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2. Giving an oil massage for pleasure purposes on Shabbos:[1]
It is permitted to smear [oil] [See Q&A regarding using scented oils] and massage [it] with one’s hand over ones entire body for pleasure so long as it is done differently than how it is done during the week. Meaning that he is to oil and massage simultaneously [as opposed to first smearing the oil and then massaging it], [as well as that] he is to not apply force [with his hands] but rather is to do it with his hands gently.
Without oil-for pleasure:[2] It is forbidden to massage one’s body with force even for mere pleasure, and even if oil is not being used.[3] One may however give a gentle massage throughout the entire body.
For sweat:[4] It goes without saying that this is forbidden to be done in order to exercise and sweat. [See Q&A regarding if one may do so gently for sweat or healing]
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Giving a massage: Is only allowed to be done gently, and not with force. This applies whether it is being done for the purpose of pleasure or sweating. If oil is being used one may only do so by smearing the oil while simultaneously giving the massage.
Q&A May one give a gentle massage for healing purposes? Seemingly it is permitted to do so gently, without force.[5] Practically, some[6] write that one may not do so at all, even gently. May one who feels weak and stressed out receive a gentle massage to give him strength? It is questionable whether this is considered for healing or for pleasure.[7] Even if this is considered healing, seemingly it is permitted to do so gently, without force.[8] However some[9] write that doing so is considered healing and hence may not be done at all, even gently.
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[1] Admur 327:2; Michaber 327:2; Mishneh Shabbos 147a and Gemara 147b
[2] Admur 328:47 and 327:2; Michaber 327:2; Shabbos 147a as explains Rashi
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule it is permitted to massage the body regularly for mere pleasure, even strongly. [Rambam 21:28 as brought in Shiltei Giborim and M”A 328:46; Rabbeinu Chananael on Gemara ibid; Elya Raba ibid; M”B 327:7 and Biur Halacha 328:42 “Kdei”] Some Poskim rule one may be lenient like this opinion, as this is the main opinion in the Gemara. [Elya Raba ibid; Harav Hamaggid on Rambam ibid; Biur Halacha ibid]
[3] The reason: This is forbidden due to Uvdin Dechol. [M”B 327:7; Tosafus Yom Tov]
[4] Admur 328:47; Michaber 328:42; Shabbos 147a as explains Rambam and Rabbeinu Chananael on Gemara ibid and certainly this would apply according to Rashi
[5] Implication of Michaber 328:42 “One is not to step on the body with force in order to sweat” and M”A 328:46 that even when done for healing, such as for sweating, it may be done gently; It is unclear from Admur 328:47 if even when done for healing, such as for sweating, it may be done gently. A reason to permit doing so gently is because any matter that is done by majority of healthy people may be done for purposes of healing being it does not appear like healing. [P”M 328 A”A 46] Vetzaruch Iyun
[6] Piskeiy Teshuvos 327:2; See M”B 328:130 in which it is not clear if he means to forbid it completely or only forbids doing so with force
[7] Shiltei Giborim brought in M”A 328:46; M”B 328:130
[8] See previous Q&A!
[9] Piskeiy Teshuvos 327:2; See M”B 328:130 in which it is not clear if he means to forbid it completely or only forbids doing so with force
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