Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season and the personal formation. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons. Coconut oil and sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil after warming.

Massage Oils for Vata
All oils are good for Vata, especially sesame and hazelnut oil used in combination with any of the Vata-reducing oils is beneficial. Angelica, basil, calamus, camphor, cardamom, chamomile, clary sage, coriander, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, sandalwood, vetiver and jatamansi are some of the ayurvedic message oils for vata.

Massage Oils for Pitta
Essential oils for Pitta are best mixed with cooling oils such as olive and coconut, and would include Pitta -reducing oils especially chamomile, coriander, cumin, fennel, jasmine, jatamansi, lemon balm, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, rose, sandalwood, spearmint, vetiver and yarrow.

Massage Oils for Kapha
Kaphas are best treated with heating vegetable oils such as almond, mustard and canola, although according to ayurveda Kaphas do well with oils in general, and often, massage is done with alcohol, powders or silk gloves to avoid adding too much oil to the Kapha metabolism. Essential oils, which are effective for Kapha, would include angelica, basil, camphor, cardamom, cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger, myrrh, orange peel, and yarrow, and other oils found.