Welcome back to my blog this week. As the weeks roll by so quickly and christmas looms ever closer, our stress levels rise at the prospect of choosing presents for loved ones. I would like to take a moment to suggest that not all gifts need involve a great deal of money and just giving/receiving a simple aromatherapy massage by your partner may relieve those aching muscles and swollen ankles.
This weeks article looks at the benefits and some cautions about using aromatherapy during pregnancy and birth.
Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing practices of mankind using essential oils for their therapeutic properties on mind, body and emotion. Essential oils are distilled capturing the “vital’ force and healing properties of the organic plant material. As far back as 3000bc, the Egyptians were using essential oils for every day use and for embalming their deceased.
Pregnant women are aware that pregnancy and childbirth is a natural process and want to steer away from the use of drugs and medical intervention whenever possible. Aromatherapy can be used very successfully in a number of ways, alleviating minor disorders of pregnancy, easing stress, pain and discomfort and preparing your body for the ultimate experience of labour and birth.
Blending for pregnancy:
• Half strength blends are recommended during pregnancy, therefore 2 drops of essential oils in 10 mls of a carrier oil = 1%
• The molecules of essential oils are small and may cross the placental barrier
• A woman’s sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy therefore, less is best
Methods of application
There are many ways of applying aromatherapy and one of the most popular must be massage. Not only is the skin a fantastic medium for absorbing oils, the actual touch of massage is beneficial physically and mentally by inducing deep relaxation. Bathing is another popular method.
• Massage – 2 drops of essential oils in 10mls of a carrier oil, such as organic sunflower oil
• Baths – maximum of 3 drops dispersed in full fat milk or a carrier oil
• Vaporisers – use a few drops in a burner but don’t leave it burning for more than 15-20 minutes
Guidelines for use of essential oils
• Don’t use during the first trimester of pregnancy
• Don’t use essential oils neat on the skin
• Don’t take essential oils orally
• Keep essential oils in a safe, cool, dark place
• Use a dropper to measure out oils accurately
Safe oils to use during pregnancy include:
• Bergamot
• Citrus oils such as mandarin and grapefruit
• German chamomile
• Lavender after the first trimester
• Neroli
• petitgrain
• Rosewood
• Sandalwood
• Sweet orange
• Tea tree
• Ylang ylang
Some oils, not suitable for use during pregnancy due to their tonic action on the uterus, may then be used at term, to relieve discomfort and assist with contractions during labour. These include:
• Clary sage
• Jasmine
• palmarosa
• Rose
There are many oils, which are not safe to use during pregnancy due to their interaction with other medication or for their toxic effects. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to an aromatherapist before experimenting yourself.
Conclusion
Aromatherapy has a beneficial part to play during pregnancy and childbirth if used safely. However, like any other drug essential oils have a great potency therefore, caution is advisable in their use. If you have a medical condition or you are unsure about using essential oils it is advisable to check with your midwife or visit a qualified aromatherapist for advice.
If you would like any more information or advice please feel free to contact me on amanda@mama2b.com or to purchase some aromatherapy blends visit my shop at www.mama2bshop.co.uk
Professional advice and courses for prospective parents wishing to pursue natural and pain free options for pregnancy and childbirth with Hypnobirthing, hypnotherapy and antenatal education.
Thursday 24 November 2011
Friday 11 November 2011
How massage can help you during pregnancy
Welcome back to my blog on this very special date of 11/11/11. I thought I would share my latest article on the benefits of having a massage during pregnancy for those of you ladies feeling the strain of pregnancy on muscles, joints and ligaments.
Your feedback and experience of massage would be much appreciated so do get in touch with your own experience of having pregnancy massage. I will send my latest Hypnosis CD for pregnancy, birth and beyond to the most interesting account.
Massage techniques have been performed over the centuries to improve overall health and wellbeing by reducing muscle tension and stress. The English word massage is probably derived from the Arabic Mass’h meaning to press softly, which makes this is an ideal therapy to help reduce and relieve those annoying symptoms of pregnancy. Studies point to both maternal and newborn benefits when regular massage is part of your antenatal care.
Potential benefits include:
• Relief from muscle aches and joint pain
• Reduction of swelling in legs, feet and hands
• May relieve sciatic pain by helping to reduce inflammation of nerves and ensuing muscle tension
• Regulates hormones by reducing the ‘stress’ hormones and increasing our ‘feel good’ hormones such as Dopamine and Serotonin
• Increasing our feel good hormones reduces the incidence of depression
• Improved hormone balance also leads to fewer complications in labour, birth and in the postnatal period
• Babies also benefit from less complications such as low birth weight
• Improves our blood circulation
• Improves lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins from your body
• The deep relaxation achieved during massage promotes better sleep patterns
What precautions should I take when having massage during pregnancy?
• Make sure that your therapist is qualified in pregnancy massage
• Trained therapists are aware of the special considerations such as avoiding specific pressure points which can stimulate labour
• As with any complementary therapy it is important to share any relevant medical conditions with your therapist
• Some medical conditions may be contraindicated for pregnancy massage
• Many professionals consider that the best position for you to have a massage is lying on your side, thereby avoiding pressure on your major vessels and ligaments
• Some pregnancy tables may not fit your bump and can still apply pressure to the uterine ligaments
In conclusion, studies indicate that pregnancy massage may improve overall physical and emotional health and wellbeing during pregnancy. It may be incorporated into your regular routine at any time during pregnancy, (although some therapists may prefer you to wait until the second trimester), so what are you waiting for? You know that you deserve it!
Your feedback and experience of massage would be much appreciated so do get in touch with your own experience of having pregnancy massage. I will send my latest Hypnosis CD for pregnancy, birth and beyond to the most interesting account.
Massage techniques have been performed over the centuries to improve overall health and wellbeing by reducing muscle tension and stress. The English word massage is probably derived from the Arabic Mass’h meaning to press softly, which makes this is an ideal therapy to help reduce and relieve those annoying symptoms of pregnancy. Studies point to both maternal and newborn benefits when regular massage is part of your antenatal care.
Potential benefits include:
• Relief from muscle aches and joint pain
• Reduction of swelling in legs, feet and hands
• May relieve sciatic pain by helping to reduce inflammation of nerves and ensuing muscle tension
• Regulates hormones by reducing the ‘stress’ hormones and increasing our ‘feel good’ hormones such as Dopamine and Serotonin
• Increasing our feel good hormones reduces the incidence of depression
• Improved hormone balance also leads to fewer complications in labour, birth and in the postnatal period
• Babies also benefit from less complications such as low birth weight
• Improves our blood circulation
• Improves lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins from your body
• The deep relaxation achieved during massage promotes better sleep patterns
What precautions should I take when having massage during pregnancy?
• Make sure that your therapist is qualified in pregnancy massage
• Trained therapists are aware of the special considerations such as avoiding specific pressure points which can stimulate labour
• As with any complementary therapy it is important to share any relevant medical conditions with your therapist
• Some medical conditions may be contraindicated for pregnancy massage
• Many professionals consider that the best position for you to have a massage is lying on your side, thereby avoiding pressure on your major vessels and ligaments
• Some pregnancy tables may not fit your bump and can still apply pressure to the uterine ligaments
In conclusion, studies indicate that pregnancy massage may improve overall physical and emotional health and wellbeing during pregnancy. It may be incorporated into your regular routine at any time during pregnancy, (although some therapists may prefer you to wait until the second trimester), so what are you waiting for? You know that you deserve it!
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