We Asked: What is your favorite massage product, and why?

Here is what you told us...

African Shea Butter. Once every year, the shea tree produces an abundance of fruits that resemble an avocado. The oil from this fruit is extracted and blended to form a butter-textured mixture used by many African herbalists, who regard shea butter as an invaluable agent for internal and external body purification. In most parts of West Africa, it is forbidden to destroy the shea tree because of its economic status, health benefit and social value.

The texture of shea butter is perfect for lymph drainage and myofascial work as it allows for accurate, slow and precise movements on the area being treated. I have used shea butter for over 10 years on wounds, post-surgery scars, burns and rashes with a very high success rate of recovery and restoring comfort to my skin, as well as my client's skin.
Beverly Gray
Huntsville, Alabama

My favorite massage product is the bodyCushion, hands down! In 18 years of private practice, I have tried a lot of different products, only to let most of them eventually fall by the wayside. But the body cushion resonated with me and with my clients right from the beginning, and still does. The greatest benefit of the cushion, in my experience, has been for clients with low back issues. They can lie comfortably in a prone position on the cushion, unlike on a flat table. I am sure that I retained some clients simply because I use the body cushion. Wow! This must sound like an ad for this product, but believe me, I am in no way connected to any company, distributor, etc. I simply love the bodyCushion!
Laura J. Rupp
Gillette, New Jersey

My favorite is grapeseed oil with my own aromatherapy oils in it. When you learn how to use it in the right proportion it lasts a long time, and you don't have to reapply it a lot throughout the massage.
Lexi Mitchell
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

It's a special oil I use, Aura Glow Almond. It's a massage oil by the Edgar Cayce company. I've been using it for over 10 years, and I never get sick of the almond scent. Everyone says it smells like cookies. Everybody loves it.
Cheryl A. Crosby
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Essential oils (if you want the name brand, I use Young Living). Every client who gets on my table is offered aromatherapy, whether it's eucalyptus for their sinuses, basil for a headache, pine oil for sore muscles, or a nice blend for relaxation. I also diffuse essential oils in my lobby and everyone who walks in the door says, "What is that wonderful smell?" It just brings another sensory experience into the massage and has true health benefits as well.
Laura Allen
Rutherfordton, North Carolina