Learn about carrier oils, what they are, and how they can enhance your massage. We also share what we use at our Heavenly Embrace Boulder Massage studio for our clients.
What are Carrier Oils?
Due to their potency, if essential oils are used independently, some of them might cause skin irritation, redness, or even a burning sensation. This is why we recommend to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil. This enables nutrients from the essential oils to enter your skin without causing any adverse reactions. You can also use these oils independently.
Both essential oils and carrier oils are natural products obtained from plants. Essential oils are either steamed distilled from the leaves, bark, or roots of plants or cold-pressed in case of the citrus fruits. Carrier oils are fatty oils derived by cold press from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of plants. They are typically odorless, or have a very mild scent and they do not evaporate quickly.
How Carrier Oils Can Enhance Massage
Your time with your massage therapist is valuable. During those precious minutes of your treatment, your therapist wants you to get the most out of your massage. At Heavenly Embrace Wellness, during our Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage sessions and obviously, during AromaTouch Technique, we use essential oils to enhance your experience. We only use certified pure therapeutic-grade dōTERRA essential oils, because these are the highest quality and made from natural ingredients. We also use carrier oils, such as jojoba and coconut, during your treatment. This ensures proper application by diluting the essential oils and carrying them onto your skin.
Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil, and is a great way to prevent waste due to excessive application.
Jojoba Oil as Carrier Oil
This is my main carrier oil in Heavenly Embrace wellness. The word “jojoba” (pronounced ho-HO-ba) refers both to the desert plant and to the extract obtained from its seed. In fact, Jojoba oil and jojoba wax are derived from the seeds of a plant. The shrub grows in northern Mexico and southwestern United States. I usually use Jojoba oil to soothe the skin by applying it directly to skin areas suffering acne, psoriasis, sunburn, or excessive dryness. This oil has a very faint, nutty scent.
The only company in the world that produces a First-Press quality jojoba is The Jojoba Company. HobaCare is non-allergenic. It does not oxidize or turn rancid. It washes out of 100% cotton clothing and linens with hot water and detergent. Unlike other carriers, HobaCare mixes naturally with our skin’s fluid; it does not stay on top of the skin but penetrates it, carrying the essential oils with it into the skin.
Jojoba oil is a powerful moisturizer; it does not clog the skin’s pores or leave a sticky residue. This makes it an ideal carrier oil.
Coconut Oil as Carrier Oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil that can also be used as a topical oil for your skin, hair, and nails. Unrefined coconut oil is derived from fresh coconut meat, and it has a strong coconut odor. Refined coconut oil is derived from dried coconut meat, called copra; it has a very mild coconut odor.
Not only is coconut oil a powerful moisturizer, but it also helps to reduce unwanted bacteria or pathogens. Coconut oil can be applied directly to the skin or can be used as a carrier oil.
I love using this oil, especially when I’m creating diluted roller balls for topical applications. I provide Fractionated Coconut Oil for purchase through my doTERRA account; you can purchase it here. It is light and absorbs well. It also softens your skin and smells great.
Free Wellness Consultation
Are you interested in more specifics about the healing power of essential oils? Be sure to Book Your Appointment for my Free Wellness Consultation.
Also, check out the Essential Oils page for an overview. If you are interested, we also offer Essential Oil Classes.
Make the most out of your Essential Oil Experience with tools such as storage containers, diffusers & books.
Love & Light,
Liraz
Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master & Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.
Liraz is an extremely attuned healer who has the knowledge and skill set to work with healing specific injuries. She can also provide bodywork that is soothing and transformative through options such as hot stone massage and energy work. She uses a wonderful combination of modalities including essential oils. I highly recommend the hot stone massage!!
– Stephanie Trabant on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO
***Disclaimer***
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.
