Preparing for MASSAGE

Preparing for a sensual massage can be a sensual experience in itself It sets the mood, and the care and thought put into it will increase your enjoyment of the massage.

Mixing and using oils can be extremely satis-fying. There arc various oils that you can use, and finding a combination that suits you is often just a matter of experimentation. The 'carrier' or 'base' oil is the basic oil used to allow the hands to glide freely over the skin. Crapeseed, a light vegetable oil withnur a heavy smell, is a very good carrier oil.

Almond oil, a slightly sweeter, thicker oil, feels more luxurious on the skin. Oils of avocado and apricot are rich, nourishing oils, which may be added to make a mixture fuller. Oil of jojoba is a beautiful, more expensive oil, which is particularly good for massaging the face.

Another group of oils, essential oils, are added to the carrier oil to enhance the effect of massages. Containing the essential nature of a plant, they are extremely potent, and you need only use a few drops. Traditionally essential oils are used for the treatment of various con¬ditions and they should not be used directly on the skin. For example, for relaxation, use lavender, a particularly useful, fresh, healing oil, or chamomile, which ha.' a calming, seda¬tive effect. In order to get to know them, try them separately at first, mixing a couple of drops into some oil. For heightening sensual arousal, try oils known as aphrodisiacs -sandalwood, a woody, sedating, eastern scent; patchouli, a more stimulating, sweet, dark odor; or ylang ylang, which has an euphoric, sweet, floral smell. Experiment with these oils and sec which ones attract you. Perhaps the most beautiful of oils, and also the most expensive, are delicate neroli (orange blossom), which sedates; exotic jasmine, which uplifts; and luxurious, soothing oil of rose.

Also reputed to have aphrodisiacal properties, these are evocative, irresistibly heady scents.  you will find a list of oils and their properties and some recipes for you to try out. Although mixing can be extremely satisfying, you can if you prefer, buy ready mixed oils.

There are various oils that you can use, and finding a combination that suits you is often just a matter of experimentation. You can make up as much as you like. If you Stan with Ifloz (28ml) of base oil vou will make enough oil for about four massages. The ratio you should remember is use up to, but not more than, 12 drops of essential oil per Ifloz (2Sml) of base oil. For the massage you can use a shallow dish in which to put some oil, or use a small bottle with a stopper. If you are planning to massage frequently, you could prepare a
mixture by filling 1 or 2floz (28 or 54ml) glass bottles. If you add an optional teaspoon of wheat germ oil the mixture is preserved for a longer period.