Oil massage - variants and applications

Massage with oil: applications and types

For tension, sore muscles but also stress and mental imbalance, a soothing massage is recommended again and again. The variety of different massage techniques is unlikely to be great. Above all, the oil massage knows more variations here than it initially seems. From Ayurveda medical massage treatments to relaxing massages and erotic massages, there are many differences. Therefore, we have taken a closer look at the world of oil massages for you.

contents

• Massage with oil: applications and types
• How does an oil massage work??
• Oil massage - the purpose of the massage technique
• Variants of oil massage
• contraindications

How does an oil massage work??

In addition to dry massages, oil massages are among the most important massage options for improving wellbeing. It is applied using massage oils and certain techniques pressure on various body points to stimulate them. This pressure stimulation can be related to the skin, joints, muscles or nerves. In certain massage techniques, such as the Ayurvedic or Thai massage, are also the energetic points of the body in the focus of the massage.

A massage can be helpful for a variety of reasons - tensions or simply to increase your well-being. Equally diverse are the possible techniques within an oil massage. (Image: Racle Fotodesign / fotolia.com)

The remedies needed for an oil massage, as well as the various forms of massage technique itself, can vary widely. For example, there are special massage tables that facilitate their implementation depending on the nature of the oil massage. Even aids such as massage balls or brushes are used depending on the particular form of massage. And even the oil can be used very differently in its consistency and temperature. If, however, very large amounts of oil are used, an oil-repellent fleece cover for the massage table is generally necessary to avoid permanent oil stains on textiles.

Oil massage - the purpose of the massage technique

There are many reasons why people do an oil massage. Often there are specific health problems that affect the articular system or the muscles. Especially in the field of physiotherapy, the oil massage is therefore an important part of remobilization, for example in accident patients with broken bones or persons with joint and muscle damage.

Also in sports medicine is set to oil massages, which here are used both preventively to minimize the risk of injury and therapeutically for the treatment of existing sports injuries. More and more patients choose this massage technique but also due to less tangible symptoms such as mental or nervous stress states and persistent pain symptoms. The range of possible reasons for an oil massage is therefore very broad and includes:

• Vascular disorders (e.g., circulatory disorders, varicose veins or thrombosis),
• Skin problems (eg skin rash, rosacea or dry skin),
• Bone and joint complaints (e.g., osteoarthritis, joint pain, Paget's disease, osteoporosis or back pain),
• Muscular symptoms (e.g., muscle soreness, muscle pain, muscle atrophy, or tension),
• Nervous and mental disorders (such as burnout, depression, lumbago, internal tension or neuritis)
• and other motives (eg slag storage, metabolic disorders or sex therapy reasons).

ImportantAlthough at first glance it seems sensible to be massaged for respiratory diseases such as influenza with herbal oils free of respiratory tract such as peppermint, eucalyptus and Co., this is rather discouraged. Behind such diseases are tangible infections that already weaken the immune system anyway. A massage as well as the massage procedure itself can additionally exhaust the body and unnecessarily prolong the course of the disease.

In addition to obvious reasons for an oil massage such as muscle soreness or lumbago, factors such as burnout or metabolic disorders may warrant such treatment. (Image: PORNCHAI SODA / fotolia.com)

Variants of oil massage

The oil massage is an integral part of folk medicine in many cultures worldwide. However, it has a very high medical status in Asian culture. Here, massage with oil is closely linked to the conviction of holistic healing practices to improve physical well-being and prevent disease. We have listed some of the most important techniques in this area together with other massage approaches below.

Abhyanga

The word Abhyanga comes from Sanskrit and means translated as "oiling", "anointing" or "massage". In the western wellness area, this type of oil massage is also known as "the big oiling" because it uses a lot of oil. This is first heated before the massage and then applied with uniform strokes on the body. Traditionally, two masseurs are at work at the same time, with the western Abhyanga massage often dispensing with the second masseur. A massage session usually takes between one and one and a half hours for this variation. Finally, the massage is stopped by applying natural powders (such as calamus powder) to soak up the residual oil and thus dry the body.

Procedure and principle:
Abhyanga originated in India and Sri Lanka, with Ayurvedic teaching as the basis of the technique. More specifically, the so-called doshas are the focus of consideration. They form the three aspects of the human constitution and can be compared with three energetic disciplines:

• Vata: The air or wind dosha stands for change, lightness as well as continuous being-in-motion. It regulates in the opinion of Ayurveda all physical and mental movements.
• Pitta: The fire and water dosha is responsible in the body for biochemical processes and thus the metabolism. It symbolizes structure, systematic processes and precision.
• Kapha: The water and earth Dosha represents all solid body components, such as bones or teeth. It stands for calm, serenity, strength and endurance.

