Choosing Massage Oil
Question:What are the main qualities to look for when choosing massage oil? Is it consistency? Easy glide? Greasyness? Whether or not it penetrates the skin? Combines well with essential oils?
I am particularly interested in the effectiveness of cold pressed rapeseed oil. Are there any factors or specified components that the massage oil has to contain or any tests which have been carried out?
-Pippa Answer:
When choosing massage oil, massage cream or massage lotion you must first ask the client about allergies. Then you must decide if you want to use deep massage or light massage. When using deep massage you want massage oil with less glide and when you are working lightly you want massage oil with more glide. This is more beneficial for relaxation, lymphatic drainage and aromatherapy massage.
Rapeseed oil is canola oil which has been genetically modified with different properties, such as higher levels of erucic acid. It may have a different effect for each client. Rapeseed oil is commonly used to make soap, lubricants and of course massage oil.
Next Question: Massage Therapy Curriculum
