Foot massage can be one of the best ways to reduce foot pain. It’s easy to do yourself at home. There are also many quality foot massagers and foot spa massagers that you buy so you can just sit back and relax.
If you are not seeing the results that you would like maybe a foot massage oil would help. These oils are specifically formulated to address common foot-related issues and make the massage more enjoyable and relaxing. To get all the health benefits of holistic foot massage treatment, consider using an oil like Australian tea tree oil or wild mint which stimulates circulation.
You may be wondering what type of oil to use? Maybe you’re wondering if coconut oil is better than foot cream. Let’s take a look at some of the options so you can decide on the best oil for foot massage for you.
Why Should You Use Oil for Your Foot Massage?
We’ve talked before about the scientific benefits of a daily foot massage. Using oil when you massage your feet does have additional benefits. The skin on your feet, especially your heels, can often be dry. There are many oils, like Argan Oil, that can provide the moisture for dry feet or cracked feet. Some even act as a pedicure massage oil which could help with your nails and cuticles.
If you warm the massage oil, it will help it penetrate the skin. The heat will relax the muscles and the warm oil will make the massage more effective. It is also important to warm up before your massage.
Additionally, when you use essential oil for your massage, it helps to improve your mood, reduce more stress, and relieve more pain. Since our feet have some of the largest pores on our body, the essential oils pass through layers of skin and release their benefits into the body quicker and more efficiently than if you were to apply the oils to your palms. If you’re looking for tips for beginners massage you can look here.
The benefits vary depending on the specific essential oils that you use. Some essential oils, like peppermint, can also help with smelly foot odor. Read more about the best oils for foot pain here.
The Best Oils for Foot Massage
There are many different oils that will work well for a foot massage. The right one for you depends on what benefits you want most from your massage. Other things to consider are whether you will like the smell and if there are any specific oils that you need to avoid because of allergies. There are well known brands like Vitality Extracts and also lesser known brands. It comes down to personal preference, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites.
Refresh Massage Oil with Eucalyptus and Peppermint Essential Oils
This all-natural massage oil uses eucalyptus to rejuvenate the mind while the peppermint calms the body. It’s a “nut-free” formula made of apricot kernel, fractionated coconut, grapeseed, and Jojoba oils that hydrate and nourish the skin. Refresh Therapeutic massage oil was formulated to provide the perfect glide during your massage and leave your skin feeling silky smooth but never greasy.
Gya Labs Soothing Massage Oil for Sore Muscles
Gya Labs combined a blend of organic Argan, Jojoba, sweet almond oil, and sunflower carrier oils with peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon bark, and lemongrass essential oils to relieve sore mussels and help you relax. Tension, worry, stress, and aches melt away and you will have an easier time getting to sleep after continued use.
The oil adds a soft touch of hydration and nourishment to lightly moisturize the skin. It absorbs quickly to leave the body nourished without feeling greasy
NOW Solutions Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil
This massage oil uses the natural soothing essence of Arnica to provide immediate warmth and relief to tired, overworked muscles. In addition to Arnica, the oil has organic lavender essential oil, lemon oil, palmarosa oil, and wintergreen oil in a base of antioxidant-rich olive oil. It’s perfect after a hectic day or a strenuous workout and can also be used as a daily skin softener.
MAJESTIC PURE Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil for Body
Majestic created a special blend of essential oils to soothe sore, tired muscles. The base is almond oil with Arnica extract which absorbs into your skin quickly. Oil’s natural scent helps melt away tension. Perfect for a relaxing massage, it will leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated.
Massage Oil by Sportly Pain Reliever and Relaxer with Clove and Jojoba Oil
This massage oil by Sportly is designed for those with an active lifestyle. The clove leaf oil helps relax overworked muscles after you work out, play sports, or travel. In addition to relieving muscle soreness, this natural massage oil can help improve dry skin, blood circulation, and even eczema.
BOTANIC HEARTH Sore Muscle Massage Oil with Arnica Montana Extract and Essential Oils
Botanic Hearth Sore Muscle Massage Oil is perfect for massaging sore and tired muscles at home. It is made with powerful ingredients known to help reduce pain such as Arnica Montana Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, and Mentha Arvensis Oil. The warm scent is calming. After using the oil in your massage, you will feel relaxed with skin that is hydrated and refreshed.
