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Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy’s Role in an Easier Pregnancy
Pregnancy is both a wonderful time and an also a time for stress and apprehension. Aromas have a powerful effect on our bodies and can influence our emotional state. Aromatherapy roughly translates as "treatment with scents." It is the practice of using essential oils as a therapy to go with the program your doctor has you on. It heals and uplifts the mind, body, and spirit. Aromatherapy can be a great benefit throughout pregnancy and during birth.
Can aromatherapy help you to have an easier pregnancy and birth? It can be safe if used in moderation and only after the first trimester. During pregnancy, our sense of smell is heightened so what would normally smell good to us, may be excessively strong during pregnancy.
Aromatherapy uses many different methods to get the essential oils into the body. A massage with essential oils in carrier oil is one of the most popular but other methods are baths, vaporizers, inhalations, and scented compresses.
A massage from a knowledgeable therapist can be done after first consulting with the client’s doctor. Gentle massaging or stroking the back and the legs can help ease them through this emotionally and physically demanding time. It is important that you use only half the essential oils as for a normal person. The therapist should be sure the client is comfortable, never making her lie on her front. She can lie on her side with her legs drawn up and a pillow under her knees that will make her comfortable. On the other hand, she can use pillows and lean forward on the therapist couch or table.
All essential oils should be diluted in carrier oils, creams, or lotions for massages. It is important to remember that during pregnancy you should use half of what a normal adult would use, whether it's in a bath or a massage, or even in the air.
Some essential oils should not be used during pregnancy at all and are considered a health risk. These oils should not be used during pregnancy: thyme, rosemary, rose, peppermint, origanum, parsley, myrrh, lemongrass, marjoram, basil, cedarwood, fennel, juniper, clary sage, cypress, and jasmine. During the first trimester if you are using aromatherapy at all, it's important you avoid chamomile and lavender. After the first trimester, they may be used and are helpful.
Citrus oils such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit are considered safe to use during pregnancy and have an uplifting affect on the body. Don't use them before being exposed to direct sunlight because it could cause skin discoloration.
A therapist can be helpful while giving a gentle massage for poor circulation problems, backache, apprehension, and water retention, all which are common during the last two trimesters of pregnancy.
Another word of caution is that aromatherapy and massages should not be given during pregnancy if the patient has had prior miscarriages or other complications during pregnancy. If she has experienced any bleeding, she should not be treated with massage or aromatherapy. Varicose veins, high blood pressure may suggest different complications and should be treated by the client’s doctor or midwife. A well-known medical saying used by nurses and doctors alike is “First, do no harm.”
Essential oils and aromatherapy can also be used safely during labor. Jasmine is warm, fragrant and has antispasmodic and analgesic properties. Lavender is an antiseptic and is great for aching back and limbs. Geranium helps breathing and is good for circulation. Ylang Ylang is calming and lowers blood pressure during a stressful time.
Aromatherapy can be an important part of having an easier pregnancy. It should not be used during the first trimester. Stay away from the oils that are listed above as harmful to pregnancy. The same calming scents you use during your time of labor can also be helpful to your birth partner. Remember, use essential oils with caution during pregnancy, and consult someone who is a professional in this area.
Aromatherapy and therapeutic massage can be good for pregnancy, especially as a means of relaxation. Relieving stress and being able to enjoy this special time in your life is one area that aromatherapy will help. So relax, enjoy this period of your life, and get all the rest you can. You may not be able to get much rest after the baby is born.
Health News:
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Aromatherapy is no cure for what ails you - Skin and beauty- msnbc.com
One of the most rigorous studies of aromatherapy showed no significant change in heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones or immune function after sniffing two top scents.
Delivering aromatherapy via the Web - Gadgets- msnbc.com
People play games, go shopping and meet dates on the Internet. So why not use the Web to download the perfect mood-enhancing fragrance?
Delivering aromatherapy via the Web - Gadgets - MSNBC.com
People play games, go shopping and meet dates on the Internet. So why not use the Web to download the perfect mood-enhancing fragrance? ... Selling smells via the Internet Japanese ...
Healing herbs: Nature?s medicine (and perfume!) - GreenDAY - MSNBC ...
The pure essences of plants or herbs, essential oils are the backbone of aromatherapy, a healing modality that relies on the power of scent to promote healing.
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Aromatherapy Bath and Body Works is head and shoulders above everyone. I have looked into their quality specifications, their products, and what they are trying to do, and I really ...
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aromatherapy - Google News
aromatherapy - Google News
Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal ... - Best ...
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Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal ...
Best Syndication, CA - Aug 18, 2008
You could go to a store and buy an aromatherapy bath product, or you could make your own at home. Herbal and aromatic baths are an ancient tradition, ...
Aromatherapy a sweet business - Arizona Daily Star
Aromatherapy a sweet business
Arizona Daily Star, AZ - Aug 16, 2008
By Jennifer Sterba Sonia Rodriguez didn't let a debilitating illness keep her from opening her own store and sharing her passion for aromatherapy with the ...
How to look fabulous when you fly - Mirror.co.uk
How to look fabulous when you fly
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Overcome jet-lag by rubbing the Tisser and Aromatherapy Travel Ease Roller ball, 4.50, from Waitrose, on your wrists. The aroma of its organic essential ...
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by ... - PR.c...
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by ...
PR.com (press release), NY - Aug 18, 2008
This unique Dry Personal AromaTherapy System can often bring relief in seconds from a single puff! ?While Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in ...
Study: Aromatherapy massage with music reduces anxiety in nurses - Chiropract...
Study: Aromatherapy massage with music reduces anxiety in nurses
Chiropractic Economics, FL - Aug 13, 2008
A study published in the September issue of Journal of Clinical Nursing says aromatherapy massage with music can help reduce anxiety levels in emergency ...
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Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by New York C...
New York College of Health Professions, a premier undergraduate and graduate College of Holistic Health, has developed and released a proprietary line of personal AromaTherapy products that has had a remarkable effect on many patients suffering from Migraine Headaches and other common ailments. [PR.com - August 18, 2008]
Beautorium Keeps Getting Greener and Greener (PR.com)
From anti-aging to pregnancy and baby, from body care to hair care, from aromatherapy to makeup, Beautorium is a luxury of ?green? solutions for modern skin care and beauty needs. The beauty doesn?t stop there. Get ready for three more cult beauty brands to join the mix: Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics, John Masters Organics and Weleda. Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics Hailing all the way from ...
Aromatherapy a sweet business (Arizona Daily Star)
Sonia Rodriguez didn't let a debilitating illness keep her from opening her own store and sharing her passion for aromatherapy with the community.
Want to Relax? Try Pure Lavender Essential Oil (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - It seems that lavender, or the scent of it, is everywhere - candles, hand lotions, shampoo, bath gel, air freshener, even laundry detergent. It's the most widely used and best-selling essential oil. Why is lavender so popular?
Dogs get special treatment, training at Brother of the Wolf (Courier-Post)
Training canine companions may be a vocation for some, but it's an art form for Dawn Watson.
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