Massage

Used as a base and mixed with other essential oils, olive oil makes wonderful massage oil. In fact, it has been touted as one of the oldest healing and beauty techniques. Ancient civilization including Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Egypt, India,
Japan and China all valued the art and science of massage. A biblical reference from around 493 BC documents the daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes. Even the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates wrote in 460 B.C. "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing." Rubbing …that equals massage and, in fact, massage with olive oil!

Oil gives the skin a rich look and silky feel. These qualities highly prized by ancient cultures are cherished today. The basic goal of massage is to help the body heal itself and increase health and well-being. Massage improves circulation, increases blood flow and brings oxygen to body tissues.

Olive oil is a natural raw material that has been used to lubricate and massage the body for the past 6,000 years. Due to its special composition, it is rapidly absorbed through and softens all the layers of the skin. Owing to its high vitamin E and polyphenols content, olive oil also acts as a very effective antioxidant. It protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, thus prolonging the life of body cells in general and of skin cells in particular.

For an olive oil massage, start with extra virgin or virgin olive oil as your base oil and add rosemary oil for relaxation or mint oil for stimulation of muscles.

What you need:

• 8 oz extra virgin olive oil*
• 1/4 oz rosemary oil or mint oil

What you do:

• Mix in a small bowl
• Massage! Give or Get!