The hustle culture has been around for a while and most people we know are running around, trying to do it all and get it all. Taking a break is normalized, but the internet makes sure we can’t chill even while taking a break. All this takes a toll on our physical health and pushes us towards a slow burnout. Little things like pursuing a hobby, taking a vacation, getting massages etc. can go a long way in helping us stay sane and relaxed. While other recreational activities may take more time than you can afford, body massages are a great way of relaxing your mind and giving yourself the self-care you need! As relaxing as these massages are, they also stimulate your nervous system and release the tension your body carries. Various body massage oils can elevate your experience and destress your mind.    

Benefits of A Body Massage

Body massages to an adult are the equivalent of children having ice cream. It is a great way to relax and prepare the body and the mind for work that is due next week. Sometimes, when you can not slip away for a weekend, a spa day can help you immensely. The atmosphere of the spa, the aroma of the body massage oils and the pressure applied by the masseuse act together to calm your nerves.

Relieves pain

Body massages are a great way of relieving pain that comes from improper posture and a hectic lifestyle. Slouching in chairs, standing for long hours, and prolonged screen time is likely to cause a headache, and pain in the neck, back and legs. Long hours at work may cause excessive body aches. A good body massage includes applying pressure on the body which helps comfort the pain. The pressure helps the blood flow better, and the warmth of the oils coupled with body heat relaxes the pain. Using a soothing body massage oil to massage the body on a weekend is all you need to recuperate from that pain and get back to the grind.

Relieves stress

Hectic days at work cause a lot of stress and spa commercials always portray people lying peacefully, with their eyes closed. The body massage oils they use are relaxing and a great way to destress. Corporate retreats often offer spa weekends to employees, as a way to unwind and relax, because the employees feel rejuvenated after massages and are able to focus on work more efficiently than before.

Relaxes nervous system

Body massages relax the body and release the tension caused by excessive working hours. The strained nerves and muscles relax when pressure is applied to them. Body massages are known to induce the production of endorphins, also known as happy hormones. An increase in endorphin levels makes people feel good. A relaxed nervous system ensures a decrease in corticosteroids (stress hormones) and helps you relax. A body massage oil containing ashwagandha is known to be great for the nervous system.

Detoxifies lymphatic system

Body massages are a great source of detoxifying the lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels present in the body with lymph nodes are meant to filter out waste and dead cells. If the lymph flow is slacking, the vessels retain fluid which can be very uncomfortable, especially around the neck, back and groin. Body massages intend to help people with sore muscles by increasing the blood flow throughout the body which in turn helps drain the retained fluid and relax the body to a great extent.

Improves blood circulation

Body massages help relax the muscles and thereby aid in improving blood circulation in the body. The soft tissues of the body, when stimulated, release toxins through blood and lymph nodes. This is known to significantly lower fatigue and make a person feel like they have control over the pain that they experience. The improved blood circulation ensures that the bones and the organs function better.

Helps with insomnia

Body messages provide relief from pain and stress. Often, people tend to fall asleep while receiving a massage. The pressure applied to affected areas releases the knots of tension that are created due to the unhealthy lifestyle we lead and lowers stress. The body slips into a state of relaxation as the nervous system is awakened. People with lower stress levels and a relaxed mind are less likely to develop insomnia as compared to those with higher stress levels and tense minds.

Relaxes the body

Think of the body as a machine, for example, a car that moves around and does things. It needs fuel in the form of food and rests in the form of sleep. A car is serviced every once in a while, for better performance. Body massages, when accompanied by body massage oils, act as the servicing of the machine that our body is.

Top 8 Body Massage Oils

Body massages without a good body massage oil are like lemonade without sugar. These oils are often enriched with herbs/components that particularly help the body. Before you go search for the best body massage oil for yourself, we have here a carefully curated list of 8 exceptional body massage oils, so you can pick the one that matches your requirements.

Avocado Stress Relief Body Massage Oil by Biotique

An oil specially formulated for body massages, it is a blend of various oils and other natural ingredients like dandelion extracts, avocado, etc. It claims to relax muscles and relieve the body from tension and fatigue. It is also claimed that this body massage oil benefits you with good sleep when you apply it to the soles of your feet at night.

Chief ingredients

• Almond Oil- It is a great moisturizer which gives a glow to the skin while lightening dark spots.
• Camphor Oil- It is known to be a great muscle relaxant that has antiseptic properties. It is also known to have sedative properties that provide better sleep.
• Neem Oil- Neem is a magical ayurvedic ingredient that has multifarious uses. It has antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties that maintain the overall health of the skin.

Pros

• It is quite affordable
• One bottle lasts fairly long
• It has a mild fragrance

Cons

• It can only be used for a massage. It is not suitable to be used as a moisturizer because of its sticky texture.
• It contains only 0.2% avocado oil despite containing avocado in its name.

