Massage mediums are lubricants that enable the therapist's hands to move freely and smoothly over the client's skin. The three most common mediums are: oils, creams, waxes and balms. For adult treatments I use sweet almond oil or a blend of oils. However for Infant/baby massage I use sunflower or grape seed oil.
Lotions & Creams
Advantages:
Massage creams and lotions are well-suited to deep tissue and other high-friction massages. They provide medium glide, and while they can be nourishing to the skin, are absorbed fairly slowly. They are usually non-sticky, making each massage easier to clean up, and they are also usually non-slip, providing better stability throughout each treatment. Creams and lotions will usually include preservatives so it does not become rancid. I prefer to use creams made from natural ingredients by Arbonne.
Disadvantages:
Some creams and lotions, particularly water-based ones, can leave the skin feeling dry. Creams come in jars or tubs which don’t fit into holsters, which can be a hassle during treatments. You also have to be much more careful for hygiene purposes. Creams and lotions are often cold when first applied to the skin and can be difficult to heat. Many are also scented, which will bother some clients.
Top Tip: Cream from Arbonne come in tubes which easily fit in massage holsters and are made from all natural products. The creams moistens and do not leave stains or dry out the skin.
Oils
Advantages:
Oil is deeply nourishing to the skin and some are easily absorbed. It provides high glide and can be stored in pump bottles and carried around in a holster. Oil also goes a long way - it can be an economical option when working over large surfaces. Oils warm up very quickly, so it can provide a very pleasant experience for the client.
Disadvantages:
Oil can sometimes leave a slightly sticky feeling on the skin when the treatment is finished. It can also stain linen, and if it gets on the floor around the table it can be slippery underfoot. If you accidentally pour out too much oil, it either has to go on the client straight or be wiped away, as you cannot easily put it somewhere else for later use in the treatment. Some oils can become rancid relatively quickly.
Top Tips: Use oils that are high in oleic because it will absorb into the skin providing lots of nutrients, especially with people who suffer from extremely dry skin. I use sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or sunflower massage oil.
Waxes & Balms
Advantages:
Waxes and balms provide a high level of control to the therapist during treatment. The increased grip and lower glide means that treatments can be calm and controlled Beeswax, a key ingredient, is antibacterial, so they resist rancidity for a long time.
Disadvantages:
Waxes and balms are very thick, so they are unsuitable for use on hairy clients. Maintaining hygiene is also more difficult, as they usually come in tubs that require use of a spatula. Nearly all massage waxes are blended with almond oil, which can present an issue for clients with nut allergies.
Top Tips: Always check for allergies by testing products on a sensitive area such as inner part of the wrist and leave for at least 10 minutes for any signs of swelling, redness etc.
