I just returned from a weekend in Sonoma where I treated myself to an olive oil massage at a local spa. Yes, olive oil.

Used as a base and mixed with other essential oils, olive oil makes wonderful massage oil. In fact, it has been touted as one of the oldest healing and beauty techniques. Ancient civilization including Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Egypt, India, Japan and China all valued the art and science of massage. A biblical reference from around 493 BC documents the daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes. Even the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates wrote in 460 B.C. “The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing.” Rubbing … that equals massage and, in fact, massage with olive oil!

While Homer who sang the praises of “liquid gold” in the Odyssey does not specifically mention massage, he does note the importance of anointing which was done after bathing and in conjunction with applying beauty treatments. Often perfumed with liquid myrrh or cinnamon, the anointing oil was olive oil!

Oil gives the skin a rich look and silky feel. These qualities highly prized by ancient cultures are cherished today. The basic goal of massage is to help the body heal itself and increase health and well-being. Massage improves circulation, increases blood flow and brings oxygen to body tissues.

For an olive oil massage, start with extra virgin or virgin olive oil as your base oil and add rosemary oil for relaxation or mint oil for stimulation of muscles.

What you need:

• 8 oz extra virgin olive oil*
• 1/4 oz rosemary oil or mint oil

What you do:

1. Mix in a small bowl
2. Massage! Give or Get!

I personally use Extra Virgin Olive Oil for anything in and on the body!