Guts and Girl Bits Episode 52 with The Alternative Mumma

In this podcast I’ve asked a clinical aromatherapist to join me to chat about essential oils. But it might not be the sort of discussion you’d expect – we’re not talking about different remedies for conditions or anything like that, but rather, I’ve asked her onto the show to chat about essential oil safety and sustainability.

Do you use essential oils? I would expect the majority of those listening to this show do use them to some extent, given how popular they are becoming amongst those people who are interested in natural medicines. There’s a lot of awesomeness about essential oils, but there is a lot of people using them that haven’t been given the full story about their potential side effects, and how to use them safely.
Given that the amount of essential oil poisonings has been increasing each year, and the majority of cases of harm are in those under 15 years of age, I really feel it’s important to share the importance of knowing how to use essential oils safely to keep yourself and your children safe.

In this episode, I am joined with The Alternative Mumma aka Raine. She is a clinical aromatherapist and student naturopath with a bachelor of environmental science. Raine is passionate about sharing essential oil safety information and is a wealth of knowledge about this. Her Instagram is full of great information about this, so head over to her page after this and check it out.

Have a listen here or on the embedded player below.

Subscribe and listen to the other podcasts here:

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Get in touch with Raine

https://thealternativemumma.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thealternativemumma/

The post Essential Oil Safety & Sustainability appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.

Natural therapies have a lot to offer, and if prescribed by a properly trained practitioner can be effective and safe.

In Australia, Naturopathy is still an unregistered profession. This means that anyone can put up a shingle and call themselves a Naturopath, whether they’ve done a four year university course, a bargain one week online course or nothing at all. It’s a scary thought, because this means the public is left unprotected.

Many Naturopaths are fighting for registration, however until this happens there are some ways that you can protect yourself.

Associations

So how do you know whether the Naturopath you are considering seeing is properly educated? Associations such as NHAA, ATMS, and ANTA have a minimum education and strict criteria for the courses they accept graduates from , so check whether your practitioner is registered with at least one association.

Association membership requires up to date first aid, for the practitioner to be insured and for them to accrue a certain amount of CPE (continuing professional education) points each year.

Some associations cover more than one modality so it’s also worthwhile checking that they are actually covered for what they say.

If you have a disability, you may consult your NDIS support coordination provider to connect you to the nearest Naturopath in their network. They will also help check whether your NDIS fund could cover the cost of consultations and other expenses.

Keeping you safe

A properly trained Naturopath is taught certain skills and behaviours that distinguish them from the self-taught therapists.

• They should know how to analyse research and put it in context of other learnings in order to decide whether and how to apply it to their practice.
• They are experienced enough to discern diet fads from genuine diet wisdom, and not to be sucked in to flashy product marketing.
• They know their scope of practice – referring to other health care practitioners when necessary and not over promising on their abilities.
• They will be willing to communicate with your other health care practitioners.
• They know how to check for interactions between what they prescribe and what you are already taking.

Tools of the Trade

Many naturopaths will use herbal medicine and nutrition as the core of their treatment, along with lifestyle advice. There can be a bit of a difference between the style of their practice, some using drop dose herbal medicine, and some using larger doses; some practice other types of modalities such as homoeopathy, bush/bach flowers, massage, reiki or iridology. It’s your choice as to what you feel you will respond to best, so ask your practitioner what they practice or check their website where they may already describe what they do.

If you were wondering, I use herbal medicine with British Herbal Pharmacopoeia doses, nutrition (based around wholefoods and mindful eating) and massage.

Condition focus

Some practitioners have conditions that they are more experienced and interested in treating, so it is worthwhile looking for a practitioner that focuses on the condition that you are experiencing (if possible). Alternatively, ask the practitioner about their experience and knowledge of your condition/health concern.

The post How to find a good Naturopath appeared first on Alison Mitchell Naturopath.

10 Benefits of Pregnancy Massage:

1. It relaxes the mother and decreases stress and anxiety, which reduces stress and anxiety in the baby
2. Improves sleep and reduces fatigue
3. Provides emotional support and a nurturing touch
4. Improves mother body awareness and increases her ability to tune in to her body during pregnancy, birth and labour
5. Improves lymphatic circulation and reduces oedema in hands, legs and feet and relieves headaches and sinus congestion.
6. Improves blood flow to all areas leading to improved nutrition, efficient waste removal and reduced pressure of bulging veins
7. Alleviates stress of weight bearing joints
8. Reduces strain on muscles of the abdomen, neck, shoulders and lower back and assists in maintaining proper posture and reduces muscle spasms and cramps
9. Easier breastfeeding and better milk production due to reduction in tension and muscle tightness
10. Enhances post-natal recovery of muscle tissues, relieves fatigue and facilitates post-partum structural re-alignment of spine and pelvis.

And of course, it feels good.

Positioning

The most well known position for pregancy massage is side-lying.  Women can turn over during the massage to allow a more complete coverage, but if she doesn’t want to roll over it is best to lie on the left side for the duration of the massage.  In the early stages of pregnancy it is possible to lie on your stomach with pillows supporting your breasts and hips amd cradling the stomach.  Most women find this very comfortable and are usually quite excited to get to lie on their stomachs again.  Another variation is the semi-reclining position with the right hip slightly elevated, or a seated massage.

Is it safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified therapist, pregnancy massage is safe.

Some points to consider:

• There are some acupressure points such as ‘gallbladder 21’ and ‘spleen 6’ that pregnancy massage therapists know to avoid certain techniques on, however these areas can be worked on safely with other techniques.
• The abdomen can be massaged safely however some therapists avoid the belly in the first trimester.  The belly is a very sacred spot in pregnant women, and some first time mums choose not to have their belly massaged, which is also completely ok.
• Wait at least 1 week after invasive testing procedures such as amniocentesis before getting a massage.

Massage is also very helpful during labour.  Some women might not want to be touched when they’re giving birth, but if you do then get your partner, doula or birth partner to massage your arms, neck and back during labour which can help to reduce pain and provide some comfort.

I recommend monthly massages during pregnancy, and this can be continued after birth in the post-partum period.  The upper back is often under strain when breastfeeding, and most Mum’s usually have a lot of knots in their neck and upper back as they spend most on the time craning their necks down to look at their new bub!

If you are interested in pregnancy massage, or perhaps you know someone that would appreciate a gift voucher for pregnancy massage feel free to give us a call.

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