What is Hot Oil Treatment?
A hot oil treatment is a type of body or hair massage therapy for relaxation and healing purposes. For the body, the hot oil is used to loosen and release the internal impurities. Next, they are flushed out and eliminated through the urinary and digestive tract. For this reason it is important to drink plenty of water after your hot oil treatment.
The oil used should be organic, cold-pressed oil. It is important to note that the skin is an organ and will metabolize anything that comes it contact with it. Therefore, it is important to only use pure products. Sesame oil is a good option for a hot oil treatment. For those with a lot of heat and inflammations, a more cooling oil, such as olive or coconut oil may be used. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin.
Preparation for your hot oil treatment should begin by placing your cold-pressed, organic oil in a stainless steel pan. Heat the oil until just before boiling and before smoking. Then let the oil stand until a comfortable temperature is reached.
For best results, it is good to have two technicians work on the person. This should be done in unison so that the body part on each side of the body is being massaged simultaneously. It is important to make long strides on the limbs and back while making circular movements on the joints.
Organs should be massaged in the direction they flow. The heart should never be pressured and only a very slight touch in a gentle circular motion should ever be considered. Often a systematic flow of oil will be poured over the forehead repeatedly to create a sense of relaxation. This ayurvedic process, known as shirodhara, is also thought to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
The head should be covered with oil from the top of the forehead to the nape of the neck. Ears should be a special focus as they represent the kidneys according to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian massage therapy techniques. Feet and hands should also be given special attention as all the meridians can be influenced.
Some hot oil treatment programs include an herbal oil enema to complete the elimination of the toxins. It is thought that by loosening and releasing the toxins, the body is prepared to continue that process and elimination is easy and natural. Oftentimes, the release of gallstones will come easily. For this reason, the rest of the day should be spent sipping warm water and only eating healthy, simple foods while getting plenty of rest.
For hot oil hair treatments, it is best to use either olive or coconut oil, as excess heat on the head can cause hair loss. The massage should be continuous and in large circular motions performed by each finger. Special attention should be paid to the neck area, as this will release the entire head.
Once the massage is complete, the hair should be wrapped with a cotton cloth and the oil should be allowed to remain on the head for 30 minutes to two hours. A heating lamp can be used if the person becomes cold. At the end of the hot oil treatment, the hair should be shampooed with a mild, natural shampoo. By adding herbs, the hot oil hair treatments are an excellent stimulant for the head and conditioning of the hair.
Written by KD Morgan