Aroma Magic Organic Almond Oil by Blossom Kochhar

A blessing for extremely dry and sensitive skin, this cold pressed oil is extremely moisturizing, yet non-comedogenic. Almond oil is known to fight signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It is a multipurpose product that may be used as a facial oil or hair oil on its own and a body massage oil after it is mixed with an essential oil/carrier oil of your choice. It claims to provide relief to itchy and irritated skin.

Pros

• It is free of artificial colors
• It is free of artificial fragrance
• It is completely organic
• It is not tested on animals

Cons

• It will only act as a carrier oil if used as a body massage oil.
• Almonds do not necessarily have muscle-relaxing properties
• It can trigger an allergic reaction in people with nut allergies.

Balalakshadi Aromatic Sensuous Bath and Body Massage Oil by Blue Nectar

This body massage oil claims to soothe and relax the body. A blend of almond oil and sesame oil powered with ayurvedic ingredients like Bala and Ashwagandha etc., it gets easily absorbed into the skin. It may be applied before the bath and used as a body massage oil or after it, as a moisturizer.

Chief Ingredients

• Jasmine- It has calming properties that are known to soothe the skin, with an excellent fragrance.
• Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has many uses in Ayurveda, one of which involves lowering stress in the mind as well as the body.
• Almond Oil- It is one of the best oils for the skin. It lightens dark spots and adds glow and radiance to the skin.

Pros

• It is an ayurvedic preparation
• It is extremely affordable’
• It is easily available

Cons

• It has a slightly thick texture, which makes it a little difficult to wash off.
• It comes in a standard bottle. No pump/dropper is provided.

Mother’s Body Massage Oil Balaswagandhadi by Forest Essentials

It is a completely ayurvedic body massage oil which tones and moisturizes the skin. It claims to make the skin appear firm and glow from within.

Chief Ingredients

• Country Mallow- Also known as Bala in Ayurveda, this herb is known to calm the nervous system. It provides relief from muscle pain.
• Winter Cherry- Also known as Ashwagandha in Ayurveda, this herb is known to lower stress levels by calming the brain and reducing swelling.
• Liquorice root- Also known as Yashitmadhu in Ayurveda, it is claimed to be a great moisturizer and a natural sunscreen which protects us against the harmful rays of the sun.

 Pros

• It is a completely ayurvedic formulation
• It is free of chemicals and parabens
• It has eco-friendly packaging.

Cons

• It does not really help a lot with relaxing pain, despite the claims.
• It is fairly expensive.

Body Massage Oil, Lemongrass and Lavender by St. Botanica.

A concoction made by mixing lemongrass and lavender essential oils with cold pressed oils, this body massage oil benefits you by relaxing sore muscles and giving you soft and glowing skin.

Chief Ingredients

• Bran Oil – It helps in keeping the skin moisturized and nourished.
• Sweet Almond Oil – It moisturizes and softens the skin and adds glow.
• Grapeseed Oil – Enriched with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, it promotes the overall health of the skin.

Pros

• It is a 100% natural product free of parabens and mineral oils
• It is vegan
• It is not tested on animals

Cons

• It has an overpowering fragrance because of the essential oils
• It is not suitable for oily skin
• It may irritate your skin

Khadi Natural Jasmine Massage Oil

An oil blend of all-natural ingredients, this product claims to bring relief to stiff joints and sore muscles, and reduce tension and stress.

Chief Ingredients 

• Olive Oil- It acts as an emollient and is deeply moisturizing to the skin.
• Sesame Oil- It is rich in vitamins B and E. It helps in calming rashes and fading scars.
• Sunflower Oil- It is rich in antioxidants and prevents premature aging.

Pros

• It is very affordable
• It has a mild fragrance

Cons

• It is greasy and a little difficult to wash off.
• The packaging is a little flimsy.

Body Oil, Fragrance-Free by Neutrogena

This light body oil acts as a great moisturizer and can act as a body massage oil when mixed with essential oils. It claims to lock in the moisture and give you soft and supple skin. However, it is a chemical product and does not have many natural/Ayurvedic ingredients

Pros

• It is a very lightweight oil that gets easily absorbed into the skin.
• It does not irritate the skin.

Cons

• It contains synthetic ingredients
• It is fairly expensive
• It is not easily available.

Spa of The World French Lavender Massage Oil by The Body Shop

A body massage oil infused with Lavender essential oil, this oil claims to relax the body and the mind and calms the senses.

Chief Ingredients

• Sweet Almond Oil- It moisturizes the skin and adds a glow.
• Sesame Oil- It acts as an emollient and softens the skin
• Jojoba Oil- It treats various skin conditions like acne, eczema, etc

Pros

• It is a vegetarian formulation
• It is cruelty-free.
• It has no synthetic ingredients

Cons

• It is not meant for oily skin
• It is fairly expensive.

Body massage oils are a great addition to a regular body massage. While an ordinary body massage will also destress your mind and your body, a massage with a body massage oil will elevate that experience because these oils are rich in ingredients that target specific issues. Try it whenever you can and get ready for an ultimate relaxing session that rejuvenates your body and gets you ready for the hustle, yet again!