Make Time For Massage
Monday 10th March 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
For a stressed mind, tense muscles, aches, pains and a general feeling of doom and gloom, never underestimate the healing power of hands. Whether you choose a luxurious all-over body treatment, a quick shoulder pummelling or nothing more than a simple hand or foot rub, massage is the easiest way to shift between moods while enjoying instant improvements to muscle tone and tension, posture, stress and energy levels and skin condition.
A spa treatment will undoubtedly deliver the best results, especially if you’re after total relaxation, but if you prefer to keep your beauty rituals within the sanctuary of your own home, invest in a luxury oil and either apply yourself (the shoulders, legs, hands, feet and lower back are all reachable) or put your other half to good use.
Still feeling the winter chill? A few drops of oil massaged into hands before stepping outdoors or when coming in from the cold will help to keep joints happy and skin soft. Aromatherapy blends containing essential oils tend to pack the most powerful punch but think about whether you want to relax, revive or seduce and choose accordingly. (Note massage is also best avoided in the early stages of pregnancy.)
L’Occitane Feu d’Orange Soft Skin Oil, £20
With a sparkling blend of citrus extracts, this blood orange scented oil revitalises and softens skin while bringing energy and comfort to a weary mind and body. Its heady fragrance clings for hours making this the ideal choice for a morning massage while the glass bottle looks pretty good on the bathroom shelf.
Available at www.LOccitane.com 
Darphin Hydrorelax Massage Oil, £35
Essential oils of sandalwood, sweet orange, grapefruit and rose have been combined to give this supremely luxurious oil its relaxing, enlivening and comforting properties. Absorbed quickly for the perfect friction during massage, it can also be used as a bath oil and we love the elegant styling. A superb choice from one of our favourite French skincare brands.
Available at www.LookFantastic.com
Micheline Arcier Tonique Body Oil, £37
When you’re in need of a boost, choose this blend of rose, lavender and sage to stimulate circulation and kick start an exhausted mind. Excellent for bringing warmth on a cold morning and easing aches and pains, it also reduces fluid retention and keeps skin soft and healthy. Massage away from extremities and towards the heart using gentle but firm movements.
Available at www.MichelineArcier.com
The Sanctuary Body Oil, £6.95
When you crave familiarity and comfort, opt for this light oil fragranced with The Sanctuary’s signature scent: a blend of ginger, turmeric, basil, avocado and sweet almond oil. Easy to work with during massage, it is quickly absorbed afterwards helping to lock in moisture for super-soft skin.
Available at www.TheSanctuary.co.uk
Fushi Sweet Almond Oil, £19.95
Remember to never apply neat essential oils direct to the skin: always mix with a base carrier such as sweet almond oil (one of the most commonly used base oils). Almond oil isn’t too heavy an oil so it can be used by those with both dry and oily skin.
Available at www.Fushi.co.uk
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