The joy of bringing a baby into the world is overwhelming a most exciting period in many lives. It is also a time of changing emotions, body shape and the unknown for first time mothers. Aromatherapy can be very important during this time.

When considering the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy there a several oils that should be avoided as they could harm both the mother and the baby.

Ensure that the oils you are using are pure essential oils, as adulterated blends or synthetic oils can have a less predictable effect.

OILS TO AVOID:

Any oil that has toxic in the description, along with the list below.

Arnica, Aniseed, Basil, Bay, Birch, Camphor, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Comfrey, Cypress,

Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Mugwort, Myrrh, Origanum, Pennyroyal,

Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Savoury, St John’s Wort, Tansy, Thyme< Wintergreen, Wormwood.

These oils aside, aromatherapy can be used very safely and be extremely beneficial to maintain the general health of the expectant mother, to aid in minimising the discomforts associated with pregnancy as follows.

MORNING SICKNESS:

Choose chemical and preservatives free fresh food. Eat small portions often during the day. Avoid heavy meals late at night and junk food. Ginger tea herbal infusion is a safe and effective remedy.

Peppermint tea is better avoided.

BACKACHE:

Lower back pain is common as the pregnancy advances due to the increase in weight of the baby and changing body shape. A massage with essential oils will bring great relief and help to tone the muscles. The lower back should be massaged lightly during the first four months, during this time though back ache is not always a problem, it is usually after the six month period and then a firm massage is perfectly safe.

Neroli or Mandarin oil at 2% to a base oil say Almond, Apricot or Olive Oil or Stretch Mark Oil can be used which contain these essential oils along with a rich cocktail of base oils that penetrates deep into the skin.

TENDER BREASTS:

As the breasts expand during pregnancy they need extra care and attention. Use a gentle massage again with Stretch Mark Oil or a base oil with 2% essential oil, Neroli or Mandarin. If breasts are swollen, make a cool compress out of rosewater and place over the breast while resting.

BREASTFEEDING:

Essential oils can be very helpful in easing some of the discomforts of breastfeeding. Insufficiency of milk and cracked nipples are two of the main reasons that many mothers abandon breastfeeding. Engorgement can sometimes be the cause as well. To promote th flow of milk Fennel, Caraway, Dill and Aniseed is widely used mostly in the form of herbal tea infusions, fennel being the most popular choice.

To reduce the milk flow Peppermint oil can be used on cold compresses – Use a basin of water with 4-5 drops of essential oil use clean fabric or a washer and immerse in the water, wring out then place on the painful area.

It is IMPORTANT to wash off all traces of essential oils before feeding the baby. It is dangerous to give the oils to the baby internally even relatively safe oils.

CRACKED NIPPLES:

Can be extremely painful and slow to heal. Calendula is the most healing plant known for this condition. Some Nipple Butters contains Calendula and is safe to use whilst nursing. Apply the butter immediately after feeding so that the nipples have the maximum time to absorb the beneficial properties prior to the next feed.

Products containing lanolin are often used for cracked nipples but some tests have discovered traces of toxins in the lanolin from sheep dipping, so wise to avoid these products.

HEARTBURN:

Avoid rich, spicy foods and heavy meals. A Peppermint, Fennel or Chamomile tea infusion can speed up relief. A gentle massage of the stomach with a soothing oil such as Lavender, Chamomile or Marjoram will assisst.A hot compress using one of these oils can be placed over the stomach as often as needed. Just 2-3 drops in a basin of water for compress and the same with 50ml base oil.

SLEEP PROBLEMS:

The baby kicking and other discomforts in the last few months of pregnancy makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. A relaxing bath with stretch mark oil 10mls or a total of 6 drops of either Neroli or Rose pure essential oil in a bath before bedtime. The water should not be too hot as this is stimulating rather than relaxing.

An aromatherapy massage with stretch mark oil, the combination of gentle therapeutic touch and relaxing essential oils will work both on the mind and body to reduce the level of stress, and sleep will follow quite naturally.

