Used in cooking , as a substitute for butter, for newborns and breastfeeding mothers and also in body care (with many uses), did you know that it can also be used for massages ?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil, with its numerous qualities and properties, can be used to soften the skin and prevent friction during massage.
Compared to standard massage oils, such as almond oil or coconut oil, from a technical standpoint, extra virgin olive oil is a perfect massage oil. It doesn't leave a greasy feeling on the skin or on towels: when massaged, it's easily absorbed and leaves a pleasant scent.
Also, if you want to try it, we recommend checking first that you don't have any allergic reactions: do a test by placing some oil on a cotton ball and then touching it to a small area of your skin.
Use extra virgin olive oil to reduce inflammation
The stimulation of certain areas of the body through massage and muscle relaxation can be aided by the anti-inflammatory properties typical of extra virgin olive oil .
In fact, thanks to the polyphenol oleocanthal, the oil has effects similar to those of the drugs used in this case (such as ibuprofen)!
In some cases, therefore, extra virgin olive oil can help reduce inflammation in the body through massage: it can be useful to use it to dissolve the pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or stomach pain.
How to do an oil massage
But how do you do massages with extra virgin olive oil ?
Compared to other massage oils, extra virgin olive oil helps restore the lipid content necessary for the physiological functions of the skin, hair, and scalp: by penetrating the pores and follicles, it creates a protective layer from which the phenols oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol act by inhibiting the skin's oxidative processes.
While it's always best to turn to professionals who do it professionally, for those who want to try a DIY pampering, here are the steps:
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Heat the oil: pour a moderate amount into a bowl and heat it slightly to allow for a more pleasant massage, but without overdoing it to avoid burning the skin.
How do you heat massage oil? The temperature should be low and not in direct contact with the heat source (not a saucepan on the stove). The best method is therefore a bain-marie, making sure the temperature doesn't get too high. Alternatively, you can use an oil burner.
The ideal temperature should not exceed 40°. - Prepare the massage area: a quiet setting, with a soft surface for the recipient to sit on. You can also create the right atmosphere with a scented candle and relaxing music.
- Prepare the massage area, making sure it is clean and comfortable.
- Apply the oil by pouring it into the palm of your hand and rubbing your hands together to further warm it. The oil should be distributed evenly over the area you wish to massage.
- Now begin massaging the desired area with circular motions, using your fingers or an open hand. The movements should be slow and fluid, and the pressure should be moderate: start from the shoulders and neck and work your way down the back. Try to work gradually, increasing the intensity of the massage as the area becomes more relaxed.
- pay attention to sensitive areas and the recipient's sensations (especially if he or she feels pain or discomfort);
- Continue massaging the area until you feel relief, a sensation of relaxation and relief.
- Once the massage is finished, remove the excess oil: if too much oil has been applied, you can gently remove it with a towel or absorbent paper.
Typically, a good massage lasts at least half an hour (professionals work on the whole body for 30 to 60 minutes).
We recommend that you pay attention once the massage is finished and ask the recipient to get up slowly and drink some water to rehydrate.
The benefits of extra virgin olive oil used for massages
Using extra virgin olive oil for body massage has several advantages, including:
- Skin hydration: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that help keep skin hydrated and soft;
- the numerous anti-inflammatory properties: extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds that can reduce inflammation and relieve muscle pain;
- Improves muscle relaxation: the oil helps make the skin softer and more slippery, thus allowing the muscles to relax more easily during the massage.
- promotes blood circulation: massage with extra virgin olive oil can improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension;
- Stress reduction: Massage with extra virgin olive oil can help reduce stress, anxiety, and mental tension;
- Antibacterial properties: Extra virgin olive oil contains oleic acid, which has antibacterial properties and can help protect the skin from infections.
- It also improves sleep: try it and believe it! A well-done oil massage can help promote sleep and improve its quality thanks to the sense of calm and relaxation it instills.
A massage with extra virgin olive oil can be a treat to indulge in during particularly stressful times or even on a weekly basis for those who want to maintain the benefits longer.
Taking care of your body and mind in this way helps reduce stress and improve a person's well-being.
Frantoio D'Orazio 's Blend extra virgin olive oil is used for massages at the Wadi Spa at the D'Aragona Hotel and is one of the most popular treatments: partly because it is combined with an anti-stress treatment, partly because people are intrigued by the use of extra virgin olive oil.
Specifically, this center has chosen the blend of the Ravello bottle from the Mediterranea design collection, in line with the colors of the hotel's brand.
The spa's massages with extra virgin olive oil are combined with peppermint essential oil: very interesting from a perceptual point of view.
On a practical level, it is a very suitable oil to be massaged into the skin.
