Hot oil massage to rejuvenate the body and the senses is an age old tradition in Asia. An Ayurvedic healing tradition that has been prevalent for over 5000 years, hot oil massage is done with warm oil infused with medicinal herbs to relax the muscles, increase the energy flow and to aid healing. A blissfully relaxing technique, hot oil massages can nourish your skin, flush out toxins, reduce stress and promote general well-being.

Let\'s look at some of the health benefits of a hot oil body massage:

1) Massages, when done properly by trained masseurs, can tone up the muscles of the body.
2) Massages can keep the joints supple and flexible.
3) A hot oil massage can also energize you and cure all the aches and pains.
4) It can calm the nerves and make you feel more relaxed.
5) Massages can improve the blood circulation to various parts of the body as well as in the skin. This also makes the skin healthy and glowing.
6) Massage done with warm oil can make you focused and mentally alert.
7) It nourishes the body and leads to deeper sleep.

Maximum benefit: You can get the maximum benefit of a hot oil massage by getting yourself massaged with cold pressed oil, special massage oil or with organic oils. Aromatherapy oils with fragrances and medicinal values are added to massage oil for maximum benefit.

Various massage oils: Here are some of the hot massage oils for the body -

1) Olive oil: Since it is warming, it can bring relief to stiff joints and muscles.

2) Apricot kernel oil: It is excellent for all types of skin and is especially beneficial for skin that is prone to premature aging. This oil is great for reducing stress.

3) Jojoba oil: It has anti-bacterial properties and is good for treating eczema and acne.

4) Borage oil: It can regenerate and stimulate the skin, thus is good for eczema and psoriasis.

5) Kukui nut oil: This is light oil that can warm the body and also has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

6) Almond oil: Since this is light oil with anti-inflammatory properties, it is good for dry skin.

7) Coconut oil: This oil is extremely good for people with dry, cracked skin; coconut oil is heavy and thick.

8) Grape seed oil: It has anti-allergenic properties.

9) Castor oil: This thick oil can heal scar tissue and works well as a poultice as it can draw away toxins.

Whatever hot oil massage you choose for yourself, make sure that you seek the services of a qualified masseuse. A massage can have the opposite of the intended affect if it is poorly executed by an untrained person.