Read more about what to do after a massage.
New York Biology Massage Oil
If you are looking to relax, loosen stiff joints, and soothe sore muscles, this might be the massage oil for you. It’s enriched with the highest quality essential oils which will make your reflexology foot massage more effective. Customers rave about the improvements they have experienced. The oil has a light pleasant scent and feels silky on your skin.
There are several different formulas available. Click here to see the options, price, and more reviews.
How to Do a Foot Massage with Oil
There are lots of ways that you can use oil in your foot massage. Check out this video for some inspiration.
Foot Massage Oil FAQs
Can foot massage oil be used for other types of massage?
For the most part yes. Be a bit cautious about using these oils on parts of your body where the skin is sensitive like your face.
Related: 5 Homemade Face Massage Cream Recipes for Younger Looking Skin
Can you use regular massage oil for your feet?
Yes, you don’t have to use an oil specifically designed for your feet. Other massage oils will work too. Use the oil that you like best.
Can these oils be used with a foot massager machine?
In most cases, yes, but some massagers may not be compatible. It’s best to check the instruction manual before using oils with a foot massager or a calf and foot massager.
RELATED: The Best Foot Massager for Runners
Can these oils be used with a foot massager spa?
It depends on the specific foot massager spa that you want to use. It’s best to check the instruction manual before using oils with a foot massager spa to be on the safe side.
How often can you use massage oil for your feet?
These oils can be used as often as you like, it is up to personal preference. You can use oils whenever you have a foot massage. Some people even like to have more than one foot massage a day.
Can you make a massage oil for your feet at home?
Yes, you can make massage oil at home. This way you can tailor the ingredients to be exactly what you want. It’s not difficult to make massage oils as it’s just a matter of getting the right oils and mixing them together.
First, choose your carrier oil. I suggest something that is moisturizing like Argan Oil, but you can use any carrier oil you like.
Then add the essential oils. Remember you will only need a few drops at most of each one. For foot massages, my favorite essential oil is peppermint because of the cooling sensation.
Use your favorite essential oil or play with a combination of a few of them. Eucyptus oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, cypress oil, ginger oil, and clary sage oil all relieve muscle soreness, relax muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
How should you store your foot massage oils?
It is important to be aware that these massage oils can go bad. It’s best to keep them in a cool, dark place, like the refrigerator. To extend the shelf life, keep them in dark glass bottles.
RELATED: How to Store Essential Oils
Can you use massage oils for reflexology?
Yes. It’s up to your personal preference, but many people find that using oils for foot reflexology massages can make the process more relaxing.
How much oil should you use for a foot massage?
It’s up to your own personal preference. You don’t need much. Start with a little bit and add more as needed.
Can you use foot massage oil for athlete’s foot?
Yes you can. You just need to find a foot massage oil with the right ingredients.
Look for a massage oil with ingredients that are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. While athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, it important to get protection from viral and bacterial infections too. The best essential oils for athlete’s foot are tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and lavender oil.
Apply the oil directly to the affected areas and then massage so it can be absorbed by the skin. Give yourself the foot massage just before bed, then put on some socks and sleep in them to get the best results.
Can you use foot massage oil during pregnancy?
Most foot massage oils, especially if they are all-natural, are safe for pregnancy. Still, it’s best to check the label and manufacturer website for any warnings.
Massaging your feet during pregnancy helps with swelling, improves blood circulation, and relieves soreness in your feet. It will also help reduce your anxiety and stress.
Be sure to be gentle with the massage and if you experience any discomfort, stop and contact your doctor.
What is the best oil for foot massage?
Again, it comes down to your personal preference. There are lots of high-quality options available on the market, so feel free to try different ones until you find one that you love.
Personally, I look for something that contains peppermint essential oil. It has amazing benefits for not just your feet. Take a look at the infographic below to learn more about one of my favorite essential oils.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Massage Gear Guru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Related: Best Knee Massager for Arthritis or Other Knee Pain and Best Home Foot Spa for Large Feet
