Choosing the Right Massage Oil for Sore Muscles

To test for essential oil allergy, take 1 drop of oil and mix it with ½ tsp. of base or carrier oil. Rub this on your arm, on the upper portion. Wait for a few hours, and check for any allergic symptoms.

Massage is one of the oldest ways of pain relief. Sore muscles and cramps in muscles too, can be treated with massage techniques.

Using oil for massaging increases the effectiveness of the massage. There are certain oils that not only heal physical pain, but also relax the mind, making one feel better, both physically and mentally.

Many natural oils―what we know of them as essential oils―are known to be excellent for relieving pain.

These oils have natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-rheumatic properties. They deeply penetrate the skin, and are easily carried through the muscle, tissues, and blood. Essential oils are also high in antioxidants. They cleanse the lymphatic system and work on the affected muscle.

The aroma of some of these oils calms the mind, eases pain, and enhances the feeling of deep relaxation and well-being.

Using certain oils for massaging will help in relief from sore muscles and pain. It will also help alleviate other muscle conditions, like muscle pain, injuries, spasms, and fatigue. For sore muscles, oils that promote relaxation have a cooling or warming effect, and those which fasten recovery should be used.

This oil can be directly used on the sore muscle or it can also be diluted with a base oil. Massage this oil until a warm effect is felt on the affected area. This oil is very strong, so make sure you first start with a few drops.

It is known to cure aches, pains, spasms, and sprains, too. It is also mentally relaxing and helps remove toxic buildup from cells.

It is one of the best essential oils for relieving pain. It has a similar cooling effect like eucalyptus oil. This oil may be too intense, so make sure you use few drops first, and then gradually increase the quantity for the desired cooling sensation.

This oil is best used with a base oil like coconut oil, as it is one of the best carriers, and is absorbed easily by the skin, which fastens the relief process.

It is an excellent antioxidant and analgesic. This oil improves blood circulation. It helps alleviate sore muscle pain.

It has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and analgesic properties. It relaxes the muscles by interfering in the pain-spasm-pain cycle and calms the muscles.

It has high level of menthol, which creates a cooling and relaxing effect on the muscles and helps relieve pain. It also calms the spasms that lead to muscle cramps.

It has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anesthetic, and antioxidant properties. This oil has a good pain-relieving effect by relaxing tight muscles. It is advised that this oil be used with a carrier or base oil.

It improves blood circulation and blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a good choice for massage oil to relax muscles.

You can also combine two or more essential oils, and massage the affected area. Some oils are very strong; hence, they need to be diluted before use. Also, it is advised to use a base oil like jojoba, coconut, or olive oil, and mix a few drops of essential oil in it. This also makes application on larger areas easy.

Some base oils are readily absorbed by the skin, which helps essential oils reach the sore and inflamed tissues easily.

It is also recommend to check for allergies and side effects of these oils, before you use them.

Some oils may not be suitable for use during pregnancy. So, consult a medical expert first, for the slightest doubt. Essential oils combined with therapeutic massage is the best and natural option to relieve muscle soreness. Use them after proper consultation and with care!