CONSTIPATION:

Eating of high fibre foods, including plenty of fresh garlic and drinking ample filtered or bottled water is important during pregnancy to avoid constipation.

Aromatherapy treatments are complicated by the fact that many of the oils used in the treatment of circulatory problems are those to avoid during pregnancy. However, lemon essential oil at 2% dilution can be used to gently massage. Tension can also be a contributory factor, so try a relaxing bath using stretch mark oil or 6 drops total of neroli or rose.

STRETCH MARKS:

Massaging daily is an excellent way to reduce the risk or intensity of stretch marks during

pregnancy, Massage provides stimulation of the tissues underlying the superficial layers of the skin, using gentle strokes it is both effective and safe in pregnancy. Gently make small repetitive circles all over the tummy, thighs and breasts using a stretch mark oil regularly.

Continue massaging these areas after the birth for at least four months until your weight has returned to normal. Avoid stretch mark oil on the nipples if breastfeeding.

SWOLLEN ANKLES:

Swelling (Oedema) of the ankles and legs is often a problem in the latter months of pregnancy. If severe you should consult your Doctor in case there is a kidney problem, but mild puffiness of the ankles usually after standing or at the end of the day, can be effectively relieved by massaging the legs with one tablespoon of base oil to 2 drops of Geranium. Ideally this would be more beneficial carried out by a professional but you or your partner can apply the oil with firm strokes always moving from the ankles towards the thighs.

A cool to warm foot bath with 2 drops each of Benzoin, Orange and Rose can help reduce the swelling.

Rest the feet higher than the head on raised cushions or pillows.

Avoiding salt, stong tea, coffee will also help to reduce swelling, drinking plenty of bottled or filtered water is also advisable.

VARICOSE VEINS:

During pregnancy the bulk and weight of the growing baby can cause pressure on the veins and arteries of the lower abdomen, causing circulatory problems and the veins to dilate. One of the best oils for circulation is Geranium, but this should be very dilute for pregnancy. No more than 4 drops to one tablespoon of carrier oil, massaging the legs with a gentle upward movement. Do not work directly on the veins or apply too much pressure. You can also add 4 drops to your bath.

LABOUR;

To create a relaxing atmosphere in the labour room, use several drops of Lavender in an atomizer or Rose, Yang-Ylang or Neroli to fortify you as the labour progresses. Any of these oils can be used in a massage blend for the lower back to aid contractions.

POST NATAL:

Some women can suffer from post-natal depression for up to a year after childbirth, some more severe than others. A bath with jasmine and ylang-ylang can help them feel better 3 drops of each. Or a massage with 5 drops each of Geranium, Orange, Chamomile..

To ease perineal pain Organic Bath Herbs, a collection of wound healing and anti-bacterial natural ingredients and essential oils with powerful antiseptic and healing benefits for internal wounds and stitches.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

The simple touch of massage movements can help to relieve many of the stresses and discomfort of pregnancy, back massage in particular is very welcome during labour.

Aromatherapy techniques can be used very safely and beneficially to maintain the general health of the expectant mother. It aids with various discomforts during this time.

The positions to work in need to be adapted to suit her comfort, she needs to be well supported.

- Check the oils to be avoided

- Use lower concentrations of essential oil to base oil 1/2 to 1% is desired.

- Stokes should be lighter than usual for a massage.

- The back – massage can be done on a chair after the fourth month of pregnancy as it becomes uncomfortable to lie on her stomach, a chair or a pillow wrapped in a towel for her to hold in front for support.

- The abdomen – as the weight of the uterus can constrict the important blood vessels is the pregnant women is laying flat on her back, so she must be supported with plenty of pillows, bolsters or rolled towels to make her comfortable. Under the knees should be supported with cushions. After four months a gentle massage all over the abdomen can be very soothing, very often the developing baby responds to the massage given to the mother. Very often if the baby is lively and kicking causing discomfort to the mother will calm down and be quite for some time after. Babies whose mothers have received regular massages during pregnancy are usually very peaceful when they are born.

