The art of healing with the use of essential oil massage is known as Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a well known method of natural healing. The oil massage used in aromatherapy is extracted from aromatic plants and herbs and used to treat and balance the body, mind and soul of an individual. The aromatherapy benefits are known since ages; the name 'aromatherapy' was first coined in ancient France.



Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

At different stages during pregnancy, the aromatic treatment can prove to be useful and beneficial in a number of ways. Moreover, the application this therapeutic treatment is also very easy and simple.

But there are certain guidelines that need to be followed while applying aromatherapy to pregnant women. They guidelines are as follows:

1. Generally, the aromatic oils are highly concentrated. So before applying oil massage to pregnant ladies, the oils need to be diluted.

2. The use of the following oils should either be extremely limited or better avoided during the first trimesters of pregnancy. The oils are - basil, cedar wood, cinnamon, clove, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, sweet marjoram, thyme and parsley.

3. It is best to use the oils that are recommended, to be used for the therapeutic treatment during pregnancy. The oils that are best to be used are: bergamot, chamomile, cypress (after 5 months), eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mandarin, rosewood, neroli, sandalwood, tea tree and ylang-ylang.

Method of applying aromatherapy during pregnancy

Aromatherapy massage can be done in a number of ways during pregnancy.

Initially, the essential oils need to be extracted from the herbal and aromatic plants by the process of distillation. As the extracted oils are very much concentrated, they can lead to various skin irritations if used without diluting the same. The oils can be used by the pregnant ladies by adding a few drops in the water at the time of bathing. Otherwise, the essential oils can be well blended with sesame oil to experience a great and effective massage.

It can also be used for touch therapy i.e. gentle massaging of the forehead and the scalp using a few drops of oil.

In most cases, the pregnant mothers lie down sideways and have the massage done.

Benefits of Aromatherapy during pregnancy

Using aromatic treatment for the well being of the mother and the child during pregnancy and also after birth is an age old process. The benefits of aromatherapy during pregnancy can be listed as follows:

1. Bergamot - it is helpful fro cystitis at times of pregnancy.

2. Cypress (after 5 months) - it is helpful for swollen ankles and veins.

3. Eucalyptus - it is helpful for respiratory congestion.

4. Chamomile - it is helpful in giving relief from pains, headaches and indigestion.

5. Geranium - it is soothes out aching legs and enhances circulation.

6. Grapefruit - helpful in water retention.

7. Lemon - helpful inhalant.

8. Mandarin - eases out fluid retention in joints and ankles.

9. Rosewood - good antiseptic.

10. Tea tree - useful to treat thrush during pregnancy.

11. Ylang-Ylang - relieves tension and stress.