If these disciplines get out of balance, this increases the disease potential. The Abhyanga is here to intervene in a regulatory and harmonizing way in the interaction of the Doshas.

The Abhyanga massage is also called "big oiling", as it uses a lot of oil. The focus is on the so-called "doshas", which determine the individual constitution. (Image: STUDIO GRAND OUEST / fotolia.com)

This oil massage was first mentioned in the sixth century of our era in the Great Book of Ayurveda Medicine "Ashtanga Hridaya (अष्टांग हृदय) - The Eightfold Heart". Author Vagbhata was a prominent Indian physician in his day and described Abhyanga as a preventive massage cure for prevention

• strain,
• Age complaints,
• skin problems,
• inner unrest,
• sleep disorders
• blurred vision
• and indigestion.

A special focus should be on the oiling of the head, ears and feet during Abhyanga massage.

"The Abhyanga should be run daily. It dispels age, tension and accumulations of Vata. It provides good eyesight, nutrition for the body, long life, good sleep, good and healthy skin. It should be performed especially on the head, ears and feet. It should be avoided by people who are suffering from Kapha accumulations or who are undergoing a cleansing therapy or who suffer from indigestion. "

- Vagbhata's Ashtanga Hridaya; Chapter: Sustrasthana, Dravadravya Vijnaniya -

The effect of this Ayurvedic massage technique can be attributed to the use of large quantities of warm oil. The warming causes relaxation and relaxation of the skin, muscle and tendon tissue, which relieves tension and eliminates muscle pain. In addition, being enveloped in warm oil enhances the patient's sense of security, reducing mental and emotional tensions. For a more intense effect on certain parts of the body there are also numerous sub-variants of Abhyanga:

• Mukabhyanga (facial massage) - against sensory disturbances and lovesickness,
• Padabhyanga (foot massage) - for the treatment of fatigue
• and Udarabhyanga (abdominal massage) - in case of dysfunction of the abdominal organs.

Used oils:
The selection of massage oils is strictly regulated at Abhyanga. Only vegetable base oils are used here, which are selected according to the therapeutic priority setting according to their mode of action. As an alternative to oil, herbal teas can be used, with cardinal herbs being used in Vagbhata. The most important vegetable oils in the Abhyanga are:

• sesame oil,
• mustard oil,
• coconut oil
• and castor oil.

With regard to sesame and castor oil in particular, Vaghbata wrote:

"The oil of sesame has the property of penetrating deeply into the tissue and spreading rapidly throughout the body. It makes diseases of the skin, is bad for the eyes, is able to penetrate even the smallest pores, is hot, does not increase Kapha. It makes thin people fat and thick people thin. It's clogging, kills worms. Properly prepared, it heals all illnesses. "

"Castor oil is bitter, pungent and sweet in the taste, laxative, difficult to digest. It heals enlargement of the testicles (hernia), tumors in the abdomen, diseases caused by vata or kapha, enlargement of the abdomen, recurring fever, pain and swelling of the abdomen, genitals, abdomen and back. It has the ability to penetrate deep, is hot in action and bad in smell. "

Castor oil is one of the key oils in the Abhyanga massage. The colorless to yellow extract is obtained from the seeds of the tropical miracle tree. (Image: Swapan / fotolia.com)

Attention: The Abhyanga should not be used on people who combine too much Kapha. On the other hand, this oil massage is very suitable for people with a high Vata content.

Thai oil massage

Aromatic oils are also used in the Thai oil massage. The traditional Thai massage does not usually involve the use of oil, so care must be taken when choosing what to offer at local massage studios to choose the right massage. Basically, however, the Thai oil massage is based on the massage techniques of traditional Thai massage. They are combined in this particular case with the use of aromatic herbal oils, which should intensify the relaxing massage experience even more.

Procedure and principle:
The massage techniques of Thai massage are closely interwoven with Ayurvedic yoga. Therefore, in addition to classic pressure point massage strokes, certain body shapes are also the focus of the massage treatment. They should stimulate the flow of energy, stretch the tissues and strengthen the joints. The masseur often uses his or her entire body while sitting or standing on the patient, stretching, stretching or angling his or her limbs. It is customary to bring the patient's body into meditative swings by using his own body. Overall, the Thai masseur has a palette of over 77 different techniques available that will be applied to the massager over a period of one and a half to three hours. Essential yoga figures include:

• the bridge,
• the fish,
• the cobra,
• the plow
• and the pliers.

