One topic often asked about in regards to massage is ‘What oils should I use?’
It is recommended in regards to massaging your child, parents and caregivers use a pure cold pressed fruit, nut, vegetable or seed oil which is free from pesticides and is organic.
Remember both you and your child’s skin will be absorbing these oils, why not treat both your self and your child to the benefits of organic oils.
You will notice with a cold pressed oil that the skin will absorb it unlike a mineral based oil which tends to just sit on top of the skin and clog the pores.
It is important to make sure the oils you purchase are free of pesticides.
Remember even during a massage your children will most likely be putting their hands and feet into their mouths so it is important to use something that you are comfortable with your child in jesting.
When I studied for my certificates as an infant massage instructor we were taught an oil rule: WHATEVER MEDIUM A PARENT USES FOR MASSAGE WITH THEIR BABY, THEY MUST BE HAPPY FOR THEIR BABY TO IN JEST!
Please take not however that the opposite does not apply, for example, just because an oil is edible doesn’t mean it is suitable for massage.
WHAT IS COLD PRESSED?
Cold pressed re furs to the way the oils are extracted, cold pressed means that no heat has been used in the extraction process of the oil from the source. The oil is released by pressure alone.
MINERAL OIL
Mineral oil is extracted from Paraffin oil, paraffin oil is a white odorless and waxy substance which is distilled from petroleum, Refined paraffin is often found in skin care products.
Paraffin oil has yet to be proved safe for use on infants. Some physicians believe it can block a babies pores which can cause rashes among other problems.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are not recommended for use for infant massage,the main reason is due to the strength and potency of the oils.
One of the most important benefits of infant massage is the enhanced bonding, smell plays an important part in the bonding ritual between parent and the child and the use of an essential oil would cloud that.
Another reason not to use an essential oil brings us back to the rule of edibility, essential oils are generally not recommended for ingestion.
While most cases where a child has ingested an essential oil a child’s symptoms have resolved themselves without the need of medical intervention, there have been however numerous cases reported and taken into regard as serious (non fatal) and fatal outcomes of essential oil ingestion in both children and adults.
ALWAYS TEST FOR SKIN SENSITIVITY
Always test a small patch of skin with the oil first to test for sensitivity, should an allergic reaction occur the are should be washed with warm and soapy water to remove the oil and always seek medical attention if complications are noted.
ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS OF NUT ALLERGIES and peanut oil is never recommended as an appropriate massage oil.
I hope this is useful to anyone out there who had any questions regarding oils for infant massage, I am always open to answer any questions to the best of my ability.
I am now located in the West Hollywood area and offer classes in Infant Massage both privately and in group situation, I am also contactable either through this blog or through my email jclee101@hotmail.com , my websight www.jcleemassagetherapy.com or through twitter at jclee101.
Thanks and happy massaging : )
jcleemassagetherapy 