Aromatherapy In Pregnancy

Aromatherapy in pregnancy is a wonderful way to relax, treat tired feet or even heartburn. An aromatherapy prenatal massage for example is a great way to nurture yourself and ultimately your baby.

But what is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy During Pregnancy: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is both an art and a science.

It is the art of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences - essential oils - from plant material (leaves, flowers, roots...) in order to:

Balance

Harmonize

And promote

the health of your body, mind and spirit.

It is the science which seeks to explore how the benefits of essential oils affect your physiological, psychological and spiritual realm.

The benefits of essential oils are many. They work with your body in order to assist the healing process.

Essential oils can be used both as a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of disease.

Definition of Aromatherapy

The NAHA - National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy - states that Aromatherapy is:

Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.

Aromatherapy is classified as an alternative medicine and it has a long and useful history.

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy: Alternative Medicine

The term "aromatherapie" was coined by Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1928. He uses this word to imply the therapeutic use of pure therapeutic essential oils. At this time aromatherapy treatment was born.

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy: Aromatherapy Schools

In aromatherapy, there are two main schools of thought on essential oils uses:

The British School of Aromatherapy

The French School of Aromatherapy

In the United States, the British school is favored. We - Alisha and Florence - were first trained in this model. However, in 2006, our eyes were opened to the French model that we now favor.

However, we only recommend this model with certified therapeutic grade essential oils.

The benefits of essential oils are many and can certainly enhance your everyday life. They can and should be part of a natural pregnancy.

As we have said before: Aromatherapy in pregnancy can be wonderful. Essential oils and pregnancy really complement each other very well. Yet, as with anything else you must use caution with some oils.

The benefits of essential oils include, but are not limited to :

Pregnancy

Childbirth

Breastfeeding

For baby

For the rest of the family.

So don't be shy, learn all you can about essential oils and do not be afraid to use them. However, you must be very discerning about their quality.

We used to use Aura Cacia essential oils which are of good quality. However, a therapist turned us onto Young Living Essential Oils which - even though they are pricey - are of a much superior quality, purity and are of therapeutic grade.

To buy Young Living Essential Oils, click here.

For aromatherapy recipes for pregnancy and labor click here.

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Aromatherapy during Pregnancy and Childbirth: Reviews

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