which oil is best for foot massage - #44518
I am dealing with really tired, achy feet after long days on my feet at work. Standing for hours is just killer, and I’ve noticed my toes and arches hurt a lot! I started thinking a foot massage could really help, but I’m not sure which oil is best for foot massage. I mean, I’ve read online about coconut oil, sandalwood oil, and even mustard oil, but there are like sooo many options! 😩 I tried a couple of those before, but they didn’t really seem to do much. Like, I want something that actually penetrates deep and makes the pain go away. Also, I’ve got a bit of dry skin on my heels, so I want to know if there’s an oil that can help with that too? My friend swears by certain oils, but I wanna be sure. I really don’t want to waste my money on something that’s not effective! Is it better to mix them, or just stick to one? Also, does any specific oil have extra benefits for the skin? Just feel a bit lost here and could really use recommendations on which oil is best for foot massage! Thanks in advance for any help you can give!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
For alleviating your achy feet and providing deep relief, sesame oil stands out as one of the best options. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is considered tridoshic, meaning it balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and is particularly effective for Vata dosha imbalances — often responsible for aches and dryness. Sesame oil penetrates deeply into the skin, providing warmth and nourishment.
To use sesame oil for a foot massage, warm it slightly, but be sure not to overheat. Gently massage your feet using circular motions on soles and upward motions towards your heart on your arches reaching up to the calves. Doing this right before bed can aid in relaxation, improving sleep too.
For the dry skin on your heels, there’s another option—coconut oil. It is hydrating and can help soothe, though doesn’t penetrate as deeply as sesame oil. Post-massage, you may apply a thin layer of coconut oil to keep heels soft overnight. It’s also cooling, so if you find the sesame oil too warming, you can balance it with some coconut.
Some find it useful to mix oils, using sesame for massage, then coconut for additional moisturizing. Whether you stick to one oil primarily depends on your preference and needs. Sesame oil for deep tissue relief, coconut to seal moisture and sandalwood oil, while aromatic, complements either due to its calming fragrance, primarily aiding relaxing ambiance more than direct foot pain relief.
Regularly massaging your feet at the end of your workday is not only going to help relieve pain, but it can be preventive against further discomfort. For best results, integrate a brief foot soaking session in warm water infused with Epsom salt or Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, before the massage. This practice can soften skin and help the oils absorb more effectively.

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