Massage Couches

Massage has been used for centuries to aid in reducing stress, relaxing the body and helping with other problems such as pain. However, massage alone is not good enough. It takes a great massage oil to complete the therapy and give an overall wonderful massage experience.

Massage oils enhance the massage therapy session because of their healing properties. Depending on the type of oil, the body can benefit tremendously a number of ways. Massage oil improves blood circulation and nourishes the skin. People have been using massage therapy with oils to help alleviate pain and are still to this day. Each massage oil has it's own properties to heal, strengthen and relax the body and improve the immune system. Massage oils keep the mind and body healthy.

There are many different blends of massage oils, however, some of the most popular are:

1. Jojoba Oil - Jojoba oil has a long shelf life, so it is an oil that you can put away and take out further down the road. Jojoba is a wax that is extracted from the jojoba plant seed. It has antibacterial properties so many use it as an acne therapy. People like to use it because it does not irritate the skin and it makes a great carrier oil for essential oils used in aromatherapy.

2. Sweet Almond Oil - This is a very popular massage oil and is used often by massage therapists. Just as it's name implies, it is extracted from almonds. It glides easily over the skin because it is a bit oily, however, it does get absorbed quickly. This oil also does not generally irritate the skin and is pretty easy on the pocket book. One word of caution, if you have allergies to nuts, you should not use this massage oil.

3. Avocado Oil - This comes from the avocado fruit and is a much heavier oil. Most massage therapists blend this with a more lighter oil such as the sweet almond oil. It is a more pricey oil, however, another favorite to many.

4. Sunflower Oil - This is a lighter oil which is extracted from sunflower seeds. It promotes healthy skin because it is rich in palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and essential fatty acids that the skin needs. When using sunflower oil be sure to buy in small quantities because it goes rancid quickly. You should also store it in dark and cool areas.

Massage oils can be purchased at just about any health store, however, you will usually find them as single oils, whereas if you shop at skin care or spa shops, you will find a better selection of them as well as many different blends. Just shop around and find the right blend for yourself. The next time you lay down for a massage, give yourself a treat and request one of the many soothing, healing massage oils available.