How should I apply this balsam and what sensation should I expect?

This is a massage balsam, so the way you work it in matters as much as the amount. Take a small portion — roughly a pea-sized dab for one zone such as a knee or shoulder — and spread it with slow, circular strokes until it is absorbed. The rubbing itself serves two purposes: it distributes the balm evenly and intensifies the warming impression on the skin.

• What you will feel: camphor stimulates skin receptors, producing a characteristic effect that combines warmth with a slight cooling tingle. This usually builds over the first few minutes and then gradually fades.
• How much to use: start with less than you think you need. Camphor is intense, and it is easier to add a second thin layer than to deal with an uncomfortably strong sensation from over-application.
• After applying: wash your hands thoroughly so you do not transfer the balm to your eyes, face or mucous membranes later.
• Clothing: let the balm absorb for a few minutes before dressing, as rich aromatic balsams can leave marks on fabric.

If your skin is sensitive, test the product first on a small area, such as the inner forearm, and wait to see how strong the camphor feels for you before using it on larger zones.