- The legs – Gently stroking the legs from the ankles to the knee to begin, then continue with firmer pressure is very soothing. It can relieve swelling, varicose veins or cramp. (See varicose veins for further information). Gentle stroking around the ankles is also appreciated. Avoid any reflex movements on the feet.

- Head – With both hands at the back of the neck at the base of the cranium, apply slow, light, circular pressures with your fingertips in an upward direction to release tension and to finish the massage.

Allow a 15 minute rest and then gently help her get up.

Claire O’Dwyer the person behind the product leads our panel and comes with a wealth of knowledge in all facets of the professional spa, beauty and aromatherapy industry. Aromatherapy being an integral part, the science, the art of using essential oils in treatments.

Claire is a highly successful trainer of beauty therapists and others seeking to use aromatherapy. Her holistic perspective to treatments demonstrated in her workshops, teaching specialised treatments of all aspects of the beauty salon and spa.

Before founding Maraju in 2002 Claire O’Dwyer owned and operated salons and days spas for over 18 years. She then did further training in London and the USA, worked with the Cunard luxury cruise ship line as Spa Manager where she noticed that demand for natural plant products and natural/native therapies far out weighed the traditional treatments.

Returning to Australia and knowing that Australia had many unique oil bearing plants, she set about with her partner a chemist, in formulating a range of native Australian skin care products.

After many requests for natural skin care for pregnancy the latest range of maternity products was formulated keeping in mind that during pregnancy a women also wants to feel femine and attractive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_O_Dwyer

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If you have short nails and struggle to grow them, you may have investigated the various types of false nails available at salons. Because your hands are on show all day, you want long, attractive nails. Natural-looking gel nails may be just what you need. They can give you longer nails, and protect your natural nails long enough for them to grow out.

A pre-mixed polymer and monomer gel is used to apply gel nails. This mixture is odourless, which makes the application process less onerous for you and the technician applying them. The gel application does not need all the filling that acrylic nails require, so it takes a lot less time to apply gel nails. Once the gel is applied, it will need to be cured. This can either be done under UV lights, with a spray or brush-on activator, or even just dipping the nails in water, depending on the type of gel used. The UV light process takes a little longer than the other methods, but there is no difference in the curing effectiveness.

They are thin, clear and flexible, making them look and feel more natural than acrylic nails. Gel nails, unlike acrylic nails, do not lift as easily. They don’t yellow either, which means that you don’t have to polish them to hide the unnatural colour. Gel nails are also glossier than acrylic nails, and you can apply nail polish to them as well. Gel nails also work well with a French Manicure or other nail art designs. In fact, the options with gel nails are limitless.

Gel nails should be applied in a salon to ensure the difficult process is performed properly. Although less time-consuming than acrylic nails, it is difficult to perform the application procedure on your own nails. Gel nails do not damage the underlying nail, and do not need to be soaked off in acetone that damages the nail as well.

With Acrylic nails, the damage to the natural nail means that you will be more likely to keep replacing them to hide your damaged nails. This becomes a never-ending cycle that is difficult to halt. Gel nails, because they don’t damage the nail, can be considered a temporary nail enhancement that allows your own nails to grow out, strong and healthy. Gel nails are a little more expensive than acrylic nails, and tend to last for less time, but at least when you do remove them you’ll have your own lovely nails underneath.

Long, well manicured, attractive nails make your hands look better, and since our hands are constantly exposed to the world, most women prefer to keep their nails looking as good as possible. Gel nails protect your nails, allowing them to grow out healthy and strong while keeping up appearances. Instead of waiting months for your nails to grow, hoping none of them will break, you can have gel nails professionally applied and polished to lengthen short nails or strengthen weak ones, allowing them to grow. Natural looking, causing no damage to your nail – that’s why you should consider gel nails.

Vilkovo.eu Вилково – please find out more in our Dublin based beautician blog and Dublin based nail care beauty salon Visit us at: http://www.spraytandublin.info/ This article, The Advantage Of Gel Nails is available for free reprint.

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In their twenties, most women take their beauty for granted. Once they reach the big three oh, however, the vast majority realize that it’s a fleeting thing and their faces are something to be looked after. It’s always best to start early, but never too late to start looking after one’s face.

