A Step-by-Step Almond Oil Body Massage You Can Do at Home

Oil massage has a long tradition in South Asian homes, from the daily massage given to newborns to the weekly champi and the tired-feet rub at the end of a long day. Sweet almond oil has always been a favourite for it. Its light, silky slip lets hands glide easily without dragging the skin, and its soft scent doesn't overpower.

Why almond oil for massage?

• Good glide. It's slippery enough for long strokes, but not so thin it disappears instantly.
• Gentle on most skin. A single-ingredient oil with no added fragrance.
• Soft skin afterwards. It leaves skin smooth, not sticky.
• Barely scented, so it suits people who don't like strong smells.

Before you start

• Choose a warm room. Cold skin tenses up.
• Warm the oil by standing the bottle in a cup of warm water.
• Lay down an old towel. Oil can stain fabrics.
• Allow 15 to 20 minutes and put your phone away.

Self-massage, head to toe

Shoulders and neck

With a little oil on your fingertips, knead your shoulders with the opposite hand, then stroke up the back of your neck. Small circles under the base of the skull release tension, especially if you spend hours at a desk or on your phone.

Arms

Use long strokes from wrist to shoulder, always towards the heart, then circles around the elbow. Squeeze gently up the forearm, and finish by massaging each palm with the opposite thumb.

Chest and stomach

Sweep outward across the chest with flat palms. Then, with a flat palm, make slow clockwise circles around the navel. Keep pressure light.

Legs

Stroke upward from ankle to thigh using both hands. Circle the knees. Knead calves gently, as if kneading dough.

Feet

Press your thumbs into the soles in small circles, then pull gently on each toe. Finish with a little extra oil on the heels. If they're cracked, see how to soften cracked heels.

Massaging someone else

If you're massaging a partner or family member, have them lie on a towel. Warm the oil in your hands first; cold oil on the skin is a shock. Use your whole palm rather than just fingers, keep one hand in contact at all times, and ask about pressure. Avoid pressing directly on the spine.

Afterwards

Rest for a few minutes, then take a warm shower to rinse off any excess, or let the oil absorb and wear soft cotton. Drink a glass of water.

Make it a weekly ritual

Many families keep a weekly 'oil day', often on the weekend, with a hair oiling for everyone and a body massage before bathing. It's a lovely tradition to keep. Combine it with our hair oiling guide.

Safety

Avoid massaging broken skin, rashes, varicose veins or recent injuries. Avoid almond oil if you have a nut allergy. If you're pregnant, have a medical condition, or want to massage a baby, check with your doctor first.

Our Almond Oil is pure sweet almond oil, perfect for massage. Prefer something lighter? Try apricot. For daily use, see body oil after shower.