In a world full of high-tech beauty tools and chemical-laden skincare, sometimes the best remedy comes from the oldest traditions. One such timeless treasure is sesame oil—especially when used for massage. Known as the “Queen of Oils” in Ayurveda, sesame oil has been cherished for thousands of years not just for cooking, but for its deep healing properties when applied to the body.
Massaging your body with sesame oil, also called abhyanga in Ayurvedic practice, is more than just a luxury—it’s a health ritual that can support your mind, body, and soul. From improving circulation to promoting restful sleep, the benefits of sesame oil massage are vast and supported by both ancient wisdom and modern science.
If you’re curious about the benefits of sesame oil massage and how to incorporate it into your routine, read on to discover the many ways this simple oil can transform your health.
What Is Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil, derived from sesame seeds, has been a staple in various cultures for thousands of years. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a powerful ally for both internal and external health.
When used in massages, sesame oil penetrates deep into the skin, delivering its therapeutic properties directly to the tissues.
Nutritional Profile of Sesame Oil
Sesame oil boasts a rich nutritional profile, including
- Vitamins: E, B-complex, and D vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc
- Fatty Acids: Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids
- Antioxidants: Sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin
Sesame Oil Massage Benefits
Here are some benefits of including sesame oil massage into your routine.
1. May Provide Antioxidative Support to the Skin
Sesame oil is rich rich in antioxidants including vitamin E and lignans like sesamin, sesamolin and sesaminol, all of which provide antioxidative support to the skin.
These compounds help neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging.
When massaged into the skin, sesame oil penetrates deeply, delivering these antioxidants directly to the skin’s surface and underlying layers. This helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular repair, leaving the skin nourished, soft, and more resilient against environmental damage.
An animal study suggests that applying sesame oil to the skin might reduce oxidative stress by lowering the production of xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide in rats.
Xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide are the molecules involved in various biological processes in the body, but their overproduction can lead to oxidative stress, which is harmful to cells.
Regular use can enhance the skin’s overall health and appearance.
2. May Have Anti-inflammatory Properties
Sesame oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable addition to skincare and wellness routines.
Sesame oil has long been utilized in traditional Taiwanese medicine to relieve inflammatory pain in joints and promote healing in wounds.
Rich in antioxidants like sesamin and sesamol, sesame oil can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation when applied topically.
Studies suggest that applying sesame oil directly to the skin may help reduce severity of pain and the need for painkillers in patients with injuries.
A clinical trial in Iran tested sesame oil from tahini on 90 patients with limb injuries. Compared to cooking oil, sesame oil significantly reduced pain, sensitivity, and heaviness after two days. No side effects were reported, suggesting it may ease bruising and prevent skin discoloration.
Besides being a pain relieving effect on the skin after bruising and sesame oil may also help prevent skin discoloration of injuries.
However, further research is needed.
3. May Promote Detoxification
Sesame oil massage can also play a role in supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.
The massage helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste products from the body.
The application of warm sesame oil encourages the movement of lymphatic fluid, aiding in the elimination of toxins. This process can help to reduce bloating and promote a feeling of lightness and well-being.
Additionally, the antioxidants in sesame oil, such as sesamolins and sesamin, support the body’s detoxification efforts by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
During Abhyanga, a type of massage, sesame oil is applied externally to the skin to enhance energy flow and help eliminate impurities from the body.
By integrating sesame oil massage into a wellness routine, individuals can enhance their body’s natural ability to cleanse and rejuvenate itself.
4. May Protect Skin from UV Radiation
Sesame oil massage offers protection against UV radiation with its rich antioxidant content and natural sun-blocking properties.
Sesame oil contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative stress and external stressors like UV radiation.
Sesame oil also contains sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, sesaminol and other antioxidants that not only promote reconstruction of cells, but also protect your skin from harmful effects of sun.
Two unusual antioxidants sesamin and sesamolin in sesame oil are strongly antioxidative and can greatly fight against oxidative stress.
Sesame oil also forms a protective layer on the skin, absorbing and reflecting some of the harmful UV rays and preventing them from penetrating deeply.
The key compound sesamol neutralizes free radicals generated by UVB radiation, reducing oxidative stress on the skin. This is crucial because excess ROS can damage DNA, trigger photoaging, and contribute to the development of skin cancer.
In a murine study on skin cancer, sesame oil showed potential to prevent cancer development during two stages of the disease. The compound sesamol in sesame oil has been demonstrated to play a prominent role in preventing cancer.
However, your sunscreen lotion shouldn’t be substituted with sesame oil.
5. May Enhance Skin Health
Sesame oil contains vitamin E, sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, sesaminol and other antioxidants that promote reconstruction of cells and protect them from oxidative stress.
Topical application of sesame oil can improve elasticity of the skin and slow down the aging process, which may prevent appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
When sesame oil with turmeric in milk is applied to the face, it makes skin smooth, soft and may remove pimples.
The oil’s natural antibacterial properties also make it effective in treating acne and other skin conditions.
