For centuries, physical and mental benefits have been associated with massage therapy, whether the practice was known as such or not. Alleviating muscle tension and promoting relaxation (helping humans to be at ease, in any sense of the term) have been the goals of practitioners worldwide for millennia. And whether it's been associated with cures of the past or not, almost every culture has a medicinal application of massage of some sort in its history. (As my grandmother used to say, "There's nothing new under the sun.") Practices of rubbing and kneading have been used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions for centuries.
Massage lotion is customized to provide just the right amount of slip and absorption for a professional massage. It stays on the skin long enough to allow a massage therapist to perform a series of uninterrupted, flowing movements—but not so long that it feels too oily or greasy. The ideal massage lotion also promotes the client and therapist’s skin sliding over one another, thus preventing any unnecessary skin pulling, which can be a distraction for both parties involved. Without the right massage lotion, a professional massage can feel less potent and effective.
The main advantage of using massage lotion is that it can hydrate the skin. Common ingredients in massage lotions, like aloe vera, shea butter, and essential oils, do a great job of moisturizing because they act as emollients. This means they work by getting into the top layer of skin (the stratum corneum), where they fill spaces between skin cells, making the skin feel and look softer. This is a wonderful benefit for anyone with massage oil because you want the recipient's skin to be as healthy as possible, and the same ingredients that make a great emollient also nourish the skin.
Furthermore, the selection of massage lotion may also influence the therapeutic impact of the massage. For example, lotions containing essential oils may magnify the effects of relaxation and stress relief. Good options for this type of experience may include lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus, which are all well-known for their calming properties. But don't rule out a lotion that's invigorating while still being healthy, such as a lotion that contains peppermint or citrus oils. Massaging with either type of lotion can enhance not only the overall experience but also the therapeutic effects for the client.
Massage lotion is more than just a medium through which the touch of a massage therapist can be felt; it is also a significant part of the science behind massage therapy. The way a lotion feels, the way it smells, and the way it looks all contribute to a person's perception of a massage, which makes the sensory experience of the massage even more fulfilling. Truly, there is a science behind massage lotion—its composition, its weight, even its temperature—because these factors also have an effect on the art of delivering a massage.
It's also noteworthy that massage lotion can help stave off skin irritation and friction. The skin experiences all sorts of movement and pressure during a massage. But a good massage lotion can ensure that the client feels no chafing or discomfort. And that is extremely important because, when combined with movement and pressure, skin irritation or discomfort can be a signal to the brain that "this is not a good thing." Indeed, for clients with sensitive skin or those in rehabilitation, ensuring no skin irritation is a primary concern.
To sum up, massage lotion is a must-have in the massage therapy world. The use of lotion not only makes it possible for the hands of the massage therapist to glide effortlessly over the skin, but it also serves to enhance the therapeutic benefits of a massage. As the demand for alternative therapies continues to grow, the key role that quality massage lotion plays in these treatments isn’t likely to change. And while it seems a simple enough tool for the practice of massage therapy, the choice of a "right" lotion is crucial for creating the conditions in which a massage can be most effective.