Question:
Please could someone advise me?
I have a client who is 8 months pregnant who is currently seeing me for reflexology. However, she has asked for a back massage. As she can only lie on her sides, I feel I am very limited to the number of different movements I can do.
I am not an aromatherapist, but is it safe for me to use a pre-blended oil especially prepared for pregnant women (Neal's Yard)?
I am a bit weary of using a pre-blended oil and would rather stick to a good base oil but I want to make her treatment as enjoyable as possible bearing in mind that she will be lying on either side for half an hour at a time.
I thought perhaps the aroma of the pre-blended oils will help her relax.
Any advice please?
Hi,
The simple answer is if you are not an aromatherapist, don't use even a blend for a pregnant person. There are safe oils you could use, particularly at the stage the pregnancy has reached, but its safer to use a base carrier.
As regards lying on her side - this is not necessary. Where I work we have a special chair but you can still do a back massage with basic equipment which you probably already have. Have your client sit on a stool and lean onto a pillow placed at the edge of your massage couch. In this way she is relaxed and supported, the lump is in mid-air, and you can access all areas of the back. Just watch your own posture - legs apart and knees bent is best.
I would also do some drainage on the legs with her lying face up on the couch.
Good luck,
Ken
Hi Ken
Many thanks for your sound advice. Unfortunately my client cannot sit for too long. I called her to let her know and she is happy to have the massage whilst lying on one side and then on the other.
I hope it goes well. Will let you know
I agree with Ken. A massage is relaxing in itself and most pregnant women fall asleep and some drool into the pillow. I use the same seated method as he does and find it works well, but if she can't sit and is happy to lie then do that. It won't be as relaxing though and is harder to get at the back, especially the lower back where most problems are in pregnancy and might be why she can't sit comfortably. Sitting forward against the couch and getting her really comfortable in that position should actually take the pressure of her back and you might like to try it with her and see if she is comfortable.
I do use essential oils in pregnancy but I am an aromatherapist, so think it might be best for you to stay with the plain carrier oil.
I have a client who is 8 months pregnant who is currently seeing me for reflexology. However, she has asked for a back massage. As she can only lie on her sides, I feel I am very limited to the number of different movements I can do.
I am not an aromatherapist, but is it safe for me to use a pre-blended oil especially prepared for pregnant women (Neal's Yard)?
I am a bit weary of using a pre-blended oil and would rather stick to a good base oil but I want to make her treatment as enjoyable as possible bearing in mind that she will be lying on either side for half an hour at a time.
I thought perhaps the aroma of the pre-blended oils will help her relax.
Any advice please?
Answers:
Hi,
The simple answer is if you are not an aromatherapist, don't use even a blend for a pregnant person. There are safe oils you could use, particularly at the stage the pregnancy has reached, but its safer to use a base carrier.
As regards lying on her side - this is not necessary. Where I work we have a special chair but you can still do a back massage with basic equipment which you probably already have. Have your client sit on a stool and lean onto a pillow placed at the edge of your massage couch. In this way she is relaxed and supported, the lump is in mid-air, and you can access all areas of the back. Just watch your own posture - legs apart and knees bent is best.
I would also do some drainage on the legs with her lying face up on the couch.
Good luck,
Ken
Answers:
Hi Ken
Many thanks for your sound advice. Unfortunately my client cannot sit for too long. I called her to let her know and she is happy to have the massage whilst lying on one side and then on the other.
I hope it goes well. Will let you know
Answers:
I agree with Ken. A massage is relaxing in itself and most pregnant women fall asleep and some drool into the pillow. I use the same seated method as he does and find it works well, but if she can't sit and is happy to lie then do that. It won't be as relaxing though and is harder to get at the back, especially the lower back where most problems are in pregnancy and might be why she can't sit comfortably. Sitting forward against the couch and getting her really comfortable in that position should actually take the pressure of her back and you might like to try it with her and see if she is comfortable.
I do use essential oils in pregnancy but I am an aromatherapist, so think it might be best for you to stay with the plain carrier oil.
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