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Article Series: Aromatherapy
Teach Me Some
Aromatherapy Benefits
Aromatherapy:
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.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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