Wonderful news that Aromatherapy is being offered in NHS hospital labour wards for pain relief (see attached article). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7736336/Aromatherapy-offered-to-pregnant-women-during-birth-as-natural-pain-relief.html

How it can help……………

Aromatherapy in labour:

In early labour a back massage can be very welcome! During contractions, gentle strokes can be calming and deeper pressures help ease muscle spasms. Ask about labour massage lessons for you and your birth partner.

Oils can be vapourised in labour to calm and relax or inhaled on a tissue to facilitate easy breathing – Frankincense works well. Some essential oils, Jasmine and Rose strengthen and deepen contractions – uterine tonics – and ease the pain of childbirth.

Please ask for advice on essential oil blends for pregnancy, labour and postnatal healing and which oils to vapourise or to put in the bath. Strict guidelines are followed in the choice of the essential oils in pregnancy and blends are tailored to the individual’s needs.

My own testimonial:

My recent experience of aromatherapy and massage during pregnancy was a very welcome one considering that my planned homebirth ended up being a hospital one.  I found that vapourising the oils helped create a calm atmosphere and all labour ward staff remarked on how nice it was to come into my room!  My husband massaged in different blends for me at different stages which helped not only as a distraction but to ease the deep muscular pains.  I also found my oils particularly beneficial post partum.
Please call or email me for further information, for appointments with my maternity cover and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Best wishes,

Jenny James

BA (Hons) PGCE NYR MIFPA

Aromatherapist & Remedial Massage Therapist

Mobile: 07931 349 125
Website: www.aromatherapylondon.com

Facebook Fan Page  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aromatherapy-Massage/155051522852 for articles on aromatherapy for better health

• Aromatherapy treats sports injuries naturally
• Aromatherapy and Massage for Pregnancy
• Aromatherapy for colds and flu
• Aromatherapy treats stress

It seems incredible, but many skin care products are loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time.

Mineral oil is used in hundreds of products and can be found on labels under liquid paraffin, paraffin wax and petrolatum/petroleum.  Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil which has had the gasoline and kerosene removed and then it is processed using sulphuric acid, solvents and alkalis to remove the hydrocarbons and chemicals.  It is used in skin care products because it’s cheap!

There are no vitamins or nutrients in this type of oil.  Applied to the body it creates a seal, preventing it from breathing by blocking pores, and interferes with your skin’s natural ability to eliminate toxins.   It can also cause dermatitis / skin irritation, chapping and dryness by preventing sebum from moisturising your own skin as it should, let alone allowing any natural and organic ingredients to heal and protect it from external pollutants.  Surprisingly it is also present in many baby care products too…..

What to beware of in skincare products!

Petrochemicals: propylene glycol (PG), poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and aromatics including benzene and xylene isomers = chemical products made from the raw materials of petroleum (as above) or other hydrocarbons.  Many skin care products and moisturising products (just read the ingredients in your shampoo) will use petrochemicals as preservatives so their products have a long shelf life.  These chemicals also make plastics e.g. Tupperware boxes and are used in anti-ageing products to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, giving the appearance of temporarily smoother skin.

Parabens: methyl, butyl and propyl paraben are natural preservatives frequently found in fruit and vegetables although they are manufactured synthetically for the huge quantities needed for use as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods.  The reason is purely economical but the danger from synthetic parabens is that the body cannot break them down effectively and studies suggest that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body’s endocrine system due to their oestrogenic properties, as well as causing allergic reactions and skin rashes. 

NB: Vitamin E or Tocopherol is nature’s preservative and can be found in natural and organic products (see “What are your other options?” below)!

Alcohols such as ethanol/ethyl alcohol, benzyl and isopropyl alcohol are commonly found in skin care products (including scents, nail varnish remover and medicines) and are, more often than not, synthetically derived.  They are very drying and irritating for the skin stripping away the skin’s natural acid mantle and leaving it more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.

Dioxane: (a synthetic – note the word synthetic – derivative of coconut).  It is a dissolving agent present in many in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of the solvent 1.4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. 1.4-dioxane is also considered a carcinogenic chemical.

Synthetic fragrances are man-made versions of essential oils, which are in fact impossible to re-create due to the complex chemical structure of plant oils so it is often the smell that is recreated and not the healing properties.  In some cases natural oils have been used but only after they have been adulterated through dilution, cutting, stretching or ennobling – the natural state has been altered!

Foaming agents: sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) act as detergents and surfactants and are found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). They are inexpensive and effective foaming agents but are also known skin irritants.

Some manufacturers will include some natural / active ingredients and vitamins (as listed below) – which can be confusing to consumers – but pure, natural and organic products are expensive so they are  not necessarily at a level which will promote healing in AND these are combined with various harmful ingredients too (as listed above).

