By the Ima Wellness team · Updated 27 September 2026 · 3 min read
The short answer
Coconut oil is light and cooling, good for Mumbai's humid months and for hair. Sesame (til) oil is warming and traditional for body massage in cooler weather. Almond oil is gentle for dry skin but avoid it with nut allergies. Mustard oil is strongly warming and can irritate sensitive skin, so patch test first.
Coconut oil is light and cooling, good for Mumbai's humid months and for hair. Sesame (til) oil is warming and traditional for body massage in cooler weather. Almond oil is gentle for dry skin but avoid it with nut allergies. Mustard oil is strongly warming and can irritate sensitive skin, so patch test first.
Quick guide
- Coconut oil: light, cooling and easily absorbed. Good for summer, humid months and champi. Cold-pressed is best.
- Sesame (til) oil: warming and traditional in Ayurvedic body massage (abhyanga), popular in winter and for dry skin.
- Almond oil: soft and gentle for dry skin; skip it if you have a nut allergy.
- Mustard oil: strongly warming and traditional in North India, but it can irritate sensitive skin.
How to use
- Warm the oil by standing the bottle in a bowl of hot water; test on your wrist.
- A tablespoon or two is enough for arms and legs.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then take a warm shower.
- Patch test any new oil on your inner arm 24 hours before using it widely.
At Ima
Your therapist brings her oils. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or prefer a particular oil (such as coconut for a Champi), tell us when booking.
Please read: this article is general information about massage and everyday wellbeing. It is not medical advice. If you have pain that is sharp, getting worse, or comes with numbness, tingling, weakness or fever, see a doctor first.
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Book on WhatsAppQuestions women ask
Which oil is best for body massage in summer?
Coconut oil is light and cooling, making it a good choice in Mumbai's hot, humid months.
Is mustard oil safe for body massage?
It is widely used, but it can irritate sensitive skin. Patch test first.
