Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

[alllllly]

I have been seeing this client about 2x per month for the last six months. Last night, before our session started, she asked if I could do the massage with no oil. (I use Sacred Earth cream) I asked if the cream I used caused a reaction on her skin, and her answer was she was not sure. :undecided: This client finished chemotherapy treatments this year, (last night she told me she got her test, and she is officially cancer free) & it is possible that her skin is just sensitive.

Well, her request really threw me for a loop. I told her it IS possible to have her session with no cream, but it would be different than the usual massage she was getting from me. We proceeded, & I was thinking "Wish I knew MFR or CST" & "Geeze, I've never even practiced with cornstarch."

I proceeded as she requested, and I spent a lot of time of her session with scalp & face, SCM, scalenes, hands & feet. For her arms and legs, lots of stretching, & I did some flat hand petrissage, compression, and a lifting-compression-friction technique called chucking. When I turned her prone, she did request I use cream for massaging her neck & shoulders. I told her, that will give us a good idea if it IS the cream since I only applied it to the trap area. Her feedback was that she liked the massage better when I was using the cream. (I've only been doing it that way for 6 yrs, hehehe.) I told her if there is a product she uses, that she knows to not irritate her skin, to bring it in for her next session, & I will use that. That made her really happy.

I told myself before I went into my shift last night, I was going to switch it up & use some techniques I usually don't, but I certainly wasn't planning on a session with no lubricant.

 

[muggs]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

I told myself before I went into my shift last night, I was going to switch it up & use some techniques I usually don't, but I certainly wasn't planning on a session with no lubricant.

*hehe* t016

Thanks for sharing! I don't have much to offer for this thread right now, but I enjoyed the read.

Possibly try jojoba?

 

[Obseposse]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

I agree that Jojoba might be the way to go. I have sold lots of Jojoba oil to my clients...even one client with psoriasis said it helped calm it down. I only use enough to get a good glide and it absorbs into their skin. I always end the session with a hot towel across the back and feet so they can wipe off with that if they feel there is any excess. In their minds when they think cream vs. oil, they think cream is the better option, but I've found that jojoba oil absorbs better than any cremes I've used. I also have explained to clients who are reluctant about using oil that Jojoba is the most natural oil to the oil our own skin produces, absorbing right in, and if they don't like it, we will definately switch to something else. None of them have wanted to switch and many of them have bought it.

 

[care]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Pure Jojoba all the way!

It absorbs right into the skin. If you use a small amount you can do deep tissue work. It seems to go so much further than the same amount of any other cream or oil.
Many clients tell me that they don't want me to get any oil in their hair - with the jojoba it has never been a problem.
Many massage oils, creams and lotions are made with nut oils - I have had one client with nut allergies. They also have preservatives, botanicals, and some even have fragrance - all of which some people are sensitive to.
I also get allergic reactions to many products - I really can't use anything any more - so the jojoba is good for me as well as the client. Most Biotone products give me a rash.

In addition...
I find that lots of massage creams leave me feeling "greasy". And I have left many sessions with my hair a gloppy mess from the therapist using it on my neck.
And I have had to stop my car and wipe my feet off with a towel after many massages. I usually shower both before and after a massage so I go in clean and so I don't let any yucky product sit on my skin for very long. I don't have to shower after receiving a session with jojoba, my skin feel soft and not greasy at all.

 

[sh0rtea d0o wh0p]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

I think we probably have a list somewhere of the good Jojoba companies... but, could someone link me up --- I don't have time to do much of a search today and have been looking for a really good (not mediocre) jojoba for a while now.

 

[Ana C]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Thanks for the jojoba suggestion, guys. I tried a search, pueppi, for that list you mentioned, but I have not found it yet. If I do, I will be sure to add a link.

I am interested to hear from anyone who uses cornstarch, too. Does it glide? I have only heard that it can be used, have not actually seen it. Also, I have heard about some MTs that use water. Anyone out there in MassagePlanetLand ever tried or see that? Obviously the two would not mix.

Also, has anyone done massage without lubricant at all? Because of the modalities I have learned, her request quickly evolved her session from swedish to a Sports/NMT combo, which I hope I applied in a relaxing manner.

I have a feeling next time I see this client, she will have her own lubricant.

 

[SJM]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

I'm another one that will say jojoba

http://www.jojobacompany.com usually gets good comments (they used to be Boston jojoba)


Another alternative is ultra-sound gel, that's generally fairly unreactive, and non-oily.