6. May Support Hair Growth
Sesame oil massage supports hair health by deeply nourishing the scalp, improving blood circulation, and promoting hair growth.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, B-complex, and magnesium, sesame oil strengthens hair follicles and reduces hair fall.
Additionally, the oil’s high content of fatty acids locks in moisture, preventing dryness and split ends.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other body areas.
In a clinical study, Forty patients with patchy alopecia areata participated in a study, divided into two groups. Group A used topical pumpkin seed oil on 58 patches, and Group B used topical sesame oil on 64 patches, both applied twice daily for three months.
By the end, both oils showed promising results, (27)46.6% of patches in Group A had complete hair regrowth, (14)24.13% had partial regrowth, and (17)29.31% had no regrowth. In Group B, (25)39.1% of patches had complete regrowth, (30)46.87% had partial regrowth, (7)10.9% had partial fine hair, and only (2)3.1% had no regrowth. And there are no side effects too.
However, more research and on higher number of participants is needed to confirm these results and also need to be compared with standard drugs like topical steroids.
7. May Moisturize and Nourish Skin
One of the most celebrated benefits of sesame oil massage is its ability to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin.
Sesame oil is rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, which help to lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration. These fatty acids create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss and keeping the skin soft and supple.
Additionally, sesame oil’s nourishing elements support skin repair and regeneration, making it a valuable treatment for dry or damaged skin.
Regular application through massage enhances overall skin health, leaving it supple, radiant, and well-moisturized.
8. May Reduce Stress and Promote Relaxation
Sesame oil massage is not just beneficial for the skin; it also plays a significant role in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The warm oil combined with gentle, rhythmic strokes creates a calming experience that soothes the nervous system.
Massage therapy, in general, is known for its ability to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
The act of massaging the oil into the skin helps to relax tense muscles and release physical and mental tension. This relaxation response can lead to improved mood and a greater sense of well-being.
Incorporating sesame oil massage into your routine can be an effective way to manage stress and promote overall mental and emotional health.
9. May Boost Blood Circulation
Sesame oil massage improves blood circulation by stimulating the vascular system through rhythmic, soothing strokes.
The gentle pressure applied during the massage encourages blood flow to the skin’s surface and deeper tissues, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells.
By encouraging better blood flow, sesame oil massage can help to alleviate symptoms of poor circulation, such as cold hands and feet, and promote a more energized and revitalized feeling.
10. May Promote Better Sleep
If you struggle with sleep issues, sesame oil massage might offer a natural solution. The relaxation induced by the massage can help to calm the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep.
The soothing properties of sesame oil, combined with the physical relaxation from the massage, create an environment conducive to better sleep quality.
Massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep patterns and reduce symptoms of insomnia.
By incorporating sesame oil massage into your evening routine, you can promote relaxation and improve your overall sleep experience.
How to Perform a Sesame Oil Massage
Incorporating sesame oil massage into your routine can be a delightful experience. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
- Warm the Oil: Slightly warm the sesame oil to enhance its absorption and relaxation properties. Be sure it is like warm, not hot.
- Start with the Scalp: Begin the massage by applying the oil to your scalp. Use your fingertips to gently massage in circular motions, covering the entire scalp.
- Move to the Face: Apply a small amount of oil to your face and neck, using gentle upward strokes to massage.
- Focus on the Limbs: Apply the oil to your arms and legs, using long, sweeping strokes. Use circular motions on the joints to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Massage the Torso: Apply the oil to your chest and abdomen. Use circular motions on the abdomen to aid digestion.
- Relax and Absorb: After the massage, allow the oil to absorb into your skin for at least 15-20 minutes. This is a good time to relax and unwind.
- Shower: After the oil has been absorbed, take a warm shower to rinse off any excess oil. Avoid using harsh soaps that can strip away the oil’s benefits.
Tips for an Effective Sesame Oil Massage
- Consistency: Regular massages provide the best results. Aim for at least one massage per week.
- Quality Oil: Use high-quality, cold-pressed sesame oil to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits.
- Moderation: Use a moderate amount of oil. Too much can make the massage uncomfortable and messy.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water after the massage to help flush out toxins released during the process.
The Bottom Line
Sesame oil massages provide a variety of benefits, including healthier skin and hair, reduced stress, and improved circulation. Incorporating this ancient practice into your routine offers a natural and holistic approach to wellness.
To maximize the benefits of sesame oil massages, consistency and the use of high-quality oil are key. This simple yet effective practice can enhance your physical and mental well-being.
Whether you’re looking to relieve joint pain, improve your skin’s appearance, or simply unwind after a long day, a sesame oil massage might be just what you need.
While some benefits are supported by scientific evidence, others are rooted in traditional use.
Give it a try and experience the positive effects of this natural remedy for yourself!
Discover more about
5 Incredible Benefits of Tomato For Skin
6 Unbelievable Benefits of Curd for Hair
8 Soothing Benefits of Olive Oil Massage
