Massage Therapy is the most used type of complimentary and alternative medicine in hospitals and rehabilitation centers today. Nursing professionals use massage therapy to help with the relief of pain and to assist patients with sleeping. Oils are used in massage therapy to enhance the massage experience with its therapeutic effect.

Massage therapy involves an action of manipulating the body with pressure-structured movements which can be done manually with hands, elbows, fingers, forearm, knees and feet or with mechanically aids, for example hot stones or other various devices. Some of the techniques used are skin rolling, kneading, striking, stretching, compression and shearing. Different areas of the body are targeted in massage therapy, muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints and some organs. Therapy can be done clothed or unclothed, in a chair sitting or on the floor or table lying.

Essential oils and salts are used in massage therapy because they provide therapeutic benefits and help with the removal of dry skin. Each oil provides a different purpose and these are a few of the oils used. Coconut oil are the favorite oil used by therapist because it washes off easily. It helps in boosting your energy and building endurance, it enhances your performance, relieve stress and help with removing of mental fatigue. It is a safe oil to used because it prevents dryness and flaking of skin, delay wrinkles and sagging of skin, helps in treating skin ailments and preventing infections. Jojoba is the most natural oil because it resembles natural skin oil, it is soothing and nourishing and can be used on all skin type. Hazelnut is non-greasy and is used for toning skin.

Grapeseed oil is excellent for moisturizing the skin, it lubricates well, easily absorbed, tighten and tone the skin well. Macadamia oil is the best oil to used on dry skin. Sesame oil is a rich, softening oil that can be used on all skin type. Mustard oil helps to soothes arthritis pain and stiff joints and it lets off a pleasant aroma which some find appealing. Many practitioners of aromatherapy used organically produced essential oils because some states that there are pesticides residues in some essential oils.

Essential oils should not be used in its undiluted form on the skin because it can cause severe irritations or allergic reactions, it should be mixed with a carrier which is usually a vegetable base oil. Some common carrier oils used in massage therapy are Almond oil which helps with softening and lubricating dry skin. Avocado oil can be used on irritated skin, it has a lot of vitamins and can be used as a mild sunscreen. Olive oil contains a lot of protein and vitamins, absorbs rapidly into the skin and used in the treatment of muscular pains. Wheat Germ oil has vitamins, antioxidant properties and helps with diminishing of scars.

Some benefits of using oils in massage therapy are, they have antiseptic properties which provide a curative effect. They provide an uplifting feeling by decreases the feeling of anxiety and depression, increasing awareness and concentration, providing a better focus and calm mind thereby reducing stress and providing relaxation. It relieves muscular pain and provides flexibility in tense muscles. It also improves circulation, promotes deep breathing, improves posture and provides a restful sleep, increasing your general well being.

A back massage is a great way to help reduce stress and muscle tension from a family member, friend or loved one. Not everyone is a trained professional when it comes to this though, so it’s important to keep some techniques in mind when giving a massage. You don’t want to hurt the recipient who you’re supposed to be helping out. Use the following advice sparingly, and make sure to always check with the person who is getting the massage if it’s too much for them.

Most people like to get a back massage so let’s talk about how you do it. Have the recipient lay face down on a bed or table that is comfortable. Put a little bit of massage oil lubricant on their back, and rub down their back with both hands. Use a firm, yet gentle approach, then rub your hands back up towards the neck. Use kneading movements near the top of the shoulders, mid back and buttocks area to loosen tight muscles. You can work out knots or troublesome hard areas of the back, neck or shoulders using your thumbs or fingers. Try circular movements on the back which also can be relaxing.

Make sure to go easy when giving someone a massage as you want to help them relieve stress and muscle tension, rather than hurt them. Most massage experts or professionals will tell you to use your feet positioning for more power while applying your hands to the back for a rubdown. Of course many people like to say they give great massages, and while that may be true, nothing will beat the work done by a true massage professional.