A Swedish massage is one of the most common and widely known massage types. It is practiced throughout the world to help treat various physical ailments and primarily to get relaxation and mental peace. It energizes the body and improves overall health as well. Many people search for Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage because both are similar and are widely practiced. Swedish massage is more popular and uses techniques like kneading, percussion, vibration, rolling, and taping to provide the desired results. However, some specific oils are also used with these techniques to enhance the experience. If you are a massage expert and are learning about Swedish massage, this guide will help you a lot. Some of the most common oils used in Swedish massage are discussed below, so let us look.
Olive Oil
For light types of massage, such as Swedish Massage, olive oil is a great option and is extensively used. The constituents of this oil make it thicker; therefore, it takes time for olive oil to get absorbed into the skin. Hence, it is used in massage types that involve repeated strokes.
Benefits of Olive Oil
- A study by massage experts has shown that using olive oil properly reduces stress and repairs damaged skin.
- The use of olive oil is perfect for athletes as it reduces sports injuries. It relieves muscle pain and reduces fatigue.
- Olive oil helps improve blood circulation in tired muscles and quickly removes harmful toxins to promote rapid muscle recovery.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another essential oil used in aromatherapy and is highly beneficial for a person’s health. It is used in Swedish Massage to help calm and relax a restless mind. Lavender oil is made by extraction through the steam distillation of the lavender plant. Therefore, you can easily find lavender oil in several cosmetic and medical stores. Being a versatile oil, it is said to be a natural remedy for insomnia with positive results. Furthermore, lavender oil carries anti-bacterial and antifungal properties and removes harmful toxins from your body. Not just that, this aromatherapy oil is incredibly beneficial for ulcer patients and people suffering from severe joint pain.
Argan Oil
Commonly used in spas and massage centers, Argan oil is another essential oil that works wonders on the human body. It is a very gentle and non-sticky oil that is perfect for Swedish Massage therapy. It immediately softens your skin and provides you with great comfort.
Benefits of Argan Oil
- Argan oil improves the flexibility and elasticity of your body. It tightens and reduces the signs of age, such as sagged skin.
- Argan oil enhances your hydration level by naturally moisturizing your skin. It also improves the skin’s ability to retain water. It prevents dryness and makes your skin bright and healthy.
- It reduces the stiffness of the muscles and provides comfort from joint pain.
Patchouli Oil
Also known as peppermint oil, it is obtained from the patchouli plant leaves, which is a type of aromatic plant. To obtain peppermint oil, therapists collect the leaves of the plant and then leave them dry. After that, the oil is extracted from them through the process of distillation. The active chemical compounds in patchouli essential oil contribute to its therapeutic effects and create a calming, soothing, and pain-relieving oil. These components make this oil essential for Swedish massage and home air and surface cleaners. These therapeutic properties of patchouli oil make it a good antidepressant, anti-inflammatory agent, antibacterial agent, sedative, antipyretic, fungicidal, and anesthetic agent.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood is another commonly used essential oil obtained from the leaves and bark of the cedar tree. These trees are found almost all over the world. They are often known as Juniper trees and are evergreen throughout the year. There are various processes used to extract Cedarwood oil from the trees. Steam distillation is mostly used, while in some areas, it is obtained by either cold pressing or carbon dioxide distillation. You can buy it ready-made from the market as well. It is also used as a raw material in several products, such as insect repellers, cologne, shampoo, and perfumes. It is also used in Swedish Massage as it helps improve brain paralysis and body posture by breaking the muscular knots, improving focus and concentration, reducing anxiety and stress, and promoting sleep quality.
Geranium Oil
Another oil extracted by steam distillation used in Swedish Massage therapy is Geranium oil. It is obtained from a plant named Pelargonium Graveolens, which is found in the regions of southern Africa. But now, it is available across all parts of the world in various forms. Each type is different in smell but almost the same in composition, benefits, and applications. According to experts, this oil possesses many documented health benefits; thus, it is widely used in massage therapies. Massage therapists have rated this oil to be highly effective in reducing depression. Furthermore, it is also said to be highly beneficial for pregnant women. Swedish Massage with Geranium oil significantly reduces anxiety during labor and helps combat symptoms of postnatal depression.
Massage oil is used to prevent friction. It acts as a nice lubricant and gives the body a very soothing and relaxing feeling. Therefore, choose the oil for your Swedish massage wisely as it can be the difference between a good and bad massage. All of the above mentioned oils are easily available in the market, so you won’t have any trouble getting them.
