.

Normally, the essential oils are not mixed together. You may mix one teaspoon of essential oil to 8 Tablespoons of Carrier oil.

Herbal essential oils

1. Ajwain

2. Cardamom

3. Chamomile

4. Cinnamon

5. Cloves

6. Coriander

7. Eucalypts

8. Fennel

9. Peppermint

10. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Floral essential oils

1. Chameli (Jasmine)

2. Champa

3. Lavander

4. Rose hips

5. Rose petals

6. Sandalwood

Chameli Massage Oil Recipe

I spent my teenage years in Rajasthan. Men applied Chameli essential oil on their testicles in the belief that erection will last longer and stronger. It may be true or false, but the aroma of Chameli was favorite of my late mother. In our front lawn, we had a Chameli tree and Gurhal (Hibiscus). Chameli remains my all time favorite. As far as I am concerned, it is gender neutral floral essence of all times.

Grape seed oil: 4 Tablespoons

Almond oil: 3 Tablespoons

Wheat germ oil: 1 Table spoon

Chameli (Jasmine) oil: 1 teaspoon

Peppermint Massage oil Recipe

This recipe is really good to relieve belly itching during pregnancy

Grape seed oil: 4 Tablespoons

Almond oil: 3 Tablespoons

Wheat germ oil: 1 Table spoon

Peppermint oil: 1 teaspoon

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