Aromatherapy for stress management

Did you know that the Egyptians were among the first to discover that oils extracted from plants can be used for both medical and cosmetic purposes? Maybe these oils were even used for embalming purposes – a technique about which very little is known!

Greeks, Romans and the Chinese have used aromatherapy extensively for luxuriously scented baths, for elaborate massage using these lovely scented oils and for religious purposes like making the incense used in ceremonies (particularly the Chinese). When the French perfumier Gattefosse accidentally discovered the lavender aromatic oil which healed his burned hand, he came up with a book on aromatic oils which has lent its name to aromatherapy.
How the oils act
Basically aromatherapy oils are used as a soothing element – they help in soothing both body and mind and the oils for this are all extracted from plants flowers, roots, bark and seeds. These oils can be used either diluted or undiluted for a soothing effect. The oils enter the bloodstream when gently massaged, and they react with the hormones and the natural enzymes of the body producing the desired effect and relaxing the body.These oils are known to have extremely beneficial effects on the skin and actually help when the skin is inflamed or when there are unexplained aches and pains. It is also a known cure for stress related problems, post delivery problems and many other conditions. These oils can be used in a spa or at home.
Aroma oils are today synthetically produced and blended for effect and are known to be equally effective as cures.
Use them in your bath for healing the skin and relaxing the body.
Oil diffusers are a great way of spreading the healing smell throughout the room. You can also use them in a spray.
Learn about the properties of each oil before you decide to use them. See if they address your particular need.
No one knows how exactly these oils act on the body but the fact that they do and have done so over ages, and also have beneficial effects cannot be denied. So if you need a sweet smelling quick fix after a tired day at office, just rub the aroma oil or run it in your bath and heal yourself.

HEALTH AND HYGEINE OF YOUR YOUNG ONES

It is very important for your child to take him to the doctor for regular check-ups who can regularly maintain a chart of his growth and development apart from giving regular immunisations. Also, this will help to tackle any health problem which surfaces and deal with it before it worsens.

Some major issues are discussed below-

Immunisation: Babies should be immunised against serious infectious diseases, whooping cold, mumps, measles, etc. The all-important DPT (diphtheria, Polio and Typhoid) vaccine should be given at the stipulated time period. These days government is majorly focussing on health issues of the child and organises Polio camps where drops are given free of cost. Similarly, other such campaigns like for eyes, dental care, etc are held from time to time and are advertised widely all over. Your baby will be given the majority of vaccines during the first year as the baby is more prone to such infections and they are much more severe in younger babies than in older ones. It is important to keep a proper record of dates of your child's immunisations.

Common illnesses: Listen to your toddler when she speaks. A smile or a nod from you will encourage her struggles. Stammering at three years is considered a normal stage in speech development. Trying too hard to correct the toddler's speech may make him self-conscious and frustrated. They often talk too loudly. Sometimes, they go on a spree of name-calling and experimenting with nonsensical singsongs. Just keep smiling and nodding. However, if you feel that she is confused with words and is fumbling to express herself, you need to ask her to think first and then tell what she wants.The common cold seems to be the favourite of this group. It is often accompanied by fever and ends in a running nose and night cough. A child may also become irritable during this time and would need special care and more pampering. However, if they are too frequent, they can end in bronchitis or ear infections. Hence, a visit to a doctor is must. Constipation is another errant when a child does not get enough roughage through fruits, vegetables or cereals. Opposite to this condition is diarrhoea or vomiting caused by too much sugar, too much liquid or too much concentrated solutions.

Oral care: Making your child brush her teeth properly is another cause of concern for some parents. " Toothbrush at two, the dentist at three," is a rule that encourages good habits. Around two years of age, your child will curiously watch you brushing your teeth. This is the right time to handle him her toothbrush and let her try. The most important brushing is after the evening meal. The child may also complain of any kind of eye problem or irritation in this age group. The muscles of the eyes can be weak and require treatment. Some children may have poor or weak eyesight too may be through a genetic cause. It needs to be checked and require proper treatment.

Toilet training: Training the child to control defecation and urination is a difficult task which heavily depends upon the development of the nerves and muscles involved. The stubborn child may resorts to aggressive behaviour if is forcefully trained. Training can be accomplished, and if it is being done daily with the cooperation of a child. Successful training is not achieved all at once. It is a matter of trial and error both for the child and the parent. As a beginning one or two sessions a day are enough. As a rule, most toddlers will learn to control their bowels naturally with time.