Also included are elements of acupressure, reflexology, shiatsu and stretching. Together, these massage components should stimulate the so-called Sen lines by pressure and strain conditions. Said lines are considered the ten main energy lines of the body, which respond to the rhythmic massage attacks in particular. Overall, this type of massage should improve various health care areas. Some of them are mental, others are physically motivated. For example:

• Balance through meditation,
• Relaxation of the nerves,
• Stimulation of the senses by herbal aromas in the massage oil,
• Treatment of moodiness or depression,
• stress reduction,
• Strengthening the immune system,
• Purification of the connective tissue,
• Suspension of energy blockages,
• disease prevention,
• Stretching of muscles and tendons
• and joint mobilization.

In addition to classic pressure point massage handles are the Thai oil massage z. B. limbs stretched and stretched by the masseur. (Image: Jeanette Dietl / fotolia.com)

During the Thai oil massage, it is important for the patient to completely relax his body and, metaphorically speaking, become a malleable lump of mud in the hands of the masseur. This not only ensures that the body can go through the yoga figures applied to it without injury. Likewise, the passive "relaxation" of the body contributes to relaxation and allows an unimpeded flow of energy. This particular approach is also a good exercise for everyday life, in which stressful situations, body and mind like to provoke a state of tension, although serenity would be much more useful. At this point, a famous quote from Bruce Lee fits very well:

"Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water."
("Empty your mind, be formless like water")

Used oils:
Aromatically, the effect of the Thai oil massage is supported by herbal oils from certain aromatic herbs. They are supposed to promote the positive, sensual experience during the massage and provide additional healing processes according to an aromatherapy. The respective oils have once again an individual special effect on various health problems. Below is a brief overview of common oil variants:

• Bergamot - soothes anxiety, depression and inner restlessness,
• Ginger - relieves joint discomfort, cold feelings and swelling,
• Chamomile, Lavender and Rose - are used in existing skin problems such as Skin irritation, combination skin or dry skin applied,
• Lemongrass - is used for connective tissue weaknesses or as an anti-aging oil,
• Rosemary and lavender - used for respiratory ailments, headaches, migraine or rheumatism
• and Ylang Ylang - moisturizes the skin and can therefore also be used on dry skin.

Lomi Lomi Nui

This variant of the oil massage comes from Hawaii and can be translated with "unique strong kneading". As the name suggests, the massage oil is vigorously kneaded into the tissue here. Often not only the hands, but also the forearm or the elbow of the masseur are used. The treatment lasts on average two hours and is intended to harmonize mind and soul as well as the body.

Procedure and principle:
Lomi Lomi Nui comes from the ancient Hawaiian religion Huna. It represents an independent, Polynesian philosophy, which is based on healing the individual, as well as the world itself, through sensory experiences and experiences that feel good. According to Huna, these sensory impressions have a direct influence on the self of a human, which consists of three parts:

• Lono - The soul and the center of the self. Lono is responsible for the formation of the will and the judgment and therefore takes the role of the rational mind.
• Ku - This part of the self can be understood as being unconscious or subconscious. Unconscious processes, such as the classification and management of memories, but also the development of emotions, lead Huna back to the Ku.
• Kane - The third part of the self can also be understood as the sphere of the ancestral spirit, which is the connection of the self to the hereafter and the spiritual world.

For the Lomi Lomi Nui massage forearms and elbows are used to knead the massage oil vigorously into the tissue. (Image: Dron / fotolia.com)

For the health of this self and therefore of the body according to Huna the observance of seven principles is important:

• Ike: The world is what you think it is.
• Kala: There are no limits.
• Makia: The energy flows where the attention is.
• Manawa: Now is the moment of power.
• Aloha: To love means to be happy with.
• Mana: All power comes from within.
• Pono: Effectiveness is the measure of truth.

"Everything that has an effect and improves things is PONO (all right and right)."

