You don't need a fortune to give your child a priceless gift with lifelong benefits. All you need is a pair of loving hands and a bottle of the right oils.
Aromatherapy infant massage is common in Eastern and African traditional societies. It is a gentle yet powerful way to give babies a healthy start in life, says Cape Town aromatherapist Helen During.
Older children also benefit, as do mothers and fathers who perform aromatherapy on their offspring. It's all to do with the "healing powers of touch" for giver and receiver, During says.
Infant massage enhances the child's development on many levels and deepens the bond between parent and child.
Research in the US shows that babies who are massaged regularly gain weight faster, cry less, smile more, sleep better, and show improved growth and motor and intellectual development.
Researchers call aromatherapy massage "touch therapy". In essence, it has really always been about love, During says.
"Mothers instinctively rub the tummies of colicky babies or pat their backs while burping them." she says. "They rub their babies' heads or the soles of their feet, or simply lay hands on them."
These are all simple forms of baby massage, and adding the right essential oil can make them that much more effective.
To do aromatherapy massage on your children, you don't need the knowledge of chemistry, botany and physiology required of trained aromatherapists.
And you don't have to be a trained massage therapist, although there are structured courses in baby massage that parents can do through the International Association of Infant Massage.
Aromatherapy is the ancient art of using essential oils from aromatic plants to improve and maintain general health and vitality.
First users
Some researchers say aromatherapy began in ancient Egypt at least 4 000 years ago, others that it originated in India 5 000 years ago.
Still others say it is at least 40 000 years old, and that the Australian Aborigines were the first to use native plant oils for medicinal uses.
Whatever the truth, interest in aromatherapy has grown in recent years and the vibrant energies of plants contained in the oils distilled from them have become an essential part of holistic health kits in homes across the globe.
Each oil has a characteristic aroma and profile of therapeutic effects.
Pillar of alternative medicine
The word "aromatherapy" was coined only in the early 20th century, but essential oils have been used for millennia to relieve ailments ranging from backaches and headaches to insomnia, eczema, muscle spasm, colds, flu, and even depression and anxiety.
The strict meaning of aromatherapy is "a therapy using only the aromas (the essential oils) from plants". This distinguishes it from herbalism, in which the whole plant is used for medicinal purposes.
Aromatherapy is a pillar of alternative healing practice these days, bolstered by a body of scientific evidence on efficacy and health benefits.
There is a wealth of data on the power of aroma. Infants are extremely sensitive to smell, and research shows that they recognise their mothers' scent and distinguish it from others as early as six weeks old.
Beyond the physical
Some therapists say aromatherapy massage for children "transforms them in body, mind and spirit".
During says oils used singly or in combination help specific physical complaints.
For example, lavender, mandarin and chamomile rubbed on to the abdomen in a circular, clockwise movement help to expel intestinal gas and ease colic.
She also believes that the effects of the oils go way beyond the physical. The right oils are calming, she says. They can lift mood, lower aggression, boost self-esteem, and increase concentration, focus and awareness.
Overreaction
Remember, however, that just because the oils are natural does not necessarily mean they are safe.
Some aromatherapists take a cautious approach and advise against the use of essential oils on very young children altogether.
During says this is an overreaction. "Parents must simply stick to the oils known to be safe for babies," she says.