Introducing: Bodywork Oil
Bodywork oil is a multi-purpose oil that holistically supports skin and body. Think of it as a therapeutic addition to your body care routine. The three prongs of Bodywork’s benefits can be traced to the three main botanical extracts: Calendula, Violet, Yarrow.
Let’s first look at the synergistic benefits of this oil before diving into the botanical elements.
Bodywork oil is lymph moving, skin conditioning, and deep tissue softening. These three main benefits mean bodywork not only supports softer skin, but it supports our immune system and restoration of sore muscles. All of which can promote a more relaxed, grounded sense of self. Cultivating ease within our bodies with an herbal touch is a radical form of self care, truly.
Multipurpose Function
Lymph Moving: Our lymphatic system relies on stimulation to function. Supporting your lymphatic system improves overall skin health, boosts immune system, and supports the body’s natural waste elimination. In areas of the body, such as in the chest or breast tissue, there isn’t much stimulation or circulation. Using Bodywork to massage these areas can support the healthy flushing of build up. Used in conjunction with Gua Sha, Bodywork Oil deepens the practice by moving lymph from the face for clearer skin. I highly suggest using this botanical oil after showering for a full body lymph-moving ritual. Start on the right side and guide oil along skin up toward heart. Repeat on the left side.
Skin Conditioning: This oil is comprised only with ingredients that condition and soften skin. The body requires moisturization (oils) to maintain flexibility, allow for healthy turnover of skin cells, and hold hydration in the skin. Build up of rough or dry skin can indicate a weakened skin barrier, which makes our body more susceptible to pathogens or infection. An omega fatty acid dense base of Sunflower Oil carries the botanical benefits to skin, while protecting and conditioning skin. Read more in the botanical breakdown to understand how each herb supports healthier skin as well.
Tissue Softening: Have you ever had a stressful week and felt the results in your body? Soreness, tension, discomfort? Bodywork oil is intended to improve the productivity of massage with a potent blend of herbal elements. For example, when applied during shoulder massage, the oil can support circulatory stimulation, softening of tense muscles, and restoration after depletion. Additionally, this oil makes a great chest massage oil, as it can help break down hardened tissues while supporting chest health. My partner is prone to soreness and build up around his joints after years of professional skateboarding- this oil has helped soften and cultivate ease in areas where chronic discomfort have reigned supreme for a decade.
Botanically Elevated
Herbs have many actions and uses, and the descriptions below indicate the intended use for each herb in the formula. Not every person has the same reaction to every herb, and it’s important to be mindful of that. While all of the herbs we use are generally considered safe for most, there is always a chance that something might not work well for your body’s constitution.
Calendula: Applied topically, this herb is vulnerary (wound reparative) and emollient (tissue softening). Calendula moves lymph fluid through the body, which can prevent inflammation from spreading. Helpful for bruises, insect bites & other topical irritations. Calendula pairs well with Gua Sha to soften break down tissue. This herb is often associated with chest and breast tissue, as it has a propensity for moving build up through that region. A favorite for easing chronic dry skin conditions, chronic inflammatory skin conditions and seasonal or cyclical inflammation.
Violet: A cooling, soothing herb known for its ability to soften hardness. Applied topically, Violet soothes inflammation associated with congested lymph nodes. Violet provides relief to irritated areas such as wounds & stings. softening. A notable use of a Violet is often for its ability to relieve discomfort associated with swollen breast or chest tissue, and well as softening hardened tissues within that region. On a personal note, I apply this oil to swollen glands at the site of a cold or sore throat for swift soothing of discomfort.
Yarrow: This herb is reparative to tissue states, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Traditionally used in battle to heal wounds, Yarrow helps tone the circulatory system. The dual action of Yarrow is one of the reasons I love studying plants- it can stop excessive blood flow and it can assist in moving stagnant blood- all depending on what the body needs. Yarrow is a strong plant but our oil extraction is a gentler form of the plant, making it a suitable addition to your skincare routine. It helps relieve pain in the body and reduce wound recovering time. This is a supporting herb in our formula to enhance anti-inflammatory and reparative actions of the Bodywork Oil.