Massage Oils

There are various oils that have been used for massage treatments since ages. Some of the effective oils are:

• Fish oils
  Fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA); both of them are omega-3 fatty acids. It is harvested from cold-water fish like mackerel, tuna, salmon and cod. The Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are essential for heart health and in treating the inflamed joints. EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, fish oil is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. According to research findings of some reports the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA, fish oil supplementation helps in the treatment of kidney problems and protects against chronic bstructive pulmonary disease. Massaging the inflamed area with fish oils helps in reducing swelling, pain and redness of the inflamed joints. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil helps in balancing the omega-6 fatty acids that are mostly found in vegetable oils. The imbalance in these two groups of fatty acids forces the body to release various chemicals that promote inflammation.

• Olive oil
  It is a vegetable oil that is widely used in cooking, soaps and cosmetics and body massage. Due to its high content of monosaturated fat and polyphenols it is considered as healthy dietary oil. The olive oil massage tones up the muscles and organs and relieves muscular pains. It helps in providing relief from pain of inflamed joints caused due to arthritis.Massaging with olive oil is a sensual way to get relief from exhausted and fatigued muscles. Other than its use in arthritis, olive oil is used in eyes to reduce inflammation.

• Castor oil
  Castor oil is a vegetable oil that is obtained from castor seed. It consists of unsaturated fatty acid C: 18 ricinoleic. Castor oil is the major source of sebacic acid. Massage with castor oil ha sbeen found beenficial in arthritis. boil two tablespoons of castor oil and massage the inflamed joints thrice a day. It increases the blood supply and reduces inflammation of the joints. It is also used in the manufacturing of various chemical and cosmetic soaps, lubricants, paints, dyes, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, various perfumes and pharmaceuticals.

• Coconut oil
  Since centuries coconut oil is used in each and every household for massaging the hair, body and face. Warm coconut oil mixed with 2-3 pieces of camphor can be used for massaging the stiff and aching joints. It produces warmth in the body that reduces stiffness and inflammation of the joints. Coconut oil massage should be done every night before retiring.

• Camphor oil
  It is obtained by the distillation process of camphor tree. The major components of camphor oil are cineol, camphor, borneol, camphene, menthol, pinene, and dipentene. Ayurveda considers camphor oil as the most powerful oil. It is used in many commercial ointments, salves, deodorants, disinfectants, insecticides, paint solvents, and soaps. Camphor oil has been used traditionally to massage into sprains, sore muscles and joints for pain relief. Many research studies have revealed that camphor oil helps in easing inflammation by acting as a counterirritant and numbing the Jperipheral sensory nerves. It also warms the skin and is easily absorbed when massaged on the body. Camphor oil is balancing oil; it can sedate the nerves and uplift apathy. It is regarded as an ancient rubefacient for reducing the inflammation of the joints.

• Eucalyptus oil
  The main component of Eucalyptus oil is citronella that has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body nerves. It acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Eucalyptus oil is useful as warming oil for muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation of blood.