2 posts tagged “lotion”
Baby massage isn’t the latest craze to hit our fad-hungry society; we’ve known for many years that not only does it help with the all-important mother/baby bond (particularly in cases of post-natal depression for example, where bonding is often one of the biggest issues), but also with many common problems such as colic, reflux, sleep, teething and crying problems. It’s even been proven to be a factor in enhancing brain development and more importantly, in healing conditions such as eczema. A daily massage can be easily incorporated into part of the all-important bath-bed routine or as a regular relaxing diversion during the day to help at naptime, and is often just as rewarding and relaxing for the mum or dad giving the massage.
However what you may not know is that what you use to facilitate the massage is just as important as how you actually do it!
Choosing organic massage oils and baby products is the main way of ensuring your baby isn’t exposed to the many harmful ingredients present in run-of-the-mill baby products. 100% organic products such as Earthbound Organics and Essential Care’s baby massage oils will not only ensure paraben, synthetic chemical and toxin-free products for baby’s precious newborn skin, but also the healing properties of the organic essential oils they contain. Esselle’s Sweet Organic Baby Oil contains Sea Buckthorn oil, which has been used since the 8th Century in Tibet to treat a range of skin conditions. All these products are available on-line at www.buyorganics.co.uk
One of the reasons baby skin complaints such as eczema and nappy rash are on the rise, is the increased use of allergenic and sensitising ingredients in skin care products and washing detergents, chemicals in disposable nappies plus of course the pesticides present in non-organic cotton clothing which can remain in the fabric even after several washes. A good way to cut down your child’s susceptibility to conditions like eczema and even asthma is to ensure organic clothing and skincare products wherever possible and wash using eco-friendly washing products – which is also better for the environment of course!
So, you’re armed with your organic massage oil, and baby’s wriggling around on a soft, clean (preferably organic cotton!) towel in front of you (on the floor please – not on top of a raised surface – you’ll have to watch your back but it is possible!) what on earth do you do next? Here’s our quick and easy step-by-step guide to baby massage – the simple Six Step I Love You massage…
Pour the organic baby massage oil you’ve chosen onto your palms and rub together to warm both your hands and the oil – you can sing or talk to your baby whilst you do this and look into his eyes to increase that one-to-one bond (and distract him from rolling over before you begin to massage!).
Step One: Use
two or three fingers to trace the letter “I” on the right side of his
abdomen, starting under his ribs and stopping at the hip, with a firm
but gentle pressure.
Step Two: Stroke from left to right across baby’s abdomen forming the long side of a sideways “L”.
Step Three: Use a short downward stroke on the right side of baby’s stomach, completing the “L”.
Step Four: Begin the last letter, an upside down “U” by stroking up from baby’s hipbone on the left side of his tummy.
Step Five: The middle of the “U” is made by moving your fingers along the top of baby’s tummy.
Step Six: Finish the massage with the other side of the “U” with a final downward stroke on baby’s right side.
You can repeat this as often as you like until baby falls asleep, you get arm or back ache, or you’ve both had enough!!
Use the organic massage oil after baby’s bath too to seal in moisture and keep skin smooth and free from dryness and nappy rash. It will also be good for your hands!
Bees create Propolis by collecting a resinous sap from trees. Certain trees, such as poplar, willow, horse chestnut and birch, exude a sap which has antibiotic qualities to protect that tree from infection. Bees gather this sap, remetabolized it with their own nectar secretions, and took it back to the hive.
Many scientists believe a hive to be more sterile and free from bacteria than a modern hospital. The tree antibiotic became a bee antibiotic and was hence named 'Propolis' by the ancient Greeks. Translated, Propolis means 'before the city', or 'a defense'. It is an exceedingly complex mixture containing a rich variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, as well as potent terpenes, benzoic, caffeic, cinnamic and phenolic acids, whilst also being high in flavonids. It is believed that the flavonoids contained in Propolis block the release of histamine by means of cell membrane lipid stabilization. This creates inner immunity against many illnesses.
Much research has been carried out into its use and benefits. Most significantly it has been linked to the prevention of colon cancer and use as a natural antibiotic. Professor S. Scheller, the head of a team of four doctors at the Institute for Microbiology at the Medical Academy in Poland found that Propolis is able to stimulate the immune system. It stimulates the formation of antibodies to build body resistance to many diseases. It also helps the body in releasing substance against cellular deterioration. He also concluded that other Propolis health benefits may include improved physical, intellectual and sexual performance and makes injured tissue heal faster. The study also concluded that Propolis is non toxic. The evidence that it heals injured tissue faster can be seen directly in the treatment of burns. Research has shown that it effectively reduces inflammation, stimulates enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation, collagen formation and improved healing.
Another amazing quality of Propolis is that it can also fight against viruses such as upper respiratory infections caused by the common cold and influenza viruses (Focht J, Arzneimittel-Forschung, Aug. 1993; 43:921-3) which antibiotics cannot. It has also been successfully used to increase fertility in women, as a potential cancer drug, in dental care, liver protection and reduction of bowel problems.
Natural Propolis has been used for centuries. Evidence dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians using it internally and externally as an antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic formula to bring relief for many skin and body ailments. Spiezia have harnessed this natural formula and created Organic Propolis Ointment which is available at buyOrganics to provide relief for cracked skin, spots, skin rashes, sever eczema, boils and other skin problems.
www.buyOrganics.co.uk - The Organic Lifestyle store for everything
