Aromatherapy
Essential oils produced from plant extracts have healing properties which date back to the ancient times in Egypt, Italy, India and China. Each essential oil has a pharmacological effect, for instance, antibacterial, antiviral, relaxant and stimulant. They can affect all the organs of the body by way of inhalation or absorption through the skin causing emotional and physiological balance. Aromatherapy combines marvelously well with massage and can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of health conditions, such as allergies, stress, bruises, burns, diarrhea, earache, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fatigue, insect bites, poor digestion, headache, menopause, insomnia, nausea, bronchitis, colds, flu, sinusitis, sprains, wounds, shingles (herpes zoster), muscle and joint pain, arthritis, anxiety, restlessness, and scars./p>
Aromatherapy massage in pregnancy
Essential oils can be carefully chosen for you in pregnancy so long as you are not experiencing any complications and can tolerate some strong smells. There are some wonderfully calming essential oils which are safe for you and your baby when diluted correctly with a carrier oil, I use either almond or grapeseed oil. We will assess suitability of various oils for your massage during the consultation at your first appointment.
Aromatherapy may aid the following problems during the pregnancy:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Pain & discomfort
- Stretch marks
- Backache
- Stress & anxiety
- Lack of sleep & fatigue
- Digestive problems
- Fluid retention
- Cramps
- General emotional problems
Aromatherapy labour massage
Essential Oils can also be used for massage during labour so long as there are no complications. The qualities some oils contain include those to help relieve pain, relax and calm, aid contractions and reduce anxieties for both you and your partner (due to inhalation from the blends). I offer treatments for labour wherever this is possible and this should ideally form part of a massage course following on from pregnancy. Alternatively, I can supply a specific oil blend safe for your labour along with some basic massage techniques to show your birthing partner or partners.
Please speak to your midwife to discuss if it is possible to use essential oils in the delivery room when planning your birth.
Aromatherapy postnatal massage
Aromatherapy massage, in a study of first time mums, has shown to lower incidence of post-partum blues and anxiety and increase energy and attachment to their babies. An aromatherapy massage can help to ease the stress for you and your partner in the early weeks when your are adjusting to all of life’s demands at this challenging time.
Aromatherapy has shown to help:
- Calm the mind and body
- Address tiredness and improve energy levels
- Uplift emotions & alleviate depressive symptoms
- Improve postural problems after months of childbearing
- Relieve back, leg and hip pains
- Assist with recovery and healing & support the transition to parenthood