So, when choosing a skin care product, it’s not just about selecting one with good ingredients; it’s also about choosing one with a high concentration of these good ingredients.  The best way to do this is to look for natural products made from natural and organic ingredients.

What are your other options?  Ask your aromatherapist!! www.aromatherapylondon.com

What to look for in your skincare products?

Typical organic and natural oils and creams do not have a 3 year shelf-life and contain ingredients such as:

Essential oils: (used in aromatherapy) are extracted from flowers, plants, resins, woods and roots.  It is the chemical composition of the natural plant, its’ essence that has sustained its’ life, that promotes  healing; bringing vital nutrition to skin cells, restoring balance, correcting damage deep within the dermis and encouraging natural regeneration.

Organic cold pressed vegetable and nut oils: sunflower, olive, sweet almond, macadamia, borage, rosehip and apricot to name a few.  These contain their own unique quantity of vitamins e.g. unrefined avocado oil naturally contains Vitamin A, B1, B2 and D which help with dry skin conditions, inflammations and premature ageing.

Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative, therefore, counteracting oxidation (rancidity) and preventing the formation of free radicals in natural fats and oils.

• The vitamin helps absorb the sun’s dangerous ultra-violet rays which are responsible for the reddening of the skin, sunburn and more serious burns. Ultra-violet rays, environmental pollutants and the free radicals age the skin more quickly, reducing its elasticity and creating wrinkles. Vitamin E, therefore, works to prevent wrinkles, stimulates the blood circulation and regulates the skin’s elasticity.
• In ointments and creams vitamin E will help to heal cracks and sores in the skin and will remove scars with regular use over a longer period of time.

Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Coconut oil: are naturally solid fats which thicken a blend and absorb rapidly into the skin. The moisturising and softening properties of these fats are useful for the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, severely dry skin, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretch marks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis or eczema.

Have a bespoke blend made for your skin type or skin condition and know that you are healing your body from the outside in.

For advice, prescriptive products – oils, creams, shampoos etc – OR baby skin care advice please contact me using the form above.  Therapies and massage treatments are available.

• Aromatherapy treats sports injuries naturally
• Aromatherapy and Massage for Pregnancy
• Aromatherapy for colds and flu
• Aromatherapy treats stress

by Jenny James, Aromatherapist at Chelsea Natural Health, Fulham Rd, SW10

Recent times have seen stress levels go through the roof and I am seeing more and more clients with chronic and acute symptoms.   Feeling anxious and tense all day long, unable to sleep due to worry, suffering from palpitations, panic attacks out of nowhere, they feel that they are unable to cope and are caught up in a vicious circle.   Are you suffering from any of these symptoms?   Aromatherapy can help heal the physical manifestations of stress and ease mental anxiety.   As you know, if you are more relaxed your performance will be improved and these negative symptoms will be easier to manage and could totally disappear.

Aside from the emotions involved, stress in the long term can lead to high blood pressure – placing a huge strain on the heart and internal organs – and adrenal exhaustion, where the body is no longer able to respond quickly to the nervous system’s alarm bells.

Aromatherapy can help!

As an holistic therapy, aromatherapy takes into account the mind, body and spirit in order to achieve balance within.   Taking the time out of your day for a bespoke treatment will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered; muscular aches and pains will evaporate as your mind switches off from the day’s worries and as the massage works out knots and lengthens muscles, you will feel the stress and tension leave your body and mind.

The oils used in your treatment will take into account your case history and current needs.   We can work with antidepressant essential oils such as Melissa, Bergamot, Geranium; antispasmodic oils, like Mandarin and Ginger, to help where stress impacts on the digestive system; sedative and calming Ylang Ylang and Valerian help with insomnia and oils to deepen the breath and slow down cardiac rhythms are especially useful – Frankincense, Neroli and Cedarwood.

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Neroli: Citrus aurantium var amara (antidepressant, sedative, hypotensive, tonic) – the Rescue Remedy of essential oils

We can discuss longer term strategies to fight stress in your treatment; essential oils to vaporise at home or to use in the bath, breathing techniques/meditation and lifestyle.

And don’t forget that the relaxing effect of aromatherapy and massage are cumulative!   Taking some time out for you regularly will leave you better equipped to manage the stresses and strains of everyday life in between.   Book a course of treatments now.

Treatments: 45 min £45, 60 min £60, 90 min £90. For first appointments add 15mins for a free consultation.

Special offer: 6  Treatments for the price of 5. You will all know that one treatment is great for injury prevention and maintaining optimum health and fitness so imagine what a few would do!

