A Guide To Massage Oils

Whilst browsing massage-related content online, you may frequently come across the term ‘essential oils’. You will find this term scattered across many beauty articles and treatment descriptions, however it isn’t always clear exactly what an essential oil is. 

There are natural benefits to each oil, so here is the breakdown of what an essential oil is and the difference between the most common oils. 

What is an essential oil?

An essential oil is derived from natural, raw plant extracts. They can be made from many parts of a plant, such as the root or the leaf. Each plant has its own unique fragrance and also natural properties to benefit you and your skin. 

From lavender to peppermint, there is an abundance of essential oils to learn about.  Moreover, the benefits are enormously varied but common perks include improved mood, better sleep, reduction of anxiety and increasing energy. 

Here is a list of the most common and popular essential oils and how they can help you. 

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has always been known for its calming properties and therefore it is usually found in pillow mists and bath products to help with better sleep. 

Scent: A strong floral scent with herbal undertones. 

Benefits: Calms you, improves mood, eases muscle pain, improved blood circulation, aids skin problems, improves digestion, improves sleep and insomnia. 

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil provides purifying qualities to both you and your space. It helps to rejuvenate and energise your body and mind. 

Scent: A herby and earthy smell. 

Benefits: Eases pain, increases cognitive function, relieves stress, improved circulation, promotes hair growth, repels some insects, fights fatigue.

Lemongrass Oil

When we think of lemon, we think of energizing properties and radiant glowy effects. Lemon is an amazing natural oil for energy and improved skin.

Scent: A zesty, refreshing smell. 

Benefits: An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fights fungal infections, relieves stress and depression, decreases nausea, improves cholesterol, eases pain, eases headaches. 

Sweet Orange Oil

Sweet orange oil has been linked to lowered symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s sweet, citrusy smell can help to relax and calm down.

Scent: A sweet and zesty citrus scent. 

Benefits: Relieves anxiety and depression, aids weight loss, helps with physical endurance, improves mood, brightens skin, improves blood flow. 

Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil is known to be extremely grounding and helps to relax. Its herby, earthy scent is known to be used in meditation and yoga. It can be predominantly used in mists and diffusers. 

Scent: Earthy and herbal scents with floral undertones. 

Benefits: Treats dandruff, fights colds, improves skin conditions, relaxes, relieves depression

Grapefruit Oil

If you want a fresh, uplifting scent then grapefruit is the one for you. 

Scent: A great scent for citrus lovers, very zesty and invigorating. 

Benefits: Antibacterial, lowers blood pressure, aids weight loss, improves mood, improves circulation and digestion, treats oily skin. 

Bergamot Oil

If you feel the weight of anxiety, stress and depression on your shoulders then bergamot may be the oil for you. Similar to grapefruit oil, it helps to energize and rejuvenate. 

Scent: A spicier, more zesty smell. 

Benefits: Improves mood, acts as an antiseptic, relieves pain, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cleanses the skin. 

Eucalyptus Oil

If you can handle the strong smell that resembles vapor rub, the benefits are definitely worth it. Eucalyptus has a strong, minty smell which helps with coughs and clearing airways. 

Scent: A strong, minty smell that resembles a vapor rub. 

Benefits: Clears airways, relieves coughs, disinfectant, relieves asthma and sinusitis, lowers blood sugar, relieves joint pain. 

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil is known to be a natural depressant as it  alleviates low moods and de-stresses. Moreover, check with your doctor before using clary sage oil if you have low blood pressure. 

Scent: A more earthy, herbal smell with undertones of florals. 

Benefits: reduces stress, antibacterial, a natural antidepressant, relieves menopause symptoms, lowers menstrual cramps. 

Peppermint Oil

Known for its strong and minty smell, peppermint oil has great medicinal properties to help relieve you of pains and illnesses. 

Scent: A strong minty smell to help you feel awake and revitalized. 

Benefits: Itch relief, alleviates nausea, soothes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), helps with common colds, soothes muscle aches. 

Here is a breakdown of the recommended oils for targeted health areas (according to Healthline):

Please note, these will not “cure” the following areas, however they are linked to relieving symptoms. 

For anxiety:

• Lavender has many links to alleviating signs of anxiety
• Bergamot has a grounding, calming effect
• Sweet Orange scents are uplifting and calming 
• Chamomile is known for relieving anxious feelings, much like chamomile tea

For depression: 

• Bergamot is both calming and acts as a natural antidepressant
• Ginger is known to have antidepressant properties
• Lavender helps to increase mood and calm 

For energy:

• Peppermint oil helps to prevent tiredness and help boost energy levels 
• Rosemary oil helps to boost mood and increases brain function 
• Sweet orange oil is known to boost mood and improve physical performance 

For headaches:

• Lavender oil helps to calm anxiety and improve sleep, therefore leading to a smaller chance of headaches and migraines 
• A more medicinal oil than most. Furthermore, it has a history of soothing headaches and increasing blood flow
• Chamomile oil is a very gentle essential oil which can help to relieve anxiety-induced headaches and also has anti-inflammatory qualities
• Eucalyptus oil has a strong, minty smell much like vapour rub. It can clear sinuses and decrease inflammation

For better sleep:

• Known for its calming properties, lavender oil diffusers or lavender spray on your bed can really help with a better night’s sleep
• Ylang Ylang oil is has a calming effect, therefore improving anxiety and increasing sleep quality
• Jasmine oil is soothes and alleviates symptoms of insomnia

If you are interested in booking a massage with LeSalon, you can view our treatment list here.

We offer both a 60 minute deep tissue massage for £65 and a longer 90 minute deep tissue massage for £85. Fortunately, both of these massages incorporate soothing oils.