Coconut Oil Benefits for Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology

Welcome to Part 5, the final episode in our mini-series on natural vegetable oils and how to use them in your holistic therapy practice.

Today, we’re diving into Coconut Oil, a powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal healer that is a favourite in holistic treatments.

Coconut oil is one of the most widely loved oils in holistic therapy—but did you know it’s not actually an oil?

Let’s explore what it really is, its healing properties, and how to use it effectively in massage, reflexology, and other treatments.

Coconut Oil: It’s Not Actually an Oil! So What Is It?

Coconut oil is actually a drupe—a fruit with a hard outer shell and a seed inside (just like peaches and olives). Since solid coconut oil melts at around 24°C, it only becomes a liquid in warmer temperatures.

Fractionated vs. Non-Fractionated Coconut Oil

1. Fractionated Coconut Oil (Liquid Form)

• Processed to remove fatty acids, making it stay liquid at all temperatures.

• Light texture, easy to use in massage and reflexology.

• Downside: It loses most (if not all) of its antioxidants and healing properties.

2. Non-Fractionated Virgin Coconut Oil (Solid Form – Best for Therapy)

• Rich in therapeutic properties: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.

• Great for psoriasis, eczema, and dry skin.

• Creates a protective barrier, locking in moisture and helping skin heal.

• Rich in antioxidants, making it great for skin rejuvenation.

• Downside: Needs to be gently melted before blending with essential oils or using in treatments.

The Healing Properties of Coconut Oil

1. Deeply Moisturising & Skin Healing

• Repairs and rebuilds the skin’s natural barrier.

• Soothes dry, irritated, and damaged skin.

2. Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

• Reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation.

3. Antibacterial, Antiviral & Antifungal

• Helps fight infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal).

• Great for athlete’s foot, warts, and verrucas.

4. Relieves Psoriasis, Eczema & Flaky Skin

• Rich in lauric acid, a natural antimicrobial that helps prevent infection in cracked skin.

How much to charge?

I charge around 10  Euro to 15 Euro for any of these add on treatments. I'm aware that the rate you charge will depend to some degree on the general rates in your area. Charge enough to cover your extra costs while allowing for a decent profit.

Describe the benefits of your upgrades in a compelling way so clients are keen to try it and they’ll see that they are getting a great deal.

Remember, you are positioning yourself as a therapist who offers luxury treatments clients won't get from most therapists in your area.

How to promote your treatment upgrades?

1. When a client calls to book a treatment, let them know you have lovely relaxing and rejuvenating treatments available for just €10 extra (or whatever you plan to charge) The natural oils you use boost collagen and elastin and their skin will look and feel amazing.  

2. Add your upgrades to your website

3. Send email newsletters talking about the upgrades, the benefits, the relaxation effect.

4. Add a PS to your general newsletters.

5. Send texts or messages announcing your upgrades.

6. Share 30-second videos and photos on social media.

A Real-Life Story: Coconut Oil for Psoriasis Relief

One of my clients came in for a back massage and didn’t mention that she had psoriasis until she was leaving. She had psoriasis flare-ups around her elbows, and it was really irritating her.

I had some coconut oil on hand, so I gave her a small amount and suggested she apply it to the affected areas. I wasn’t sure if it would make a huge difference, but within an hour, she called me, amazed that her psoriasis had completely settled down.

Of course, this isn’t a guaranteed cure, but I always recommend coconut oil for psoriasis—it often makes a huge difference without any risk.

Extra Psoriasis Tip: Using Oats for Exfoliation

Why Oats Work

• Naturally soothes the skin.

• Gently exfoliates without irritation.

• Helps remove excess layers of skin caused by psoriasis.

How to Use Oats for Skin Exfoliation

1. Use oat flakes or powdered oats (avoid pinhead oats, as they are too rough).

2. Put a handful into a muslin bag or a pop sock.

3. Dampen the bag and use it as a cleanser.

4. For full-body psoriasis, tie the bag under the tap while running a warm bath, then use the bag as a washcloth.

A client of mine had severe psoriasis but started using oats regularly. Her psoriasis cleared up completely and stayed away for years. She assumed the problem was solved but kept using the oats because she liked how they made her skin feel.

She went on a sun holiday with her friends. Sun is great for psoriasis, and so is a stress-free environment. She had forgotten her oats but thought it was no big deal. To her amazement, she had the first outbreak she’d had in years! Unfortunately, she couldn’t get any where she was. She got home, started using them again, and her psoriasis vanished. 

Of course, I can’t guarantee that anyone with psoriasis who uses oats will get the same result, but it is fairly typical and definitely worth a try!

Essential Oil Blend for Psoriasis Relief

What You Need:

• 20ml (4 tsp) of non-fractionated coconut oil

• 3 drops lemon essential oil (removes dead skin)

• 3 drops bergamot essential oil (reduces inflammation and eases stress)

• 2 drops cypress essential oil (detoxifying and skin-healing)

How to Use It:

1. Melt the coconut oil by placing it in a glass or ceramic container in warm water.

2. Add essential oils and stir.

3. Apply once or twice daily to psoriasis-prone areas.

4. Can be used as a preventative treatment to reduce flare-ups.

Safety Notes:

• Lemon and bergamot essential oils make skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for 48 hours after application.

• Cypress oil is not recommended during pregnancy.

How to Use Coconut Oil in Massage & Reflexology

• Melts at body temperature, providing a beautiful, nourishing glide.

• Great for deep tissue massage, foot reflexology, and hydration treatments.

• Leaves skin super soft with a light coconut scent.

Handy Application Tip:

• Use a waxing stick to scoop out solid coconut oil, place it in your palm, and let it melt.

• Keeps the jar clean and prevents contamination.

Coconut Oil as a Hair & Scalp Treatment

• Perfect for scalp hydration and hair nourishment.

• Offer as a €10-€15 upgrade during massage or reflexology treatments.

• Let clients leave it in for a few hours before washing for the best results.

• Apply the shampoo to the hair before you wet it. Massage it well in to the hair and scalp, then wash out. Oil and water don’t mix, so if you add the water first, it will be almost impossible to remove the oil!

That’s a Wrap! What’s Next?

That’s the end of our mini-series on natural vegetable oils! Stay tuned for more holistic therapy tips, business strategies, and natural treatment insights in upcoming episodes.

Thanks for reading, come visit my blog again for some great aromatherapy and holistic therapy business tips.