Around 30, it becomes evident that age does catch up to everyone. The collagen in the skin begins to break down, giving women wrinkles. These start to show up around the eyes in particular, as well as in the forehead and around the mouth, particularly in women who smoke. Elastin gives way, as well, which means the skin will begin to sag just a little. It probably won’t be too noticeable until the woman reaches forty, but early treatment can really help.

The older people get, the more their skin requires additional moisture. A good moisturizer is perhaps the most important part of the beauty routine and is worth spending a little extra money to ensure the quality. Applying a moisturizing facial lotion after cleansing each morning and every evening can do wonders for a woman’s skin and prevents the sagging that begins around middle age. Rosewater is an excellent ingredient that should be in any facial lotion chosen.

Bags under the eyes aren’t uncommon as women get older, particularly after sleeping. Skin there is now thinner and requires special treatment. Treating the skin the night before with an under eye cream can help prevent long lasting morning puffiness, as can a cool compress after waking up.

Another annoyance that many women find as they age is the changing of the pigmentation in the face. Just how much this will change relies heavily on genetics and prior sun damage, but nearly everyone suffers from it. At first these tend to appear as freckles, but they spread over the entire face and may also spread to hands and other parts of the body.

Sun spots or age spots can be partially prevented by taking care of the skin early on in life. Proper use of sunscreen or a hat is recommended. Once the spots are there, however, it can be tough to get rid of them. Chemical peels can help, since they remove the top few layers of skin, but should only be done by a professional. Regardless, it is important to prevent further damage by using a minimum SPF 15 sunscreen on a daily basis. There are foundations, as well as moisturizers, with this in it.

Homemade facial masks, such as egg white, can help give skin a temporary lift and tighten it up. Some women also swear by facial exercises to keep those facial muscles toned. The gradual loss of elasticity is a normal part of aging, however, and extra drooping skin can be prevented by avoiding rapid weight loss.

When it comes to beauty after 30, women can still look great. It’s important to take care of the face and to start with prevention techniques early. This helps prevent damages later in life that can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

There are many steps that can be taken to remain youthful and radiant. Hair removal, exercise, skin care, hair care and a trip to the beauty salon can all help this process.

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How's the dew treating you these days? Are you one of those individuals, who get along famously on a daily basis with near-perfect hair, or are you one of the folks who rarely have a good hair day? This is a question that should be addressed seriously. I mean come on people; this is your daily image we are talking about here. Don't you want every day to be a great hair day? You can certainly make this a reality with all the great hair products on the market these days? Do you have limp hair and just need to add a little body? Or maybe you have damaged hair from excessive coloring, and now require a quality dry hair treatment to get things back in order. Either way, you can make it happen in no time.

Where would you go to acquire a fine dry hair treatment? Wait, let me guess; you would head on over to your favorite hair salon. This is certainly not a bad idea. Chances are they will have several wonderful dry hair treatments to fix any damaged dew. Professional salons typically excel in this area. However, when it comes to a quality mouse, gel, or dry hair treatment, the local salons aren't the only ones with the answers.

At least not any more. These days we have a little something called the World-Wide-Web. Ever heard of it? It's where I go for all of my hair needs. Speaking of hair needs, a few weeks back I needed a decent dry hair treatment for my seven year old daughter. I tend to treat her conditions much more seriously than my own; therefore I had to pull out all the stops. You surely understand if you have a little one of your own.

Not only did I get online and order one of the most recommended dry hair treatments available, but I also took her to a professional to have a dry hair treatment or deep conditioning treatment done. It's all related to the swimming lessons. Since my daughter is swimming on a daily basis, it definitely wreaks havoc on her delicate hair.

You may encounter the same problem if you're an avid swimmer. Instead of fretting over it, just pick up a well-recommended dry hair treatment. In no time at all, your gorgeous locks will be as bouncy and shiny as they ever were. If you're not sure where to begin your search for a quality dry hair treatment, just pop open Google and punch in the key phrase "dry hair treatment." You will be astounded at the great results.

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