This is a video we produced to train our volunteers to give 15 minute massages
at our FernFest Medieval Castle on June 23rd 2012. This is an extension of our
last years MEM project (see videos under older posts Feb & Mar 2011) MEM is
short for Massage Exchange Movement! Please use this video with the intention
of spreading a touching message of human kindness to those around you.
If like me you have loads of empty essential oil bottles lying around and are wondering what to do with them then I just might have the answer!
However, remember that essential oils are just like any other oil and cling to the sides of the bottle they are in. This means that there is always a little bit left in there even when you think the bottle looks empty.
So as not to waste the residual oil clinging to the inside of the bottle check out the followings tips –
Run yourself a lovely relaxing warm bath and leave your empty uncapped bottles in the bottom while the water runs. The remnants of oil will get washed out with the warm water and fragrance it leaving you with a deliciously scented soak.
Keep the empty bottles somewhere safe and use them as aromatherapy tools. If you are having a bad day, have a headache or are feeling particularly emotional or stressed out, take one of your bottles, remove the top and breathe in the fragrance (for headaches eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender or spearmint work well).
Use a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil to fill up your empty bottles. This gently fragranced oil can then be used to moisturize dry hands, feet, elbows etc. The small size is great for throwing in your purse for moisturizing on the go! Alternatively tie some pretty twine or ribbon around the neck of the bottle, attach a tag and you have a great little gift. I know Christmas is a long way off yet but they can even be hung on the tree (remember this idea for the next one!)
Use good quality vodka or distilled water to fill your empty bottles. Shake well to incorporate then pour into a spray bottle. Use the finished product as an air freshener or linen spray.
ViVi Therapy stocks a large selection of organic essential oils. Did you know we carry 5 signature blends we had custom blended by a local Registered Aromatherapist. These special blends include all our favourite scents and have enhanced therapeutic benefits from the combinations chosen for each. If you don’t where to start when buying single scents try these you can’t go wrong. Check them out online or shop in store today.
Many massage therapists still purchase Holly oil in large quantities for massage. They like the thin liquid feel of the product, finding it goes a long way and is more economical than other nut, seed or plant-based oils.
The trouble I find with Holly Oil is the name. It is misleading…
You would think that it was plant-based but in fact, Holly Oil contains over 90% liquid paraffin and at best the holly content is an essence or holly extract in minute quantity. The ingredients are often not included on the bottles purchased from distributors of this oil and I feel it unfair not to fully disclose ingredient listings on the bottles of product used on the skin. Massage Therapists know how much is absorbed through the skin after all and most people also know that paraffin is a petroleum derivative and therefore should be avoided for use on the skin.
When Googled just now, here is what two different sellers of massage supplies had to say about Holly Oil. Note the second one which does not fully disclose the ingredients on their labels and uses words like “holly oil is derived from a cold-pressed process”. They avoid saying cold-pressed from what? This is misleading. Holly oil is liquid paraffin. It also gives you the idea the oil is jojoba and vitamin e which again is less than 2% of the overall product.
Description 1: Holly Oil has long been a popular massage oil. It is extremely light to the point where sheets will not be stained. It also has a pleasant cooling effect. Nonetheless, this is offset by the mineral oil in the blend that blocks pores and limits the effects of a therapeutic massage.
Description 2: Holly Oil is derived from a cold-press process. A water-based Vitamin E, (Cyclo-Alocaine) is then added along with Jojoba as a therapeutic moisturizer and to add glide. This non-nut-based oil is unscented and non-staining. Holly Oil has a 5-year shelf life and is the perfect carrier for essential oils.
TAKE AWAY: Holly Oil is almost 100% petroleum product and there is nothing natural about it. The better option by far is MCT or Fractionated Coconut oil.
This oil is derived from coconuts. The difference is it stays liquid at room temperature where most other coconut oil is solid. For massage therapists, the liquid oil is more convenient and more hygienic keeping the quality of the oil without repetitive heating to turn it liquid in our long winters.
I think it is a perfect replacement for holly oil.
A natural product that has had some refinement but is naturally based not petroleum-based and it has almost the identical feel and slip.
It is water dispersible and does not stain sheets or linen if washed soon after use.
We have sold many therapists on the conversion to fractionated oil. We think it is a good move. Telling your clients they have coconut oil on them never hurts.
So what do they do to Fractionated Coconut Oil to keep it liquid?
“Fractionated coconut oil” has had the lauric acid component removed. Lauric acid from coconut oil is known as a strong antimicrobial component and therefore is used as a preservative in many commercial applications. Anytime you refine a product you take away some of the natural goodness. Here is the microbial action of the original oil. The fractionated oil can be derived from different qualities of coconut oil so make sure you are purchasing from a trusted supplier.
You can test our fractionated coconut oil and organic coconut oil in store or order online.
Like Lotions and cremes better? Then try our popular Organic Body or Sacred Earth Botanical lines with vegan options too. sign on to our monthly newsletter for product and bodywork tips, sales and vip discount codes. View these products in our online store.