Cornstarch can get a bit powdery, what you can do it blend up a bit of shea butter in it, it ends up making it slightly moisturising with the shea but not oily because of the cornstarch.

 

[RBS]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Yep, I've used water, learned that trick from Bob King. Just a couple of drops to give a little glide when doing myofascial work in certain areas. Back of the neck comes to mind as one of the areas we tried it. It is better for small detail work... wouldn't have much glide that's for sure. There are definitely some instances where it's better than oil, like for a client that is going somewhere else after. Some don't want to have to wash their hair following their massage, etc.

I love doing Myofascial Release, especially because it is something that generally is done without lubricants.

Anyway, glad you were able to adapt and put together a massage that met her needs.
I would think that jojoba would be a good candidate for her... but really whatever oil she chooses you could probably adapt and use very well. Sometimes it's surprising how little oil it can take to do the job too!

 

[Farty McFart]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

So true about how little oil you need to use - my aromatherapy training had us doing full body massages using 20ml (0.66oz) total, except the face (different blend used for the face) I find it a lot easier to do that with jojoba, I probably use a bit more than that normally, and a bit more again when hot stones are involved. Jojoba is a wax rather than an oil, so people generally don't react to it the same way they can with oils.

 

[Pancakes]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Last year we switched to a nice organic massage creme. Good glide, works great for many types of massage. Great for the skin, and so far no reports of skin reactions from any of our clients or MTs.

To see how it compared to the prior lubricants we used, I tracked each MT's use of the new creme for 3 months. On average, our MTs did 11 massages per tube, depending on the type of work done. Those that relied more on long gliding strokes used more creme, averaging about 7 massages per tube. MTs that did more stretching and trigger point techniques did 14-20 massages per tube. With the use of positional release, fascial work, Active Isolated Stretching, and trigger point techniques, I averaged 45 massages per tube of creme. I did many of those massages with very little or no creme. Even when using long gliding strokes, I did not need much to achieve ample glide. :massage:

Oddly enough, my clientele really expanded during that 3 month trial period. Not sure if that's relevant, but it does indicate that minimal use of lubricant may not have much bearing on client satisfaction.

 

[cta-music.com]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Sorry to hijack the thread a moment,.... Jason, which cream do you use? I also use Sacred Earth but since the lotion is so slippery I mix it with the creme so it is still pumpable but thicker. Maybe what you're using also comes in lotion that is thicker than the organic ones I've encountered?

Back to the initial post...

My husband can't stand any type of lotion or creme because he says it makes him feel sticky, so maybe the client just doesn't like any type of stuff on them. If you have a hot towel warmer, maybe you could wipe off each limb after you work it and see if that is acceptable.

 

[Hop]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

I tracked each MT's use of the new creme for 3 months. On average, our MTs did 11 massages per tube, depending on the type of work done. Those that relied more on long gliding strokes used more creme, averaging about 7 massages per tube. MTs that did more stretching and trigger point techniques did 14-20 massages per tube. With the use of positional release, fascial work, Active Isolated Stretching, and trigger point techniques, I averaged 45 massages per tube of creme. I did many of those massages with very little or no creme. Even when using long gliding strokes, I did not need much to achieve ample glide. :massage:

Thanks for including this. I found when I made the switch from Biotone (used at the salon/spa where I worked) to the Sacred Earth, I actually use 50% less with the good stuff. With the other stuff, I needed 1.5 - 2 oz for typical swedish. Now I use less than 1 oz for typical swedish, even less when I do more NMT. You're probably :yikes: if you get 45 sessions from a tube, but it is DRY here, man.

Yep, I've used water, learned that trick from Bob King. Just a couple of drops to give a little glide when doing myofascial work in certain areas. Back of the neck comes to mind as one of the areas we tried it. It is better for small detail work... wouldn't have much glide that's for sure. There are definitely some instances where it's better than oil, like for a client that is going somewhere else after. Some don't want to have to wash their hair following their massage, etc.

I love doing Myofascial Release, especially because it is something that generally is done without lubricants.

Thanks, I am going to try water with one of my clients who would let me experiment. I have used cryotherapy, which is water, but still (based on the modalities I've learned) comes off as sports massage.

I definitely want to take some MFR classes, have wanted to for some time I have enjoyed receiving MFR, and now I wanna do that.

Pure Jojoba all the way!

