Natural oils and massage oils - which ones to choose?

Let us go back in time thousands of years ago. We are standing on a Roman cobbled street. In front of us is a tall, sprawling building. We can hear the splash of water and the conversations of those inside.

We cross the threshold of the baths. A large, sun-filled room appears to our eyes. Our every step on the marble floor echoes off the stone walls. The air, warmed by the sun and filled with steam, instantly softens the skin. We can smell the nurturing oils and the relaxation that pours into our bodies - just like the crystal clear water that the slaves fill the pools with. 

In the Roman baths it was customary not only to take a bath, but also to have a caring massage. The services of young female slaves were used, taught the delicate art of massage, skilfully rubbing oil-based mixtures and aromatic oils into the body. Interestingly, in those days, the acceptance of massage at the hands of slaves was openly encouraged and contempt was shown towards those who attributed sexual significance to it.

Even then, it was claimed that regular massage kept us healthy, our skin firmer and our muscles more elastic. Asclepiades, a physician of the time, claimed that "sleep can be induced by gentle stroking". On the other hand, Galen, a physician to gladiators, invented a moisturising cream, a mixture of wax and oil, used to massage the entire body. According to sources, he recommended that "rubbing should be varied, it should include stroking and stroking, the hand movements should not only be from top to bottom and from bottom to top, but also vertical, diagonal, transverse. The varied strokes and stroking movements of the hands should be in different directions, so that every muscle fibre is touched".

Just as then, we enjoy the benefits of massage today. The belief that such treatments are only for the sick and those in need of rehabilitation has faded from our minds. It is one of the permanent elements of our care, both for body and soul. We do it ourselves, trying to get rid of cellulite and applying lotions, or we place ourselves in the hands of people close to us.

Massage is a type of treatment that is part of a holistic system of natural medicine (working on spiritual, mental and physical levels). In India, it is a natural healing method. Even a home massage improves circulation, stimulates the immune system, relaxes the body and mind and calms the nerves.

Anyone can easily learn the art of massage. A home, gentle, relaxing massage does not require special skills or equipment. 

The basis is aromatic massage oil. If, in addition to noticeable skin moisturizing, we want to calm our nerves, soothe our senses and relax our muscles, let's use the benefits of essential oils. Thanks to them, a massage will become an unforgettable experience. Energetic, relaxing, improving mood - depending on your mood and desire. The base oil and essential oil are blended in a 3:1 ratio.  

WHAT INGREDIENTS TO CHOOSE?

NATURAL BASE OILS FOR MASSAGE

Base oils. It is very important that the oil is well absorbed and contains precious nutrients to nourish the skin. We suggest avocado, sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, baobab, apricot kernel, sesame and olive oils. If you have a dilemma about which oil to choose, we have included a description of their properties at the end of the article. 

NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MASSAGE

Energising essential oils: sage, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, bergamot.

Calming essential oils: orange, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, patchouli.

Relaxing essential oils: ylang-ylang, patchouli, sweet orange, Roman chamomile, lavender, grapefruit, bergamot, palmarosa, geranium, ginger, sandalwood.

RECIPE FOR MASSAGE OIL

• Add 50ml of base oil and 15 drops of essential oil to a small bottle. After shaking, the product is ready and can be applied to the body. 
• In addition to the simple recipe we list above, we also recommend these:
• To make an energising massage: 7 drops of peppermint oil, 8 drops of sweet orange oil mixed with 50 ml of grape seed oil.
• For anti-cellulite massage: ½ glass of jojoba oil, 15 drops of sweet orange oil, 15 drops of rosemary oil - such a mixture we rub the areas prone to the formation of orange skin every day, preferably on the skin freshly after bathing.
• For a warming massage: 15 drops of cinnamon oil are mixed with 50 ml of sweet almond oil - a massage with such a product after a winter walk is an extremely pleasant affair.
• The mixture for a relaxing massage: 50 ml of grape seed oil or almond oil mixed with 15 drops of lavender oil - we love its effect mainly before bedtime.
• It is not important,