Aromatherapy is the art of blending essential oils and at the same time a scientific approach with the healing of a person on many levels to improve well-being.
The benefits of aromatherapy in pregnancy are endless.
Aromatherapy can help to improve fertility by helping restore the natural menstrual cycle. The oils of rose, jasmine and neroli for example, act as natural hormone balancers. Clary sage oil has long been known as a uterus tonic and it’s often used in the last trimester of pregnancy and in labour.
Many problems with fertility are comonly due to stress, tension, overwork and worry. To assist this, there is a wild range of essential oils that can be used. We can treat both a woman and her partner at the same time. Aromatherapy tools are gentle and enjoyable on many levels. The essential oils can be administrated via massage with a body oil or applied by oneself, with an oil burner or vaporiser, bath oil, bath salts, body mist and also a room spray. The essential oils can also be added to creams, shampoos, washing powder and so on.
During pregnancy and childbirth some women develop a high sensitivity to different aromas. Some might not even like their favourite oils that they used to and this can change overnight. In the meantime, a relaxing bath with epsom salts or a massage with a plain carrier oil can be of benefit as the aroma is not so strong and there is less risk of upsetting.
Using oils has also been known to help prevent stretch marks, deal with morning sickness and fluid retention.
Dosage concerns can often arrise when talking about pregnancy, due to worry or fear for the unborn baby.
In my personal opinion though, fear of public misuse and lack of knowledge developed these concerns. As long as there is common sense and some oils are avoided, there should not be an issue.
There are essential oils that do have a severe toxic effect and can cause abortion (for example pennyroyal, savin or parsley seed oil) but they are not recommended to be used in aromatherapy, so will be avoided anyway.
An Interesting fact is that Tiger Balm, which is so commonly used in Asian countries contains 60% of “ banned oils”, including cassia, camphor and clove. Whereas the low dosages (usually 2.5 % dilutions or less) of essential oils used in Australia cause much fear and worry. Hmmm.
Typical aromatherapy doses are far below any toxic levels. The aromatherapy massage, being part of a beauty therapy, shouldn’t really be a concern for pregnant women. I believe most of the oils that are suggested not to be used during preganancy are safe, especially if used under the eye and supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
Ela Bayliss is a qualified aromatherapist, massage therapist and shiatsu practitioner who besides being a mum of two children runs her own aromatherapy business called Ela’s Oils – www.elasoils.com.au. Her personally created oils include natural skin care products, house beautifiers, massage oil blends, mums and bubs range and many more.
She completed her training at the well known accredited colleges of ACNT and Nature Care. She is a member of the ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society).
Ela worked in private, clinical and corporate environments as well as lectured aromatherapy massage and worked as a clinical supervisor in the student aromatherapy and remedial massage clinics at ACNT since 2002.
Ela’s goal is to assist people to heal from the physical and emotional ailments of everyday life & her business also enables her to support different charities and communities.
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