In addition...
I find that lots of massage creams leave me feeling "greasy". And I have left many sessions with my hair a gloppy mess from the therapist using it on my neck.
And I have had to stop my car and wipe my feet off with a towel after many massages. I usually shower both before and after a massage so I go in clean and so I don't let any yucky product sit on my skin for very long. I don't have to shower after receiving a session with jojoba, my skin feel soft and not greasy at all.

.

I am going to get the jojoba, feeling a little guilty about not having any. I learned with oil, in my first school, but have practiced more with cream. Just becomes a habit, relying on what you already know & feel comfortable with.

I know I'm pretty good at keeping product out of the client' s hair (been there too, and with a short hairstyle you can't hide it), & I hope I don't make them feel greasy. When finished with the feet, I always do compression through the sheet, and help to lift off remaining product. I, too, hate greasy feet!

 

[carr7853]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Something else you might try since your client is post-chemo and appears to be quite skin sensitive to your creams - find a very emollient hand cream w/ shea butter or jojoba content and use it to moisten your own hands before touching your client. As your hands lose their "moisture" apply just a little bit more.

When one of my ladies had chemo, that's how we got through her massages, me using hand cream on my hands to add "moisture" [also a bit of glide]. The client didn't retain as much of the hand cream on her body, was well pleased with her massage and we were able to find a cream that didn't offend her skin sensitivity, her heightened sense of smell, and that made my hands "glide" just enough to provide her the type of touch and therapeutic massage she was craving... even on her "well-done" [her words] sternum and mid-abdomen.

fwiw

 

[name-me]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

...and we were able to find a cream that didn't offend her skin sensitivity, her heightened sense of smell, and that made my hands "glide" just enough to provide her the type of touch and therapeutic massage she was craving... even on her "well-done" [her words] sternum and mid-abdomen.

Mind adding that cream "name" here too?

Currently I am in the process of trying to find the "least offending" items for a few clients... so any and all suggestions are helpful!

 

[Oliver Clothes-off]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Jergen's Shea Butter Lotion - have also used Palmer's Shea Butter Formula w/ Vitamin E for another client... :massage:

 

[reese]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Currently I am using only Jojoba oil. I was turned onto it by another lmt after she told me she felt greased up when I used cream.
I have used FX cream and though it is not organic, I feel it is the least offensive to skin conditions. It is defo a heavy cream and a little goes a LONG way. It allows for great deep static work, as well as gliding strokes. I have also used and liked Versa Cream by sombra. Another where a little goes a long way. The two do not absorb into the skin quickly, so using less is a better option.
With the Jojoba, my clients have never complained of feeling greasy or anything IF I use the proper amount! In general I use hot towels to wipe the back and feet off so they don't feel so greasy anyways, but sometimes I use too much oil, and it ends up on the sheets. :irked:
The one thing I do not like about jojoba is it stains the sheets. The creams I've used wash out much easier.
It's a give and take I think.

I'd be interested in hearing more from those who have used cornstarch or water as well. . .

 

[slt]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Premo, that is interesting about the jojoba staining the sheets. I wonder if it is a brand issue? I LOVE using almond oil - but quit because it stains my sheets. The jojoba, though, I can always use and have never had a stain with it. I have been ordering from Hoba Care, most recently.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Premo, that is interesting about the jojoba staining the sheets. I wonder if it is a brand issue? I LOVE using almond oil - but quit because it stains my sheets. The jojoba, though, I can always use and have never had a stain with it. I have been ordering from Hoba Care, most recently.

I too have been using hobacare. And I just switched to jersey knit sheets. Dunno if its that combo or what.

 

[3sa]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

Hmm, I use cotton/percale sheets. That could be the difference. I guess even water/soap combos could make a difference!

 

[K K]

Swedish Regular Requests No Oil

So, I have been thinking about this thread and finally got a little time to look up all of our MassagePlanetL threads that mention Jojoba Oil. I researched the links and came up with this little list of companies our members mentioned along the way. It is the most current to date, as some of the links mentioned in the past have since gone by the wayside.

Maybe one of the companies will be just what you need. Most have quantities of less than a gallon.(prices as of 09/04/09). Some of the companies also have Jojoba Lotions and/or Creams.

I also found this information about processing, on the Mountain Rose Herbs website. It may be helpful when purchasing oils.

Cold Pressed - A method of mechanical extraction where heat is reduced and minimized throughout the batching of the raw material. This helps the oil maintain its original state, constituents, and depth. Temperatures are rigorously controlled to ensure that it does not exceed 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not a practical method of extraction for all vegetable oils on the market it is highly regarded as the extraction method of choice.