- one of 7 principles of the Huna philosophy -

It is clear from these principles that the body's energy flow, the mana, is primarily shaped and directed by self-awareness. Positive perceptions therefore lead directly to an improvement in health. The aim of the Lomi Lomi Nui massage is now in this context, to solve mana-blockages, which are caused by negative effects of perception and in this way also blockade-related health problems by the highly meditative cleansing massage to fix. For this purpose, the massage is usually accompanied by Hawaiian music, folk songs and meditative prayers, which in addition to the massage positive soothing and tension-releasing effect on the patient. Similar to Abhyanga, the Lomi massage can also be done by two masseurs at the same time.

Once upon a time, the Lomi massage was an important family ritual to prepare family members for a new beginning or a new beginning of one's life. Lomi Lomi Nui was therefore an integral part of initiation rites, marriages, priestly ordinations, and other crucial turning points in a person's life that required letting go of the past. The massage was performed by a shaman, the so-called kahuna. And until today it is the old, shamanic principles of Hawaiian culture that determine the flow of the massage. It is necessary to drive out negative influences from the past and the associated tensions and tension through the ritual kneading and thus restore the well-being and health of the patient, so that he can walk balanced and strengthened into the future without prejudice.

The massage is started with Lomi Lomi Nui in the back area, which according to the Hawaiian shamanism is regarded as the seat of the future. The past is convincingly processed in the back, alleviating past fears, worries and traumas. The Lomi massage is intended to support this process and help in the elimination of the negative aspects. From the back of the masseur then works slowly forward to the front of the body, which is considered the seat of the past. Especially in the abdominal region, the source of memories and feelings is said to rest according to Hawaiian shamanism. As a result, traumas, painful experiences and memories of inflicted injuries also manifest themselves here. In spite of the kneading character, it is very gentle and flowing in this area to carefully harmonize the sensations of the patient. The negative influences are then spread over the arms, hands and fingers as well as legs, feet and toes and at the same time the joints are loosened. Neck, neck, head and face are also massaged.

Used oil:
The massage oil for the Lomi Lomi Nui massage is extracted from the Hawaiian Kukui nut (Aleurites moluccanus). This is used, among other things, as a traditional oil source for oil lamps and fixed lighting. Thanks to their high oil content, the kernels of the nut can even be ignited in raw form and used as bulbs. It is therefore not surprising that the kukui nut carries nicknames such as light nut or candle nut.

This type of massage uses the oil from the seeds of the kukui nut tree. It contains a lot of vitamins A and E and is also said to strengthen the connective tissue. (Image: joanna wnuk / fotolia.com)

Although Aleurites moluccanus is raw toxic, its sweet-nutty-tasting oil still makes a popular spice in Hawaiian and Southeast Asian traditional cuisine. Kukui nut is also particularly valuable in Hawaiian folk medicine. Here her oil is used to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Furthermore, the sweet taste of the nut is perceived as particularly pleasant and is therefore ideal for aromatic-meditative treatment purposes such as the Lomi massage suitable.

Erotic massage (Tantra massage)
The erotic oil massage is a special feature in the massage area, which gives rise to many people's idea of ​​illegal massage sex studios. In fact, orgasm or even sexual intercourse is not the focus of the erotic massage. Rather, this form of oil massage has its origins in Far Eastern traditions and pursues, if indeed carried out according to traditional approach, a health-oriented goal. In the foreground here is the preservation of a healthy sexuality or a healthy relationship to it. Couples in particular, where sexual tightness or sexual tension during sexual intercourse is a problem, often discover this form of massage for themselves. Also, partners who want to give their love life new momentum, and even singles who seek a healthy sexual relationship with their own body, take the erotic massage again and again.

Procedure and principle:
The techniques of erotic massage come almost without exception from the tantra teaching. This in turn is a philosophical element of Hinduism and deals predominantly with shamanistic and spiritual rites for becoming one with the great whole. For this purpose, mind and matter must be reconciled, which also plays an important role in the area of ​​sexuality.

In erotic oil massages, there are numerous sub-forms that include both full-body massages such as body-to-body massage, as well as massages that specifically target the erogenous zones. Since these are stored differently in each person, in addition to the breast or nipples and genitals, the neck, neck or earlobes may be massaging body parts in an erotic massage. In addition, various massage utensils, such as massage balls, massage rollers or feathers, which should increase the sensitive sensation, can be used.

