Aromatherapy has many profound benefits on the human body. Aromatherapy is a natural holistic approach which bases its healing methods through mind, body, and soul.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils which is made from plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees. It is an organic approach to healing the body. Aromatherapy works hand in hand with infant massage and mother care, as we base our understanding of our natural survival instincts through the power of touch. The first time an infant and mother feel a connection is when the infant is inside the mother’s womb. The belief system of Aromatherapy entwines infant massage and mother care as aromatherapy also focuses wholly on the body and the power of touch embeds this belief. The power of touch has an enormous effect on every infant, child and adult alike.
Combining Aromatherapy with Baby Massage
Salvatore Battaglia, (2015) massage with essential oils is by far one of the most common method used using a holistic aromatherapy. Many studies have proved the importance of touch in the development of a healthy human being. Touch has been described as part of the human instinct and need of survival for the vital function of mental and physical health and has been well researched. Together it works hand in hand going back to basics, living and embracing life in an organic, loving and natural healing life style. Our world we live in Mother Earth, is our medicine, we need nothing more. Our planet provides every healing agent we need to live a healthy, happy and loving lifestyle.
Schnaubelt, describes the role of essential oils as, essential oils reawaken odour awareness and the connection to individuality, and greater independence improves the ability to take responsibility for one’s own health. Self-confidence and wellbeing are influenced, providing an improved flow of biological information through the psychosomatic network of body and mind. Salvatore Battaglia, pg 19, (2015) So together Aromatherapy in infant massage and mother cohort similar organic beliefs and together can have a very beneficial healing effect our relationships with our infants and family and healing our bodies naturally through the power of touch, following our natural survival instincts.
Essential Oil Dilution Rates for Infants, Babies & Small Children
It is crucial that you always use a safe dilution rate when using the oils. Each essential oil is very strong and potent in its properties and only a small amount is needed when using the oils. It is also important that you use essentials that are regarded as ‘safe oils’. It is imperative that you know this, as some essentials oils can cause harm if not using them on the body at the correct ‘age group’ of your infant and baby. Carrier oils are used, as it dilutes the essential oil from being so potent and it also covers a large amount of the body to be massaged. A safe dilution rate for babies and infants are as follow:
Carrier oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond, jojoba, wheatgerm, borage, evening primrose oil and coconut oil.
It is important to test essential oils and carrier oils on a small patch of the body first. Your infant may be allergic to the essential oil or carrier oil. So, it is important to check first to see what works. If your child reacts cease using immediately. You can use these oils on your baby once to twice a week. It is also important to keep in mind to build the essential oils up in your infants’ system.
Dilution: mix 1-2 drops of oil to 30ml carrier oil.
NOTE: When adding essential oils into your bottle of massage oil, only 1-2 drops of essential oil should be added. Remember less is more! Essential oils have strong properties and are highly concentrated. Once the essential oil is added it will mix into the oil.
Baby 6 months plus
Essential oils: Lavender, Geranium, Chamomile Roman, Chamomile German, Yarrow and Dill.
Carrier oils: coconut, almond, jojoba, sesame, apricot.
It is important to test essential oils and carrier oils on a small patch of the body first. Your little one may be allergic to the essential oil or carrier oil. It is important to check first to see what works. If your child reacts cease using immediately.
Dilution: mix 2-4 drops of oil to 30 ml carrier oil.
How do Essential Oils Enter the Body
For essential oils to enter the body they must be mixed with a carrier oil, cream, or lotion. When an essential oil is mixed with a lotion base the aromatic molecules will absorb through the skin, then through the body and will circulate around the body and in the blood stream.
There are a few different ways in which aromatherapy can be used these include:
Topical
Massaging into the skin to aid common body systems. These include cold and flu, colic, gas, teething and constipation. You can massage on the chest, back, souls of feet, face, jaw line and ears. Note: When massaging on the face, avoid massaging near the eyes.
Diffuser
Diffusing oils with water in an oil diffuser. This allows the essential oils to be broken down into molecules and evaporate into the air. This helps to clean and purify the air. Diffusing the oils are also known to work well as aromatherapy is also based on scent, the brain is triggered by the smell of the oil and can have a positive effect on a person’s mood.
Relaxation Massage
Having a massage with the essentials has a very positive effect as the oils are dubbed directly into the skin and into your blood stream. This can cause to have a relaxing and healing method on your mind, body, and soul.
Ensure Safe Use of Essential Oils Topically
A lot of infants, children and adults have sensitive skin or allergies. It is important to know if your baby has any of these conditions, you do not want to cause them harm. There a several essential oils and carrier oils that use the same healing method, so if your baby is allergic to a specific essential oil or carrier oil there are plenty other options of essences and carrier oils you can use. If your baby doesn’t have any allergies but develops one during or after massage, it is crucial that you cease using those essences and carrier oil immediately.
It is important before you use essential oils that you are aware of the potential allergies or symptoms that may arise. You will need to observe their body and see if any symptoms arise, what is it and how serious it is. For example:
- If a rash appears on their skin, but they feel completely fine, it just maybe they are sensitive to a type of essential oil or carrier oil. If they feel comfortable next time, they can try a different essence and carrier oil and see what happens.
- If a rash appears on their skin and they are not feeling right within them self, to seek medical treatment right away.
- If they feel they are having any type of allergic reaction and feel different within themselves, it is imperative to seek medical treatment straight away.
- Always do a patch test first to see if there is any reaction.