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE on request

• Aromatherapy treats sports injuries naturally
• Aromatherapy and Massage for Pregnancy
• Aromatherapy for colds and flu
• Aromatherapy treats stress

Written by Jenny James the Aromatherapist at Chelsea Natural Health, Fulham Rd, SW10.

If you are fed up of the side effects of over the counter drugs for coughs, colds and flu, why not try some of the many applications of essential oils used in aromatherapy to treat the infection naturally? Aromatherapy is highly effective at treating the symptoms of sore eyes, sore throat, headache, limb pain, congestion, sinusitis, earache, coughing and catarrh.

The essential oils help to ease congestion and are considered for their specific effect on the respiratory tract (antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antispasmodic). Furthermore, as well as being immune stimulants the oils can help ease muscles that are tired from coughing and sneezing.

Your treatment: takes into account the different ways cold affects each individual. In your bespoke treatment warming oils are chosen as lung tonics to instil confidence and to ease exhausted physical and emotional states. Decongestant oils such as Myrrh, Spanish Marjoram, Sweet Thyme may be chosen. Immune system stimulants can shorten the virus’s lifetime time as well as help with convalescence – Bergamot, Sandalwood, Ravensara.

Eucalyptus Radiata
Antiviral, expectorant, bactericidal, decongestant, yet gentle enough to use with children
Massage: depending on the stage of the infection a chest rub can be a highly effective application method, as can a facial. Although massage is extremely effective with respiratory conditions if you are in “full cold” you may wish to remain at home for your comfort. General measures should include bed rest, consume plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration, limit sugar consumption and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Recommendations from your aromatherapist: other methods of application enable an individual to “self-help” using essential oils: in the bath, in steam inhalation, gargles, and blends for application to thoracic and synovial areas or even inhaling drops of neat essential oil from a tissue (2 drops max), depending on the specific condition. Don’t forget that vaporising the anti-infectious oils such as Ho Leaf, Eucalyptus, Niaouli or Tea Tree can help prevent air-borne infection in the colds and ‘flu season.

Treatments: 45 min £45, 60 min £60, 90 min £90. For first appointments add 15mins for a free consultation.

Special offer: 6 Treatments for the price of 5. You will all know that one treatment is incredibly beneficial for boosting the immune system and maintaining optimum health so imagine what a few would do!

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE on request

To contact Jenny please use the form above or call her on 07931 349 125

AROMATHERAPY & MASSAGE for PREGNANCY at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Rd, SW10

Pregnancy Massage (Antenatal and Postnatal): is of wonderful benefit to treat and relieve the muscle tension and joint discomfort that can accompany pregnancy. Massage helps improve circulation with draining strokes and kneading eases muscle cramps, whilst oils help with regulating hormones and together provide nurturing and relaxation for mother and baby.

Reasons for massage in pregnancy:

• Backache often accompanies pregnancy, especially lower backache due to the increased weight of the baby and the changing shape of the body which increases the lumbar curvature of the spine. Lemon and Lavender essential oils
• To de-stress mind and body – stress increases all anxieties about a pregnancy and can lead to premature birth in some cases. Frankincense and Neroli essential oils
• Constipation and digestive upsets (indigestion) can occur due to intestinal displacement by the growing foetus. German Chamomile and Sweet Orange essential oils
• To identify and reduce tight muscles e.g. postural muscles, primary and accessory respiratory muscles – to bring awareness to breathing and posture. Sweet Marjoram essential oil.

Aromatherapy in pregnancy

Aromatherapy accompanying massage is highly effective and Aromatherapy is even more important when the heightened sense of smell during pregnancy is taken into consideration. If there are reasons contraindicating massage as above, essential oils can be used in different ways:
• Insomnia and fatigue can be eased by vapourising oils or using such as Roman Chamomile and Lavender in carrier oil in massage.
• Morning sickness can be treated with 4-5 drops of Ginger or Spearmint on compress over the abdomen or on a tissue.
• Oedema – swelling of the hands and feet – caused by a rise of oestrogen in the body can be relieved with a foot bath with 4-5 drops of Lime and Grapefruit in 1tsp full fat milk.
• Hormonal changes produce an ever fluctuating emotional state for most pregnant women. Even when a pregnancy is planned and welcomed women may experience mood swings and many anxieties. Geranium and Rose
• Stretch marks can be prevented by applying an oil blend (consult a professional aromatherapist) of avocado oil with jojoba wax, Neroli and Frankincense.
• Varicose veins can be alleviated or prevented with gentle massage in upward strokes to the legs using an oil blend including Geranium and Cypress
Aromatherapy in Labour (consult a professional aromatherapist)

• Aromatherapy can be used in labour to calm anxiety and facilitate easy breathing. Vapourise 4-5 drops of Rose and Neroli.
• Some essential oils strengthen and deepen contractions – uterine tonics – and ease the pain of childbirth. Lavender and Jasmine.

