Massage oils. (1) Oil Eucalyptus 13 per cent; Oil Scots pine 9 per cent; Camphor 3 per cent; Sunflower oil 75 per cent. (Dr Alfred Vogel)
(2) Tincture Capsicum; essential oils of Camphor. Thyme, Cajeput, Terebinth, in a base of Sunflower seed oil. (David Williams)
(3) Rheumatism. 1 drop Oil Juniper; 2 drops Oil Rosemary; 1 drop Oil Sassafras. Two teaspoons Almond oil. Massage affected muscles and joints and cover with a moist hot towel 2-3 times daily.
(4) Backache. 30 drops Oil Rosemary; 20 drops Oil Peppermint; 10 drops Oil Eucalyptus; 10 drops Oil Mustard: 20 drops Oil Juniper; 50 drops Tincture Cayenne (Capsicum). Mix. Shake briskly; store in a cool place. Heat and apply warm. The old Golden Fire oil.
(5) Aromatherapy. It is usual practice to combine 6 drops essential oil to 10ml (2 teaspoons) Almond or other vegetable oil. Anti-inflammatory and pain-easing combination: Lavender, Thyme, Hypericum and Yarrow.
(6) European traditional. Oil Camphor 7; Oil Cloves 2; Oil Wintergreen 3; Oil Eucalyptus 3; Oil Origanum 3. Mix. General purposes: pain, stiffness, backache, sciatica, lumbago.
(7) Olbas oil.
(8) Weleda Massage oil (Arnica, Lavender and Rosemary).
Tonic. Gently thump the centre of the chest seven times with the closed fist to stimulate the thymus gland, activate the immune system and help loosen congestion in the lungs.
Note: Massage also has a beneficial effect upon the mind. The sense of touch helps release physical and emotional tensions and has a place in mental health and well-being.
Lymphatic massage. A specific form of massage concentrated on the lymph glands to stimulate their activity and assist expulsion of toxins from the body.
Massage should never be carried out on patients with thrombosis and blood-clotting problems, varicose veins or inflammation of the veins.