• Body-to-Body Massage: As the name implies, body-to-body massage uses the body of the masseur. The oil is therefore first applied to your own body and then distributed on the body of the opposite. Unfortunately, often misappropriated for erotic short films that are indeed hot, this massage form is actually intended to help develop a positive attitude to body contact with the partner. Of course, a particularly high level of eroticism inevitably resonates here. It does not necessarily come to sexual intercourse in the course of the massage.
• Lingam Massage: The word Lingam comes from Sanskrit and is here the symbolic sign of the Hindu god Shiva. It also embodies the male sex organ, which focuses the lingam massage on the man's penis. Incidentally, the goal is not ejaculation, but rather the delaying of this and, sometimes, the treatment of male impotence. These can be caused, for example, by nerve injuries to the penis (for example, by a circumcision that has gone wrong), thus impairing sensation in the area of ​​the penis. Massaging here with oil often leads to better sensibility and sensitivity.
• Yoni Massage: As a counterpart to the lingam massage, the yoni massage focuses on the female sexual organ. It also has therapeutic effects and can help women who have problems getting orgasm. A certain amount of confusion or shyness in dealing with one's own sexuality can be successfully reduced by the Yoni massage. In addition, this massage helps women identify the location of their G-Spot and stimulate it.
• Breast massage: The breast, especially the female, is one of the most important erogenous zones in addition to the sexual organs. It therefore plays an important role in the erotic oil massage. When massaging this must be done very gently and carefully, since just women feel the touch on their chest differently. Too tight pressure can quickly become uncomfortable here. The exploration between pleasant and unpleasant in this regard, by the way, is representative of all variants of erotic massage and describes an important step towards the partnership as well as one's own research into the sexual needs within the massage principle.

The erotic oil massage has its origin in the Far Eastern traditions, their techniques are mostly from the Tantra teachings. (Image: Couperfield / fotolia.com)

Used oils:
The oils used for an erotic massage should, especially when used in the genital area, be natural oils without irritating effect on skin and mucous membranes. There are now special massage oils for this purpose, which often contain extracts of aphrodisiac herbs, such as:

• jasmine,
• lavender,
• musk,
• Patchouli,
• rose,
• saffron,
• sandalwood,
• vanilla,
• Ylang Ylang
• and cinnamon.

Swedish massage (classic massage)

The Swedish massage is, without it most realize, when you read the name for the first time, the classic massage techniques. The well-tried mix of kneading, stroking and circular movements made this oil massage the most practiced of its kind. It can be performed as a partial or full body massage and is usually limited to 30 minutes.

Procedure and principle:
Unlike Asian or Polynesian massage techniques, Swedish massage usually does not use that much oil. Also, the concept behind it is less spiritual. The aim is to dissolve hardening and tension in the tissue through certain massage strokes. Consequently, the massage form is especially at

• construction workers,
• clerks,
• Computer specialists,
• artisans,
• warehouse workers,
• mechanics
• and of course athletes very much in demand.

In addition, the Swedish massage is also said to be good at organ problems such as digestive problems, circulatory disorders or nervous disorders. Classic massage techniques include:

• Effleurage - The Swedish massage is always started and finished in this respect with a persistent stroking movement, the so-called Effleurage, which is supposed to deeply relax the body initially and finally. The stroking with the flat hand runs parallel to the muscle fibers in the heart direction and at least at the beginning also serves to distribute the massage oil.
• Petrissage - After the effleurage is usually the kneading or the whipping with the hands or fingers, also called Petrissage. The aim is now a shifting of the muscles against each other, which should stimulate the blood circulation and release tension.
• Friction - The friction, also known as friction, assists the Swedish massage in promoting blood circulation and helps to dissolve hardening and tension. It is performed only with the palms or fingertips.
• Tapotement - Also during the Swedish massage is used the so-called knock. Behind it hide short, gentle strokes with the hand edge or the flat hand. Another technique for stimulating circulation and correcting muscle tone.
• Vibration - The fifth and final massage of Sweden massage are loosening vibrations that are applied by the masseur with the fingertips or hands to achieve a muscle tremor. This can penetrate into the internal organs, where it then dissolves tissue and organ cramps.

The most classic massage variant is the Swedish massage. One of the handles is the tapotement, the tapping by hand. (Image: SENTELLO / fotolia.com)

Used oils:
The choice of oils in the Swedish massage is not regulated as strictly as with the Far Eastern massage options. If you like it authentic, choose "scandinavian" aroma fragrances like

• Spruce,
• musk
• or fir.

In principle, however, all other massage oils can be used.

contraindications

Massages are, if properly done, usually free of side effects. However, people with existing joint and nerve diseases, bone or muscle damage should consult their doctor in advance with a scheduled massage to avoid injury or pain. (Ma)