Post natal Care

• Breasts may be sore and nipples can crack. Avoid essential oils on the nipples, use a calendula infused sweet almond oil instead.
• Episiostomy/tearing. Healing Lavender (3 drops) and Cypress (2 drops) essential oils neat in a sitz bath.

Post Natal Depression

• Uplifting Bergamot, Anti-depressant Rose, Anxiolytic Frankincense – essential oils can help on all levels.
Reasons to avoid massage in pregnancy: *
Deep vein thrombosis – essential oils in a footbath, or in a compress may help, cardiac disorders (heart or pulmonary problems), chronic hypertension, severe anaemia, abnormal foetal heartbeat, lupus erythematosus, bloody discharge, continual abdominal pains, diabetes

Jenny James
Aromatherapist BA (Hons) PGCE NYR MIFPA
Email: jennyjamesiom@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile: 07931 349 125

*Always consult a trained aromatherapist before applying home blended essential oils. Never apply essential oils neat.

**Jenny is a member of IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists) and trained with Neal’s Yard Remedies in Holistic Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Science, Advanced Massage Techniques and Advanced Pregnancy Massage.
Related Posts

• Aromatherapy treats sports injuries naturally
• Aromatherapy and Massage for Pregnancy
• Aromatherapy for colds and flu
• Aromatherapy treats stress

by Jenny James of Chelsea Natural Health, Fulham Rd, SW10

The definition of sports injuries is vast; ranging from simple sprains, strains, ligament damage and muscle tears to more serious traumas. Athletes at any level require specialist treatment dependent on the types of stresses they need to cope with. Aromatherapy can help!

Painkillers block the neural pathways so that the pain disappears, they don’t increase healing time by encouraging blood to the area or reduce inflammation by supporting the body’s natural healing ability. Aromatherapy does! Aromatherapy first aid for sprains and strains: RICE with a twist – rest, ice, compression, elevation: an ice pack is still an immediate priority but you could include a cold compress using analgesic and anti-inflammatory oils e.g. 1 drop Peppermint, 1 drop German Chamomile. Compress for 20 minutes. Strains can be treated with warmth after 12 hours. Fractures can be treated after the cast is removed, using topical circulatory stimulant essential oils to improve blood supply e.g. Rosemary or Ginger (analgesic, rubefacient) which has a reputation as a bone regenerator – resulting in improved healing time!

Sweet Marjoram/origanum marjorana:

Analgesic, antispasmodic and very calming. It dilates capillaries in muscle tissue allowing blood to flow through so great for micro-traumas common with sporting injuries.

Most importantly of all aromatherapy can help prevent sport injuries, with muscle blends to help warm up the area beforehand and bath blends to use after. Alongside these, massage encourages blood flow to the area and prevents the build up of lactic acid and adhesions so performance will be improved!

Your treatment: the oils used in your treatment will take into account your case history and current needs. I will combine remedial massage and deep tissue or trigger point therapy/NMT with certain essential oils that work specifically to help your presenting symptoms. For instance, we can work with German chamomile (a powerful anti-inflammatory oil), Black Pepper (for its analgesic, antispasmodic and antiseptic properties) and Lavandin (which is a very stimulating oil and great for stimulating the circulation. It relaxes muscles and is indicated for cramps).

We can also discuss longer term strategies to prevent injury after your treatment; a home blend for use pre and post sports or a blend for use in the bath. And don’t forget that the healing effects of aromatherapy and massage are cumulative! Taking some time out for you regularly will leave you better equipped to manage the stresses and strains of your chosen sport.

Treatments: 45 min £45, 60 min £60, 90 min £90. For first appointments add 15mins for a free consultation.

Special offer: 6 Treatments for the price of 5. You will all know that one treatment is great for injury prevention and maintaining optimum health and fitness so imagine what a few would do!

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE on request

Jenny James

Aromatherapist BA (Hons) PGCE NYR MIFPA

Mobile: 07931 349 125

*Always consult a trained aromatherapist before applying home blended essential oils. Never apply essential oils neat.

**Jenny is a member of IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists) and trained with Neal’s Yard Remedies in Holistic Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Science, Advanced Massage Techniques/Deep Tissue & Remedial Massage and Advanced Pregnancy Massage.

Related Posts

• Aromatherapy treats sports injuries naturally
• Aromatherapy and Massage for Pregnancy
• Aromatherapy for colds and flu
• Aromatherapy treats stress