Question about massage oil side effect

[Violet Schuyler]

I have a few health issues, Celiac's Disease, IBS, and an autoimmune disorder named Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). These diseases mainly affect my digestive system and I have to avoid a great many foods to control my symptoms. I have found that every massage oil I have tried makes me bloated, cramped, and has a laxative affect on me with a few hours of the massage. Thus far I have tried almond oil, grape seed oil, and fractionated coconut oil. I am guessing it is the fatty acids in these oils that is causing my issues. I am seeking suggestions on what could be used that would not have this effect. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[heartland_hopes]

Question about massage oil side effect

Have you tried using a cream or lotion rather than an oil? While they still have oil as an ingredient, there would be less of it.

Other than that, my next suggestion would be to try jojoba oil which is not a true "oil."

Angie

 

[stormer_xxi]

Question about massage oil side effect

That is very interesting.

Do you think it is the massage or massage techniques which are actually causing the reaction and not the massage medium?

Massage increases blood and lymph circulation - and especially if you have a compromised system, this "detox" effect could be the result.

While the skin is certainly able to absorb substances to some extent, absent a true allergic response I would hesitate to say that the oils thenselves are the cause.

I wish you all the best!

 

[Che M]

Question about massage oil side effect

Thank you for the replies. I have looked at jojoba oil but have not tried it because the article I read said that it is similar to Olestra, which has the same side effect profile I am wanting to avoid. I am pretty sure it is the oils because I have the same reactions when eating those oils as a salad dressing. I hadn't thought about it, but the combination of the oil and the "detox" effect from the massage could also be multiplying the issue. I also had not thought to look for a massage lotion/cream. That could be an option if I can find something with the right mix of ingredients. Thanks again.

 

[time.]

Question about massage oil side effect

How about trying a chair massage which uses no oil?

 

[karategirl27]

Question about massage oil side effect

At the very least consider Acupuncture, Acupressure, Shiatsu, or Thai Yoga Massage - if for some reason you cannot tolerate sessions involving possible reactions to oils of various types. Since none of these modalities involve the use of any type of lubrication to the skin, you will still receive the benefits of bodywork with them.

It may be that you're currently oversensitive because of high toxicity levels in the body from other factors. We live in a world with so many house-hold chemicals via the cleaning products we use. off-gassing from building materials/new furniture/carpeting/cars, etc., as well as so called health and beauty aids (the lotions, potions, makeup, soaps, hair products commonly used) medications and contaminants in food & water, that any number of things could have put your system over the edge, so to speak.

It may be helpful for you see a naturopath, and to look into detoxing & see if that brings down the reactions you have to topical products. Consider whether you may have high inflammation levels going on from the health conditions you're dealing with, (all of which are likely a partial cause of the issues you mentioned) as this may be a part of what you're have happening. Autoimmune problems have so many labels - that finding the underlaying reason for them is difficult. For some people they can start from tick bites or parasites, but for others the cause is very often never discovered.

Best of luck in find the solution that works best for you!

 

[I win]

Question about massage oil side effect

You can also build a very successful practice based on positional release technique, muscle energy technique, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, orthopedic massage, myofascial release, structural integration, rolfing, connective tissue massage, active isolated stretching, orthopedic assessments, dermoneuromodulation, etc. Really, you don't need much/any lube unless you are doing long continuous strokes that require "glide." The modalities listed above work just fine without any lubrication and can be extremely relaxing and effective if performed skillfully. Today I did all of my sessions with no lubricant at all (using the methods noted above), and my clients were quite happy with their experiences.

If you *must* have some lubricant handy, try a small bowl of warm water that you can use to wet your hands/fingers from time to time. Long strokes will have to be performed more slowly, but you won't want to do as many of them.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Question about massage oil side effect

I thought the original poster was a client who was looking for infomation on oils which could be used when they received a massage? Perhaps I misunderstood?

Maybe they could clear that up for us?

Angie