Expeller Pressed - A method of natural, mechanical extraction and processing of oils where a small amount of heat is produced simply through the frictional heat created by hydraulic presses. This is usually around 120-200 degrees Fahrenheit and makes the oil suitable and economical as a base for cosmetics because of its fairly undisturbed molecular state. It also makes a fine food grade oil.

Refined - A fully processed oil where it has been exposed to all methods of refinement including a flash fluctuation in temperature as high as 450 degrees and winterization as low as -30 degrees, deodorization, which removes the heavy and often unsettling odor in oil, and finally bleaching, where natural clays and other mediums are used to alter or remove an oils color, and scent. This makes for an economical oil in cosmetics and body care products, but it is not the healthiest as a food grade oil.

Partially Refined - A process where only some of the methods available are employed to produce a manufactured oil. Only one or two of the three available methods are used in a partially refined oil. These include, but are not limited to; deodorization, winterization and natural bleaching. These methods are used for oils which have been known historically to go rancid quickly, and they are also used to further stabilize an oil or remove its heavy odor and deep color.

Unrefined - A process of mechanical extraction and screen filtering where no additional refining process has taken place. This ensures the finest quality product and makes the oil the most exquisite for food and cosmetic preparation. The unrefined process helps oil retain a rich, strong flavor and color that is true to its natural state. Unrefined oils are always darker in color and richer in scent.

• The Jojoba Company - http://www.jojobacompany.com/
  • • 1 gallon (128 fl. oz.): $55.00 for Pesticide-Free HobaCare Jojoba
      1 gallon: $69.00 for Certified 100% Organic HobaCare Jojoba
• Liberty Natural Products - http://www.libertynatural.com/
  • • 1 gallon: $57.32 for Jojoba Golden Natural USA
      1 gallon: $75.89 for Jojoba Clear Filtered USA
      1 gallon: $74.56 for Jojoba Oil Organic Israel
• Camden-Grey Essential Oils - http://www.camdengrey.com
  • • 7 lbs. (note 8 lbs. of water = 1 gallon): $63.98 for Jojoba Oil Wildcrafted Bulk
• Essential Wholesale - http://www.essentialwholesale.com
  • • 1 gallon: $91.80 for Jojoba Oil Golden
      1 gallon: $145.80 for Jojoba Oil Golden, Certified Organic
• Mountain Rose Herbs - http://www.mountainroseherbs.com
  • • 1 gallon: $98.00 for Cold Pressed/Unrefined Organic Jojoba Oil
• Got Your Back - https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/
  • • 1 gallon: $99.00 for Solace Naturals Jojoba Oil

  • • If you're looking for something completely natural, I recommend Solace Naturals Massage Creme (sold through Got Your Back: 1-800-677-9830). They do custom blends of oil, beeswax and essential oil. (That's all. No additives or preservatives). If you choose jojoba oil for the base, you get the benefits of jojoba with the added glide the beeswax provides. You can also add your choice of essential oils.

  
  
• Massage Warehouse - http://www.massagewarehouse.com/Product/jojoba/therapro-golden-jojoba-massage-oil/224+0003
  • • 1 gallon (128 fl. oz.): $99.99 for Premium, Cold-pressed Therapro Jojoba Massage Oil
• From Nature With Love - https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/
  • • 1 gallon: $103.50 for Jojoba Oil, Clear (Refined & Decolorized)
      1 gallon: $140.00 for Organic Jojoba Oil, Clear (Refined & Decolorized)
      1 gallon: $125.00 for Organic Jojoba Oil
• ScripHessco - http://www.scriphessco.com/Product/jojoba/therapro-golden-jojoba-massage-oil/224+0003
  • • 1 gallon (128 fl. oz.): $103.49 for Premium, Cold-pressed Therapro Jojoba Massage Oil
• Aura Cacia - http://www.auracacia.com/dspCmnPrd.php?ct=anpcpcsc&cn=Jojoba+Oil
  • • 16 fl. oz.: $40.95 for Aura Cacia Jojoba Skin Care Oil
• Northern Naturals - http://www.northernnaturals.com/organic_massage_oil.html
  • • 1 gallon: $68.00 for Earth Botanicals Organic Massage Oil, Blend of Organic Sunflower, Apricot and Jojoba Oils
• Klecka Naturals - http://www.kleckanaturals.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=12
  • • 4 oz. : $7.98 for Organic Sunflower and/or Safflower oil, Organic Jojoba oil, Natural Vitamin E

09/05/09: Updated post to correct links and add pricing