Making Your Own Massage Oil

There is often no better way to unwind than receiving a relaxing massage. You can customize your experience by creating massage oil using essential oils. Adding certain oils to the mixture will target your specific needs and make the massage even more beneficial to you.

Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Massage therapy can be very beneficial for wellbeing. It reduces stress and can help relax your body and your mind. Adding essential oils to your massage oil can enhance these effects. Oils can have both a calming and energizing effect, depending on which blend you choose. You can continue with an aromatherapy massage weekly or monthly for the best results. 

How to Make Massage Oil

Massage oil can be made with only three ingredients: a carrier oil, the essential oil(s) of your choice, and a container to put the mixture in.

Follow these five steps to make a simple aromatherapy massage oil:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup jojoba oil or carrier oil of choice
• 12-20 drops of essential oil
• Glass container

Instructions: 

1. Measure out ¼ cup of jojoba oil or whichever carrier oil you choose.
2. Add 12-20 drops of essential oils to the carrier oil, depending on the strength you want. You can add all of the drops from the same oil or create a blend of your own using multiple oils
3. Mix the oils until you reach your desired aroma, adjusting the recipe slightly if needed to fit your preferences.
4. Transfer the mixture to a glass container, where you can store it for up to three months.
5. For each session, use about one teaspoon of your homemade massage oil.

What is a Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is necessary to use essential oils safely. When mixed with essential oils, a carrier helps dilute the highly-concentrated substance and “carry” it into your skin. Without a carrier, essential oils are not safe to use topically.

Best Carrier Oils for Massage

Many carrier oils are well-suited for aromatherapy massage. Jojoba is often used by massage therapists because it is light and absorbs into the skin easily. Coconut oil is another great option because it is very nourishing and hydrating. Sweet almond oil is also used frequently due to its slow absorption rate. 

The Best Massage Oil Blends

Single oil aromatherapy is effective because it allows you to fully experience the benefits of the oil you choose. Since they have such a wide range of positive outcomes, many essential oils are well-suited for massage therapy. 

A few of the best oils to use for massage are:

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is naturally warming because it contains menthol. This warming sensation can help ease tension, making it the perfect option for a soothing massage. 

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is one of the most commonly used oils for aromatherapy massage. It has a sweet and fresh aroma that creates a soothing atmosphere. It can be beneficial in many ways, including helping the body adapt to stress and allowing your mind to relax and unwind. 

Frankincense 

Frankincense oil has been used since ancient times for grounding and relaxation. Frankincense compliments the scent of lavender oil, making for an especially pleasant blend.

Bergamot 

Bergamot has a spicy citrus aroma that is very versatile. It can help promote feelings of happiness, peace, and joy. Its scent can also be very soothing and help you relax. 

Clary Sage

Clary sage has a wide range of benefits, including stress reduction. In addition to massage oil, it can also be used as a room spray. Mixing clary sage with other calming essential oils like lavender or bergamot will combine their beneficial effects. 

Essential Oil Blends

To further enhance your aromatherapy massage experience, you can mix multiple essential oils to create a blend of your own. Combining the various benefits of different oils can customize your massage to your liking. As always, make sure to dilute all oils with a carrier oil before topical use.

A few massage oil blends to try are:

Fresh and Invigorating

• 8 drops of peppermint oil 
• 4 drops of eucalyptus oil 

Elevate Your Mood

• 8 drops of Frankincense oil 
• 8 drops of grapefruit oil
• 4 drops of ginger oil

Destress

• 10 drops of bergamot oil
• 10 drops of grapefruit oil

Aromatherapy Massage Safety

While essential oils have countless benefits for massage therapy, they can be harmful if they are used improperly. It is important to always use oils safely, starting with dilution.

Safe Dilution 

100% pure essential oils are highly concentrated substances that can be harmful if applied topically. They can cause irritation, sensitivity, or inflammation. Your skin can also have an adverse reaction to the oil, resulting in hives, a rash, or swelling. To avoid these side effects, always dilute your essential oils.

Dilution is the process of mixing pure essential oils with carrier oil to make them safe to use topically. At Pyurvana, we recommend a dilution ratio of three drops of essential oil for every one teaspoon of carrier oil. Based on the sensitivity of your skin, you can dilute your oils even further to avoid a reaction. 

Patch Test

To test the sensitivity of your skin, you can administer a patch test. This is an important step in finding the dilution ratio that works best for you. Start by adding a small amount of diluted oil to a cotton swab, then rub the swab on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear. Leave the area untouched for 48 hours to see how the oils will affect your body. 

If the diluted oil does not negatively affect your skin, you can apply it more widely. However, if you notice inflammation or irritation, wash the oil off immediately and get in contact with your doctor.

Phototoxicity 

Another possible side effect of using essential oils is phototoxicity. Phototoxicity is a condition that causes the skin or eyes to become sensitive to sunlight and is most often caused by using certain essential oils topically. Citrus oils like bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange are known to be phototoxic. 

Using these oils and then exposing your skin to sunlight makes you more susceptible to sunburn or other reactions. As a precaution, either avoid direct sunlight if you have recently used citrus oil or cover the area it was applied to before you go outside. 

Ingesting Essential Oils

Essential oils are safe for external use only and should never be ingested. Although they are made from edible plants, oils are often 100 times more concentrated than the compounds found in the plants themselves. Certain oils can be toxic to both humans and animals if too much is swallowed. The body quickly absorbs these concentrated substances, often leading to adverse reactions like vomiting, shortness of breath, or drowsiness. 

If you’re looking to boost the benefits of essential oils, try diffusing them while you are giving or receiving a massage rather than ingesting them. 

Safe Storage

Massage oil needs to be stored safely in order to last. Pure essential oils are strong substances and can break down plastic containers over time, causing your oils to leak and damage your home. Even when diluted, essential oils should be stored in glass containers.

Essential oils are also sensitive to UV rays from the sun. To avoid oxidation, keep your essential oil mixtures in a cool, dark location, such as in the fridge. Using dark-colored containers like amber or coated glass will further protect your oils from sunlight. This will ensure that the oils do not lose their aromas and nourishing benefits.

Storing essential oils safely is also a must if you have children or pets in your home. To make sure that they do not ingest the oils, store them in an inaccessible location, such as a high shelf or locked cabinet. 

Purchase High-Quality Essential Oils

If you are interested in making your own massage oil, Pyurvana has everything you need to create a blend for aromatherapy. From our wide selection of essential oils to carrier oils for dilution, we can help you enhance your massage experience.

To browse our selection of 100% pure essential oils, visit the Pyurvana website.