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We don’t always have the time or money to go to a spa regularly these days, no matter how stressed we are. Want to know a great alternative? Buy good massage oil and recreate the spa experience right in your own home.

It’s a bonus if you can get someone to give you a massage at home, like your mom perhaps, or your boyfriend or husband. But if no amount of coaxing will make them do so, just give yourself a good hand and foot massage before retiring for the night (unfortunately, a back rub is out of the question).

I tried the Harmonising Massage Oil (Php895) from The Body Shop, the scent of which reminded me of the spa-pedicure experience mentioned in a recent post here. I tried massaging this oil into my hands, legs, and feet for a few minutes before going to sleep and it was enough to calm my nerves and ease the tension I felt that day. I was also able to convince my mom to rub some of the oil onto my shoulders, and my tense muscles in that area gradually relaxed.

When you apply the oil, make sure your strokes are slow and firm, deliberately kneading knotted muscles and joints. Wipe your hands on a cloth or towel, or better yet, wash your hands after use so you will not accidentally rub the product into your eyes. I find the product a good alternative to the greasy and intoxicating massage oils of yore.

According to The Body Shop, the oil, which contains lemongrass essential oil, is inspired by Thai reflexology traditions and the belief that balancing energy in the body causes a sense of harmony and well-being. It is also supposed to bring the additional benefits of Community Trade oils of sesame seed, soya, marula, and olive. While I was unable to really dissect the various effects of these different oils on the body, what I liked best about the product is its scent, which really evokes the spa ambiance that we all love and long for. The smell is soothing and not at all overwhelming, unlike other massage oils that make you tear up.

The label also says it is rich in essential fatty acids that help restore skin’s moisture barrier, and I noticed that it does make my skin feel soft and smooth, though it’s a bit more “sticky” than lotion. Don’t apply this on a hot or humid day; for sure, that’s when it will get “malagkit.”

After applying the oil, just dim the lights, lie flat on the bed, and you are sure to get a deep, peaceful sleep—which also guarantees a relaxed and revived feeling the following morning.

The Harmonising Massage Oil is part of a range of Cultural Touches massage products launched by The Body Shop recently. The range is supposed to be preservative-free and features Community Trade soya oil from Peru, marula oil from Namibia, and organic olive oil from Italy.

Check out the other relaxing products in the line on the next page.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Beauty and Personal Care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.