Aromatherapy oils possess distinctive therapeutic properties to improve health and prevent disease.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils as a healing tool. These oils are extracted from the flowers, roots, leaves, bark, seeds and fruit of plants. They possess distinctive therapeutic properties to improve health and prevent disease, both physiologically and psychologically.
Olfactory
Aromatherapy works through olfactory stimulation, the sense of smell, to directly affect the limbic system that controls emotions. It is one of the oldest known therapies, dating back six thousand years to ancient Egypt and India.
As a precautionary measure it is best to avoid all essential oils during the first trimester. This is because the body is adjusting to several changes and may be highly sensitive. These three oils have proven to be safe for use on the body throughout the remainder of your pregnancy:
- Neroli
- Mandarin
- Lavender
Many oils that are best avoided during the first eight months of pregnancy due to a possible risk of miscarriage are useful in the last month of pregnancy as preparation for labour. Among these are jasmine and geranium and rose.
It is worth noting that jasmine; neroli, chammomile, rose and geranium are potent oils with rich aromas that should be used in small quantities. One or two drops will usually suffice
Application
Aromatherapy can be applied via massage, compresses, inhalation, bathing, oil burner or room spray. Always inform an aromatherapist of your pregnancy when booking an appointment.