Massage with Lavender Alleviates Colic

Reprinted from:  Massage Magazine (posted 3/27/2012)

Massage therapy isn't just for grownups; infants benefit from the relaxing effects of touch as well.
New research shows massage therapy performed with lavender essential oil is effective at diminishing colic in infants.
Colic is evidenced by frequent, high-pitched crying, and up to 25 percent of babies experience colic for a few weeks or months after being born, according to the Mayo Clinic, although the cause is unknown.
The research was carried out on a group of 40 infants between 2 and 6 weeks of age with a gestational age of 38-42 weeks and normal development and growth, according to an abstract published on www.pubmed.gov.
All the infants exhibited the signs of colic, and infants in the treatment group received abdominal

massage by their mothers using lavender oil while those in the control group did not receive an intervention, according to the abstract. "The infants in both control and treatment groups were monitored once a week by the researchers, in total five times," the abstract noted. "The effect of the massage was measured in terms of changes in the length of time the infants cried per week."
The research was conducted by investigators at Pamukkale and Ege Universities, in Turkey, and will be published in the International Journal of Nursing Practice, published by Wiley-Blackwell.

Create some happiness ...

For Your Information ...

If you have not noticed we have the new tunnel, (well almost new now) under Hwy 14, now open here in Washougal. This is going to made it so easy to get out and walk. I know that many of you will be seeing me with either my Amerrito (little Aussie) or my own two Aussies walking on the dike along the Columbia River more, now that it is so easy to get to from my office.

Create some happiness ...

Get outside—Whenever you feel bored, antsy, or gloomy, go for a walk. The fresh air, changing scenery, and exercise will boost your mood. Grab a pot and start some seed for that garden!

See you all walking the dike soon!

(Aromatherapy) Essential Oils for an alternative in the First Aid Box

Well, the Day has been bright and Sunny and if your like myself, you have been just waiting to get OUT and enjoy that 60 degree weather.  But, along with the wonderful weather come activity and yes that sometime bump, that may bruise.  So,  just for that unknown or known bruise I have a suggestion.

• Increase your daily intake of Vitamin C
• Try a bit of Aromatherapy. (suggested use to follow)
• Cold Compress can also at times help.

Both Bruises and sprains are treated similarly with essential oils like lavender and chamomile, or helichrysum in either an oil or alcohol base. They help to reduce swelling and bruising while also helping to relieve the pain.

Healing Bruises with Aromatherapy The Essential Oils

Aromatherapy makes the use of essential oils in healing bruises. Some of the essential oils used in healing bruises include:

• Lavender Essential Oil
• Thyme Essential Oil
• Helichrysum Essential Oil
• Yarrow Essential Oil
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Hyssop Essential Oil

Mix a few drops of thyme essential oil with tea tree oil and dilute it in olive oil (carrier oil). Apply it over the bruised area. This will help in healing bruises. Also adding four drops of any of the essential oils like lavender, helichrysum, yarrow or hyssop to cold water compresses and applying to the bruises will help in healing.

I suggest to my clients that it's always a good idea to keep a small bottle of Lavender Oil in the First Aid kit at home.  Lavender is so useful when the cut and scrapes happen.