One way to make a home massage feel like a spa treatment is to use an oil. Most spas heat the oil to make it more soothing, and it’s easy for you to do the same at home.
Let me explain how to warm up oil for massage.
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What is the Benefit of Using Oil for Massage?
The main reason you want to use oils is to lubricate the skin and reduce friction during the massage. It allows hands to smoothly glide on the skin’s surface. Without oil, it can feel like the skin is being pulled.
It’s important to use oils for certain types of massage like deep tissue. Other techniques like Indian Head massage, it’s optional, but recommended.
RELATED: Massage Tips & Techniques for Beginners
When you use oils for massage, you can add essential oils to the carrier oil and turn the experience into an aromatherapy massage. Additional benefits will vary depending on the specific essential oil used in the massage.
Note: Lotions can also be used in place of oils if you prefer.
What Type of Oil Should You Use for Massage?
When it comes to choosing the type of oil for your massage, the options are endless. You can use your favorite carrier oils alone or combine with a few drops of essential oils.
Some of the most popular carrier oils are:
- Almond Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
If you don’t want to make the massage oil yourself, you can always just buy it. Check out some options here.
Why Should You Warm Your Massage Oil?
Warm massage oil feels better on the skin than if it is at room temperature. The heat helps muscles relax and the oil penetrate the skin. The oil will help you skin stay hydrated and can als improve skin health.
5 Ways to Warm Massage Oil
Unfortunately, when warming massage oil, it’s not as simple as just putting the oil in the microwave. Heating oils in the microwave is inefficient and potentially dangerous. (1)
Let’s take a look at a few differents methods you can use to warm massage oils safely.
#1 Use a Massage Oil Warmer
With a massage oil warmer, all you do is plug in the device, put in the oil, and then wait a few minutes. It warms the massage oil to just above body temperature and will keep it warm.
It is easy to use a massage oil warmer. If you like to use multiple oils, you can even get one with multiple containers. There are also different designs so that it will fit in with the rest of your decor.
It’s important to make sure you unplug the warmer once you are finished using it and give it a good clean. Then it will be ready when you need it the next time.
See more massage oil warmer options here.
#2 Use Candles
With candles and the proper set up you can create your own massage oil warmer. All you need is a tealight candle and a container that can be set up so the oil is warmed by the candle.
The candle does add a bit of atmosphere and you could even use a scented one if you wanted. Just do not leave this oil warmer unattended and be sure to clean it after each use. It will be a cheaper option than the massage oil warmer mentioned above.
If you don’t already have a setup that will work, you can buy one here.
Alternatively, you could buy a candle made of massage oil like this one. As it burns (at a lower temperature than other candles), the candle melts and you can use the warm oil for your massage.
#3 Use Boiling Water
There are a two ways that you can use boiling water to warm massage oil. Both are not difficult, but the one issue you will have is that the massage oil will cool off over time. For a short massage, that’s fine, but if you need the oil to stay warm it might be best to try another option.
Related: Essential Oil Foot Soak Recipe
Mug
If you have your massage oil in a small container that will fit inside a coffee mug with a bit of room to spare, you can try this method.
Step 1: Fill the mug about 3/4 full with boiling water.
Step 2: Submerge the small bottle of oil in the water in the mug. Just be sure that the small bottle is sealed tightly.
Step 3: Wait 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Carefully remove the bottle of oil from the water and check the temperature. If it is not warm enough put it back in the water for a bit longer. If it is too hot, let it cool.
Double Boiler
A double boiler is a contraption make up of two pans (or bowl) that fit together. The bottom pan contains water that is heated to a boil. The heat from the boiling water warms the contents of the top pan.
Since you don’t need that much oil for a massage, it may be a bit much to use a double boiler. Also keep in mind, that once you take the double boiler off the heat, the massage oil will start to cool.
#4 Use Warming Ingredients
If you are making the massage oil at home, there are a few ingredients that you can add that will give the oil a warming sensation:
Chili Seeds
Chili warms the body, helping to soothe tired muscles and improve circulation. You will need to infuse the carrier oil with the chili seeds. Be very careful when handling the seeds – don’t touch your face and do wash your hands immediately
Certain Essential Oils
Some essential oils have warming properties, so if you add them to the carrier oil it will heat things up. You can try:
- Black pepper
- Cardamon
- Ginger
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
#5 Use Your Hands
If you don’t have the supplies we mentioned, don’t worry all is not lost. You can take a little bit of the lotion and warm it in your hands using a bit of friction. It’s nothing fancy but rubbing your hand together for 10-15 seconds will help warm both your hands and the massage oil.
Keeping the Oil Warm
Depending on the method you used to warm the massage oil, it may or may not maintain the heat. If it’s not kept warm the oil can cool off during the 30 minutes to an hour a massage lasts.
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